When we started developing the R-Series, we wanted to take some of our favorite Almond surfboard models and reproduce them in a construction that was more durable, more affordable, and easier to own.
But we didn't want to lose the things that made those surfboards so enjoyable in the first place.
We wanted boards that would catch waves early, surf the way we intended them to, and be easy enough to own that you'd find yourself reaching for one pretty regularly.
There are three things we think make the R-Series particularly useful:
1. They're Designed to Catch Waves Early & Often
If you've followed Almond for any length of time, you've probably heard us talk about the importance of catching waves early.
Catching a wave early gives you more time to get to your feet, find your balance, and decide what you're going to do with the wave.
And the more waves you catch, the more opportunities you have to actually surf.
We've spent years refining our surfboard models to help people do exactly that.
When we developed the R-Series, we carried over the same design priorities from our fiberglass boards. We wanted them to paddle efficiently, get into waves early, and give surfers plenty of opportunities to enjoy themselves.
That's true whether you're learning to surf on an 8'0 Joy or taking a 6'4 Pleasant Pheasant out for a few waves before work.
A surfboard that helps you catch more waves is a surfboard you're probably going to enjoy riding.
2. They're Designed to Surf Like Actual Surfboards
One of the things that separates the R-Series from a typical soft top is that we didn't start with a foam surfboard.
We started with our existing fiberglass models.
For the first decade of Almond, every surfboard we built was shaped, glassed, sanded, and finished by hand. Over those years, we developed a collection of surfboard models that we really enjoyed riding.
When we began working on the R-Series, we went to great lengths to reproduce the rails, rocker, bottom contours, and fin setups from those original boards.
Those details matter.
You can make a foam surfboard that's big enough to catch plenty of waves, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be enjoyable to turn once you're standing.
We wanted the R-Series to have the same thoughtful design characteristics as our fiberglass boards, so that you could actually enjoy surfing them—not just catching waves and riding straight toward the beach.
That's also why we offer several different models.
The 8'0 Joy is designed to make catching waves easy and enjoyable, whether you're learning to surf or you've been doing it for years.
The 6'4 Pleasant Pheasant gives you a generous amount of paddle power in a board that's shorter and easier to maneuver than a longboard.
The 6'0 Survey and 5'4 Secret Menu offer different options for surfers who want something shorter and more responsive.
Each board has its own purpose, just like its fiberglass counterpart.
The goal was never to make a foam board that was good for a foam board. We wanted to make surfboards we'd be excited to ride ourselves.
“Early and often is no joke on this thing. Prepare to catch whatever you paddle for. The real rails also make this feel so much more like a fiberglass board on the wave.”
— Jon H.
3. They're Exceptionally Easy to Own
This is where the R-Series construction really comes into play.
The boards are made from durable, molded, closed-cell foam that's highly resistant to absorbing water, even if the outer surface gets damaged.
Unlike a traditional fiberglass surfboard, you don't have to worry about repairing every little ding before your next session.
And because the deck has a built-in textured surface, you don't need wax.
No waxing before you paddle out. No scraping wax off when it gets dirty. No melted wax on your car seats.
They're also more affordable than our custom fiberglass surfboards.
All of those little things add up.
You can bring an R-Series along on a family beach day, keep one handy for an unexpected surf session, or lend it to a friend without worrying quite as much about what might happen to it.
They're not indestructible, and we certainly don't recommend abusing them. But they're designed to be used regularly without requiring much attention.
Which is one of the things we enjoy most about them.
“This board doubled my wave count because it’s so much easier to paddle” -Calder T.
A Surfboard You'll Actually Use
We still love making custom fiberglass surfboards. That's where Almond started, and it's something we'll always do.
But the R-Series has become a regular part of our own surfing for a reason.
They're designed to catch waves early and often. They're based on surfboard shapes we've spent years developing. And they're exceptionally easy to own.
Whether it's your first surfboard or an addition to an already crowded garage, we think there's a pretty good chance you'll find yourself reaching for your R-Series more often than you expected.
And that's really what we hoped would happen when we started working on them.
