Board tests are a dime a dozen these days, but for a good reason. Board tests enable surfers to access vital information that could make the $700+ they are about to drop on a new sled the best money they have ever spent. The only thing that will better assist in ensuring you are getting the proper foam under your feet is to go and talk to the crew at your local surf shop. Due to the accessibility of the internet and the scarcity of surf shops, a board review is probably your most straightforward option.

Various factors should run through your head when you watch a board test like “can this guy surf?” “is there an ulterior motive at play?” or “will it work for me?” and these are all valid and necessary questions to be asking yourself before you drop a shit-ton of coin on a slab of foam and glass (the twin pin retails for about AUD 900). So, lets try and break those questions down:

Can this guy surf?
Well, he did win two world titles, but he is 60. So, his surfing is more relatable than a current pro who can ride anything, but he has a hell of a lot of surfing wisdom and is more articulate than your average surfer—an ideal candidate for a board test.

Is there an ulterior motive at play?
It’s a CI board test run by CI, so there is undoubtedly a conflict of interest, but Tom Carroll keeps it pretty honest.

Will it work for me?
That’s a tricky question to answer. It seems to work pretty well out at 6 foot, perfect J-Bay and 2 foot Sydney summer slop, so the odds are in your favour.

Hopefully, this gives you some guidance on the path to the elusive magic board.