Im finally back in the water and surfing after a whirlwind start to the year. I have been crazy busy running our ‘Paint a Repurposed Surfboard workshops’ and juggling a newborn, and believe me, I am beyond stoked to be back in the water and doing what I love: Surfboard reviewing!
As you probably know by now, I like to review surfboards for beginners, saving you time and money by ensuring you don't make the same bad decisions I did when learning to Surf. I like to break down each board without all the typical Surf Jargon, making it easier for you to get it right.
Now, this one has been on my radar since they hinted at dropping it last year:
Spooked Kooks: Surf Horse 8’6” Single Fin, as you all know, I love their boards because of what they do for the environment (which I will go in more detail later in this review). If you're going to buy a new board guilt-free, these guys are the way to go.
First Impressions
The Surf Horse impresses with its sleek design. The first thing I noticed when I unboxed it was its beautiful, thin, Knife-Edgeds. Because of this, you can tell that this board is made for performance. It screams, "I'm more than just a large foamie; I'm here to showcase the rider's skills."
It's great that the Surf Horse has the textured deck, which is now standard across the Spooked Kooks range. I am a massive fan of how it works in the water and love that no waxing is involved. This ensures no sand gets caught in the wax for those summer days surfing in a t-shirt, and if there are kids involved like mine, they can have fun with it, knowing they won't ruin your wax job. As you can see in this photo, my little one is using the Surf Horse as a breakfast table one morning.
It comes in various eye-catching colours, such as Salmon, Grey, and Purple Rain. I opted for the Salmon hue, which looks stunning under arm and against the backdrop of the ocean.
Performance in the Water
Paddling out was a breeze, thanks to the board’s generous 65L volume. Catching waves felt almost effortless, and the stability upon popping up was remarkable. The single fin setup provides a smooth, classic glide, perfect for those looking to refine their style and attempt to spend more time on the nose. It was perfect on 1-3 foot rolling waves or on a super high tide, where the Surf Horse showcased its grace and maneuverability.
The Surf Horse will be perfect for those who want to explore the world of longboarding or for someone who wants to demonstrate some style on a Single fin board. If you have mastered the basics and want to push yourself to the next level, this is a must-have in the quiver.
Sustainable Craftsmanship
One of the standout features of the Surf Horse is its commitment to sustainability. Spooked Kooks incorporates ocean-bound recycled plastic into various board components, including the ECO SLICK bottom, leash plug, and fin key. Partnering with organisations like Plastic Bank, they ensure that each board contributes to cleaner oceans and supports coastal communities. It’s refreshing to see a brand that talks the talk and walks the walk regarding environmental responsibility.
On every board purchased, they also donate to SeaTrees to continue to give back to the planet in every way possible.
Final Thoughts
Spooked Kooks Surf Horse 8’6” Single Fin is more than just a surfboard; it’s a statement. I enjoy this board and love trying to nose ride, even if it's just a few steps forward. Spooked Kooks have done well branching into the Single fin category, and even though I can't longboard the greatest, there is a part of me that knows im on the safety of foam while im trying to squeeze under tiny lips in the end sections, which is a bonus.
Let me tell you, this board is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their Longboard surfing experience.
Catch you in the lineup!
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