Board Video Review: the iSUP Surf Bondi by HONU

Welcome to a new TotalSUP video review.

Honu, an Australian brand known for their dedication to quality and performance, has just introduced the new Bondi series, a line of inflatable SUPs specifically crafted for surf aficionados. Today, I’m taking you through a review of the 9-5 by 32.5 model, which I recently put to the test during a pretty choppy sunset surf session.

This board measures 9 feet 5 inches in length, 32.5 inches in width, and is 4 inches thick. With a volume of 185 liters, it’s designed to cater to beginner to intermediate paddlers who are looking for a stable yet responsive ride in the surf. It weighs in at just 8.8 kilograms, or about 19.4 pounds, making it remarkably lightweight for a board that packs this much performance. Its smaller sibling, the 8-8 version, is slightly narrower at 32 inches with a volume of 168 liters, recommended for lighter SUP surfers and / or intermediate to advanced surfers.

The Bondi is constructed using Honu’s X-Woven Ultralight double-layer material, which strikes a balance between durability and weight. The rail construction is a standout feature—mechanically welded with carbon reinforcing, providing rigidity that mimics the feel of a traditional fiberglass board. This rigidity is crucial when you’re dealing with messy waves, like the ones I encountered during my session. The board offered a stable platform between sets and gave me great confidence during take-off.

Speaking of take-off, the aggressive shape and rocker line of the Bondi really shine here. The nose and tail rocker are designed for surf-specific performance, allowing the board to handle steep drops with ease.

Another feature that deserves mention is the fin setup. The Bondi comes with a Twin+1 configuration, featuring a Volan 8-inch center fin and two keel-twin side fins. This setup offers a lot of flexibility. For my session, I started with all three fins installed, which provided maximum stability—a smart choice given the conditions. However, if you’re an advanced paddler looking for a looser, faster ride, you can remove the center fin and just use the twin keels. This fin system is Futures-compatible, allowing for even more customization if you have specific fin preferences.

What’s also unique about this board is the asymmetrical 3D fin boxes. These fin boxes are custom-designed to match the precise position and curve of the Bondi, enhancing turning power and overall responsiveness. This kind of attention to detail is what sets the Bondi apart from other inflatable SUPs on the market.

Now, let’s talk about comfort. The deck pad on the Bondi is not only grippy but also incredibly comfortable underfoot. This is especially important during longer sessions where foot fatigue can become an issue. I found that even after a solid hour of paddling and surfing, my feet felt just as fresh as when I started—no discomfort, just pure focus on the waves.

The Bondi also comes with a heavy-duty roller bag-pack made from ballistic nylon, which makes transporting the board a breeze. The bag includes internal pockets for your fins and leash, keeping everything organized. The board itself packs down compactly, fitting easily into the bag, and the wheels make it easy to roll through airports or down to the beach. Honu has clearly put a lot of thought into making the Bondi as travel-friendly as possible, which is a huge plus if you like to chase waves in different locations.

And speaking of the leash, the Bondi includes a 9-foot surf leash, which is essential for keeping your board close by in the surf. The leash is durable and well-constructed, just like the rest of the package.

Finally, Honu offers a 4-year total care warranty on the Bondi. This warranty covers any manufacturing issues like loose seams, faulty valves, or traction pad delamination. If any problems arise, Honu is committed to repairing or replacing your board quickly, ensuring you’re back on the water with minimal downtime.

In summary, the Bondi by Honu is a top-tier inflatable surf SUP that brings hardboard-like performance to a more convenient, portable package. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a stable board to build your confidence or an experienced paddler seeking a responsive, high-performance ride, the Bondi delivers. It handled the choppy, windy conditions of my sunset session with ease, providing stability when I needed it most and enough performance to keep things fun and exciting. If you’re in the market for a new surf SUP, the Bondi is definitely worth considering.

Thanks for joining me on this session. If you’ve got any questions about the HONU Bondi or anything else, drop them in the comments. For more reviews and everyday Stand Up Paddle news, go to TotalSUP.com

Find out more about the Bondi iSUP Surf / Order on line:
www.honuboards.com