Mini Twin (Two) surfboard reviews

Board review for DHD mini twin II
My aim is to review boards for the average knockabout surfer (or ‘kook’ like me), without all the technical terms and manoeuvres. I have always loved twin fins! There’s something about them that speaks to me. I just picture those corona summer sunset adverts, surfing in boardies, 2-3 foot waves cruising along and then knocking back a beer after a good day of surfing. That is why I always really wanted a twin fin. I wanted a board for when the conditions were small and tide was heaps full, that I could still paddle out and catch heaps of waves. So, I decided to go with a DHD mini twin 2. First reason was the shape. With plenty of foam up the nose, it makes paddling easy. It also has a super flat rocker, so it travels really fast down the line. The two channels between the fins, makes it a really smooth and lively ride when trimming across the wave. Second reason was the look. The DHD mini twin come standard with cool inlays or really bright colours that just screams ‘summer surfing’. I’m a sucker for a board that looks nice under the arm! (All the gear, no idea). I decided to get a 5”11 at 37.5L, which retails at $950. Realistically, I probably should have bought a 5”9 at 34.5L to suit my weight and ability better, but I wanted a board that I could manage in very small swell. Now that we have the grom, we don’t have the luxury of packing multiple boards or even packing longboards because now we have to pack the beach umbrella, nappy bags and toys! I knew at 5”11 I could just chuck it in the back of the car and surf anything because foam is always your friend in small waves. With a board this shape it is suggested to use keel fins. I’m running a the K2 fins, made of solid fiberglass offering stability and control at top speed. It is a traditional keel design, catering to smaller boards and lighter surfers. These retail for $120. I have surfed this board in many different conditions, and overall I do really like this board, it is super forgiving. If the waves are fat and crumbly this board absolutely loves it! You’ll have lots of fun on those small 1-4ft days. Any bigger, I would suggest to leave it in the car and take something else out. I’ve caught some of the best waves on this board! One wave in particular that stands out for me, was a solid shoulder high wave that I felt like I had to hold on for dear life because I got so much speed on the wave! It is pretty quick underfoot and super easy to link and make sections of the waves. The only downside would be that I wished it had slightly more rocker. I have caught a few edges and gone over the falls a couple of times, but that is probably ‘user error’ more than anything else. 

I rate this board an 8/10.

DRIVE/SPEED: With your foot over the fins the board can be pumped along the face to generate speed to beat the lip. MOVABILITY The board can come down the face before a quick stall into the barrel. Bottom turns can be drawn out before snappy cutbacks. PADDLE POWER This is a definite strength. I find it easy to paddle in despite being on my volume limit. The lack of a third thin and presence of channels allow for less drag. STABILITY Surprising stability here. You can feel the board gripping into the wave once you've dialled in your positioning and put it on the rail. QUALITY The board looks amazing and is considerably strong. I went out on a heavy closing day on the weekend and wondered when I would pop up to see a ding in the deck or bottom. There were no dings despite the fact I shouldve come in before the waves got heavy and weren't holding. OVERALL: Overall this board is sick and I cant wait to get onto some high quality faces to really test the turning ability.

It was a good board to have some fun on. Very easy to paddle out with a semi high volume of 32L for the 5”7 board. It felt very quick down the line of the wave and was very easy to turn. I really liked this board, as it is a great board to have some fun on smaller waves.