HONU Bondi Review: Inflatable SUP Surf Mastery

Having recently put the Bondi iSUP Surf board by HONU through a test drive, I’m excited to share my thoughts. This board stands out not just because it’s an inflatable board designed specifically for surfing – obviously offering the benefits of portability – but because it is evident that HONU CEO and designer Mark Travers is an engineer at heart, as the board features several premium exclusive innovations, particularly in the rails and fin department, which are real differentiators in the inflatable SUP surf segment. Testing it in the summer qsurf of Vieux Boucau on the South-West Coast of France – home of TotalSUP – I was keen to see how it measured up. Here’s my in-depth review of the Bondi – Photos by Laurie Montagner / LM CreaNum

Bondi by HONU – Design and Build

The Bondi comes in two sizes: the 8’8″ and the 9’5″. The 8’8″ measures 8’8″ x 32″ x 4″, with a volume of 168 liters and a weight of 8.4 kgs. The larger 9’5″ model, which I tested, is 9’5″ x 32.5″ x 4″, offering a volume of 185 liters and a weight of 8.8 kgs. What sets the Bondi apart is that it’s an inflatable board, which is a key consideration for those looking for a balance between performance and portability.

Constructed with HONU’s X-woven material and featuring exclusive welded carbon rails, the Bondi truly provides a hardboard-like feel despite being inflatable. This combination of materials and design ensures that the board is both durable and responsive, essential for handling diverse surf conditions.

Stability

One of the Bondi 9’5″’s standout features is its stability. Even when the conditions got choppy and windy, the board remained remarkably steady. Standing up and maintaining balance was effortless – I didn’t fall once during my session, nor missed a take-off. The 9’5″ x 32 model’s ample volume and well-designed shape contribute to its stability, allowing you to focus more on your surfing rather than struggling to stay upright.

Portability

Stating the obvious, portability is a major advantage of the Bondi being an inflatable board. But despite its larger size, the 9’5″ model is also surprisingly light at 8.8 kgs. Carrying it from the beach to the water and navigating through the wave barrier was straightforward. Its light weight makes it easy to transport, whether you’re heading to a local surf spot or traveling to a distant beach.

Comfort and Rigidity

The Bondi features a large, comfortable pad that covers a significant area, which is fantastic for reducing foot fatigue and enhancing grip. Whether paddling or riding waves, the pad’s cushioning adds to the overall comfort of the board.

The rigidity of the Bondi 9’5″ is another impressive aspect. It feels incredibly solid in the water, a testament to HONU’s design and material choices. This rigidity enhances the board’s responsiveness, offering precise control and quick reactions. Despite being inflatable, the Bondi performs with the firmness and stability you’d expect from a traditional hardboard.

Hard Rail Edge, Fin System and Kick Pad

A key feature of the Bondi 9’5″ is its hard rail edge all around the tail, which significantly improves its surfing performance. This hard edge ensures the board can handle steep take-offs and powerful bottom turns with ease. The twin fin boxes are curved for better glide and water channeling, enhancing the overall efficiency and speed of the board. The twin fins themselves have a flat side on the inside and are curved on the outside, optimizing water flow and providing superior control.

Another great feature I loved is the integrated large and comfortable kick pad on the tail, which provides excellent leverage and support, making it great for precise maneuvering.

Accessories and Durability

The Bondi comes with a heavy-duty roller bag-pack made from 1680D Ballistic Nylon. This durable bag includes internal pockets for easy gear organization, making transportation a breeze. The board also includes a strong 9′ surfing leash, which proved its durability through numerous washings and pulls. The leash held up exceptionally well, highlighting its strength and reliability.

Outstanding Paddle

I had the opportunity to test the Bondi with the Evo Bamboo/Carbon paddle, a premium 3-piece paddle that complements the Bondi perfectly. Weighing just 640 grams, this paddle is incredibly light, which makes paddling more efficient and less tiring. It’s also highly rigid and robust, features an anti-twist handle and a hexagonal joint that eliminates the need for the usual clamp, ensuring a secure and stable connection. While this paddle isn’t included with the board, you can purchase it at a 15% discount when bundled with the Bondi.

Performance on the Waves

Out in the surf, the Bondi 9’5″ delivered impressive performance. Its aggressive rocker and hard rail edges contribute to a dynamic and engaging ride. The Twin + 1 fin setup offers flexibility for tuning the board’s performance. With all three fins in place, the board provides excellent stability. Removing the center fin results in a faster, more agile ride, perfect for advanced maneuvers. The board’s design allowed for smooth take-offs and quick, powerful turns.

HONU Bondi – Review Summary

In summary, the HONU Bondi, is an exceptional inflatable surf SUP that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its stability, comfort, and rigidity make it a standout choice for those who want the convenience of an inflatable without sacrificing the quality of their surfing experience. The board’s lightweight nature and robust accessories further enhance its appeal, making it suitable for both local sessions and surf adventures.

For anyone looking for a surf-specific SUP that closely mimics the feel of a hardboard while offering the benefits of an inflatable, the Bondi 9’5″ is definitely worth considering. Pairing it with the 3-piece carbon paddle, available at a discount when bundled with the board, will complete your setup and provide an outstanding surfing experience. The Bondi delivers a top-notch performance and proves that an inflatable board can indeed compete with a rigid board.

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