Tabou Tiny

Tabou has just introduced their new ‘Tiny’ foil board and this year comes in more size options than ever. The Tiny is available in six sizes, starting from an ultra-compact 26L and going up to 76L. For our test, we received the 46L version, which, given our weight, functions as a true sinker board.

When we first unpacked it, the size stood out immediately – no surprise, it’s tiny! With dimensions of 148cm in length and 55cm in width, it weighs only 4.2kg. Tabou’s expertise in windsurfing is well-known and they’ve brought that knowledge into the wingfoiling world with the Tiny. It features a lightweight EPS core and an ultra-light fiberglass shell. Without getting too technical, the board includes reinforcements in key areas, designed to withstand the demands (and abuse) of freestyle riding. The footstraps are both comfortable and adjustable for different foot sizes and after setting them up, we were ready to hit the water.

The first standout feature we noticed during the water start was the board’s hull design, which naturally lifts the nose to the surface, making the start easier. It took a bit of time to adjust to the position, as your front leg is more bent compared to other sinker boards, but once we got the hang of it, the water start felt much smoother, especially in lighter winds.

The Tiny’s bottom surface design also makes pumping highly efficient. Once airborne, the board is incredibly responsive and easy to control, thanks to its compact size and balanced feel. This agility led us into a full-on freestyle session within minutes. The board rotates effortlessly in the air and while the landings took some practice, its forgiving nature allowed us to recover from bad landings and continue riding.

We tested the Tiny in a variety of conditions and while we initially thought it was a fully freestyle-specific board, it turned out to be a great versatile all-rounder. From cruising to waves and freestyle, the Tiny performed exceptionally well across all wingfoiling disciplines. Although we didn’t test it for other foil sports, based on its performance here, it’s safe to say it would excel at pumping and prone foiling too.

Of course, we all know the main challenge with a sinker board is the wing size required for each session. You often need that extra power to lift out of the water, which can sometimes result in an overpowered ride. However, the new Tiny changes the game, making possible to ride a sinker board in lighter winds while having easier water starts.

So, is this board for you? The Tiny isn’t designed for beginners, but it’s a great fit for intermediate to advanced riders looking for a versatile and agile board. It handles everything from dynamic wingfoil sessions to surf foiling and pumping. And let's not forget the younger riders! With its smaller sizes, the Tiny is an excellent choice for youth looking to progress in any discipline.