Armstrong Surf Board

The new Armstrong Surf Board represents a pleasant return to roots, emerging from extensive prototyping to deliver a refined blend of traditional surf design and modern foiling innovation. Available in seven thoughtfully curated sizes from 3'11 (20L) to 4'11 (48L), this surf-dedicated lineup covers everything from high-performance towing to beginner-friendly prone foiling. After extensive development with team riders like Jeremy Wilmotte, Oskar Johansson, Noah Flegel, and Armie himself, Armstrong has crafted a shape that makes prone foiling feel remarkably intuitive.

For our test, we explored the 28L version, which hides plenty of volume into 4'3 x 18 1/8″ x 2 3/8″ dims. Being their third smallest, this size hits the sweet spot for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a responsive platform, especially for riders between 60-80 kg.

Pulling the board from its eco-friendly honeycomb packaging and premium travel-resistant day bag showcases Armstrong's attention to detail from the start. As we unzipped the bag, the classic white thermal protective finish and exposed carbon elements reveal Armstrong's signature blend of functionality and refined aesthetics.

Building on their proven expertise, Armstrong pairs an ultra-stiff double skin PVC sandwich with dual carbon stringers and proprietary carbon foil boxes, creating an impressively responsive platform. The bespoke deckpad features practical micro-cutouts for grip, while the pronounced tail pad with track indicators eliminates guesswork for foot and mast placement. Multiple strap insert options provide versatility for different riding styles, though we tested it strapless. Drawing inspiration from traditional surfboards, the outline flows from a fuller nose that aids paddling comfort to a squared-off tail that provides ample space for shuffling around.

Testing the board with the Armstrong HA 780 wing, Surf 205 tail, and 795 performance mast in knee to chest high river mouth waves, these innovative dimensions and contours immediately showed their value. The subtle double concave flowing into a v-tail works seamlessly with the refined rails, allowing clean release through turns without tracking poorly on touchdowns. Early wave catching is notably easier due to the even volume distribution, while the squared-off tail provides clearance through cutbacks and carves. When pushing through turns, riders can confidently work that back foot over the rail while maintaining a stable platform for either offset and inline stances.

On this Surf model, the tracks sit further back compared to Armstrong’s Forward Geometry boards, providing more board in front for glide and bouncing off whitewash while maintaining plenty of balance for easy pumping. This positioning, combined with the even volume distribution, creates a more direct connection to the foil that's especially noticeable in tight transitions. The reduced thickness between feet and foil delivers impressive control, without feeling twitchy. The full rails and balanced foam distribution help maintain speed through flat sections, chipping into mushy waves, and recovering from any touchdowns.

The Armstrong Surf board represents a focused evolution in their lineup – a refined tool that lets you concentrate entirely on drawing your line across the water. Whether you're progressing through your prone foiling journey or pushing the limits in punchy conditions, this board provides a platform that grows with your abilities, ready to handle everything from glassy morning sessions to choppy afternoon sunsets.