I aim to review boards for the average knockabout surfer (or ‘kook’ like me) without all the technical terms and manoeuvres.
After completing a solid 18 surfboard reviews and still being a Kook, it’s very rare for me to have a board work immediately. It usually takes a couple of waves or even sessions to figure out where to sit and place my feet. For many of my boards, that first surf is always a ride-off.
When I took the ‘Banshee’ from Softboards Au out for its first surf, it was honestly like I had been surfing it for years.
The conditions that day were perfect for the ‘Banshee’. Super fat, Rolley waves that I usually struggle with on my shortboard, but I caught every wave I went for. I don't know about you, but I want to achieve a high wave count when I surf.
This instant connection comes with the versatile Mini Mal shape. This forgiving shape has been around for a long time because it works. If you are buying your first surfboard, this shape is what you need to look for.
The ‘Banshee’ is set up as a thruster with an FCS fin box’s and comes with a set of fins which is good to know, so there are no extra added costs at the checkout.
For those that don't know, Thruster means there are three fins. This is the most common setup for surfing because of its versatility. This creates a stable ride for beginners with the added ability for the more experienced riders to turn the board easily.
The ‘Banshee’ that I got my hands on is a 7’0 which is perfect for me, who spends a lot of time in the water. This size would also be great for a young Grom. If you are learning to surf, I suggest getting something bigger, like 7’6 or even 8’0, to shorten that learning curve.
I am definitely at a stage with my surfing where I'm steering away from traditional longboarding and looking for a more alternative approach. I lack the style to be a longboarder and feel at home on a shorter board. I think that is why I highly enjoyed surfing the 7’0 size. This gave me plenty of lengths to move my feet around and do everything I would attempt to do on my log.
After surfing the ‘Banshee’ stacks, I fully understand why this is Softboards Au's bread and butter regarding the catalogue selection. I lent it to a mate to see his thoughts, and he 100% agreed. I can't wait until my Grom is old enough to catch her first waves because I know they will be on the ‘Banshee.’
One of my favourite waves I caught on the ‘Banshee’ was at my local beach break. It was a small clean wave, and I would not even have thought about paddling for it if I was on my shortboard, but I took off, tucked down low, glided my fingers in the wave, and rode it to the sand. It was such a lovely moment, and I wouldn't have had it if I wasn't on my ‘Banshee.’
The ‘Banshee’ retails at $500 for the 8ft, $475 for the 7’6 and $450 for the 7’0, so it's a reasonable price point for a board that caters perfectly for that beginner's market.
After completing this review, I reached out to the legends at Softboards Au, and they agreed to give 10% OFF their website by using the PROMO code SOUTHCOASTKOOK10 at checkout.
Reach out to me if you have any questions you might have on this board or any other boards I have reviewed.