6 Reasons You Need to Add Almond's Joy R-Series to Your Quiver

Photo courtesy Almond Surfboards

If you're wondering the best way to improve your surfing, it's pretty simple: catch more waves. There's only one problem: with a sport entirely dependent upon unpredictable wave conditions, this can be difficult.

Whether you live in Florida, California, Hawaii, or somewhere in between, there's days when its firing and your surfing improves. Then, there's days when the waves are small and blown out, and it's hard to keep your surfing progression going.

And then, surfing doesn't become as fun.

But we've found a solution. No, it's not a brand new scientific way to control waves, although that'd be pretty rad. It's a surfboard that helps you surf in every condition there is, from tiny to firing and everything in between: Almond's 8'0 R- Series perfectly named "Joy".

"Surfing tends to get better when your wave count goes up," said Dave Allee, the Founder of Almond and the brain behind the surfboard. "The Joy was designed to make everyday waves worth paddling out for."

We gave the board a spin, and there's no doubt about it: it should be your next surfboard purchase. Here's a few things that we specifically loved about it, including how affordable it is.

#1: It's the Best All-Around Surfboard

At eight feet long with over 72 liters of volume (it floats even better than you think), the Joy is the ultimate, dare we say, crowd-pleaser. Based on Almond's most proven mid-length templates, it's perfect for every surfer, whether you're just getting started, have a few years of surfing under your belt, or even if you compete. 

If you've never caught a wave before, or want to give someone lessons, it's super stable and makes paddling easy. Or, if you're looking to cruise on the board, it's long enough to catch every wave imaginable.

Photo courtesy Almond Surfboards

#2: It's Good for Any Wave Conditions

Let's be honest: no matter where you live (unless it's Oahu's North Shore), the majority of days the waves are an average 2-3 foot. That's a problem that the Joy can fix.

With its size, it can catch every wave that comes your way, and ride them longer than the average shortboarder.

Remember those days where it didn't look good enough to paddle out? Well, those same days with the Joy can make it a much needed surf session.

Photo courtesy Almond Surfboards

#3: It's Incredibly Durable

One of the worst feelings in the world (at least in my opinion) is dinging your board, especially if it's new, and especially if you've paid a good amount for it. A killer, right?

That's what makes the Joy great: it's durable. Constructed from a special closed-cell foam right here in the USA (made in the USA, baby), this material is more durable than glassed boards. But that's not all.

This material doesn't absorb water, preventing it from getting waterlogged like that cheap softop in your garage.

Photo courtesy Almond Surfboards

#4: It Doesn't Need Wax

Yes, you read that correctly. You can officially say goodbye to melting wax on your car seats or spending twenty minutes scraping old, dirty wax off your deck.

Feels good, right?

I can personally attest that the R-Series Joy features a textured surface that provides all the grip you need without requiring a single block of wax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzvBlFFsMOs

#5: The Price Point & Longevity

While typical longboards run you well over $1,000, the Joy is only $599. That's right: not only is it more durable than most longboards on the market today; it's cheaper.

With this kind of durability, I expect the Joy to last me for hundreds, if not thousands of surf sessions, making the wave-to-price amount minuscule (in my estimation, cents per surf session.)

#6: The Custom Fin Box

The problem I've had with these types of board has always been the fins: flimsy, cheap, and hard to actually surf.

During a recent surf session, the waves were a consistent two foot when at least a 4 footer came through the lineup. I was in perfect position, paddled, and the board (because of its flimsy fins) couldn't handle the momentum ... and I went over the handlebars.

Had I been on a board with quality fins, like the Joy, I would have made that wave no doubt.

Unlike other boards, Almond engineered a custom center fin box specifically for the R-Series that not only keeps the board's waterproof seal intact; it still allows you to swap out standard longboard fins.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the waves you surf and regadless of your skill level, Almond's R Series Joy makes surfing fun again.

That's why we love it, and know you will too. Get yours today right here.