Le flex en surf : clé de performance de votre planche

Flex in Surf : The Key to your board’s performance

Imagine surfing on a tree trunk... Impossible, right? And yet, the first Hawaiian surfboards were carved from rigid and unwieldy solid wood. The evolution of materials has revolutionized the way we surf today.

Whether your board is built with a polyurethane (PU) foam block, or an expanded polystyrene (EPS) block or even with innovative materials , it naturally deforms under your feet in the waves.

This flex is not a defect, but an essential characteristic sought by shapers. Like a spring, your board absorbs the energy of your movements to restore it at the right moment, thus improving your speed and control in the wave.

This ability to deform and return to its original shape - the flex - has become one of the key parameters in the performance of a surfboard .

It's this subtle balance between stiffness and flexibility that allows the best surfers to push the limits of what's possible on a wave.

What is the Flex of a Surfboard?

The flex of a surfboard refers to its ability to bend and return to its shape when interacting with water and the surfer's movements . Development in surfboard design plays a crucial role in optimizing flex, influencing strength and flexibility through material selection and strut placement.

This phenomenon is made possible by the materials and construction of the board, including the type of core and the types of fiber used.

The flex will be influenced by several parameters such as: the surfer's weight, their level but also the type of wave surfed.

Your board will be more likely to buckle under your feet in the most powerful waves.

Why is the flex of a board important?

Flex primarily influences three aspects of a board's performance: The goal is to help surfers understand the importance of flex in order to make informed choices.

  • Maneuverability : A board with optimized flex reacts more naturally to foot pressure. This allows the surfer to make smoother and more precise turns . Deformation under pressure can improve maneuverability in turning sections and its relaxation can reduce drag in soft sections.
  • Speed : When a board flexes and then springs back, it releases energy that promotes acceleration. This phenomenon, called " pop ," is particularly useful for gaining speed in soft sections of the wave. It is also called the spring effect .
  • Comfort and feel : A board that is too stiff can be difficult to ride, while a board that is too soft lacks responsiveness. A good balance of flex allows you to feel a more direct connection with the wave. Flex allows the absorption of vibrations, the more flex a board has the less sensitive it is to chop, the stiffer it is the more it needs perfect waves.

A surfboard model that is often cited as a benchmark for flex and performance is the Hayden Shapes Hypto Krypto Future Flex , renowned for its reliability and status as a preferred choice among surfers.

Flex in action: the example of the bottom turn

The bottom turn is the perfect example to understand how flex influences your surfing. Here's what actually happens under your feet:

  1. Downhill Phase : As you ride down the wave, your board begins to store energy
  2. During the bottom : Under the pressure of your turn, the board deforms
    • The rails absorb the force of your support
    • The rocker compresses slightly
    • Energy accumulates in the structure
  3. On the way back up : This is where the magic happens.
    • Your board returns to its original shape
    • The stored energy is released all at once
    • You feel this projection that propels you towards the top of the wave

Imagine compressing a spring and then releasing it. All the energy stored during your bottom is transformed into propulsion as you ride the wave.

This ability to store and then release energy is directly linked to the materials and construction of your board . A well-controlled flex will allow you to chain your maneuvers with more fluidity and speed.

Flex: the case of aerial

An aerial is the perfect example to understand the importance of flex in modern surfing. The explosive aerial style of a Gabriel Medina on his DFK (signature model shaped by Johnny Cabianca ) perfectly illustrates this game of flex: his board, specially designed for explosive and aerial surfing, transforms each section into a potential launch pad.

The shape of the board directly influences aerial performance, providing the stability and responsiveness needed to successfully perform these maneuvers.

Here's how your board works during this maneuver:

The ramp: preparation for take-off

  • Compression before launch initiates everything
  • The board deforms under the pressure of your supports
  • Energy builds up in the tail and rails
  • The more responsive the board, the more explosive the "pop" will be.

Air phase: control in the air

  • The board releases energy by regaining its shape
  • Controlled flex helps maintain control
  • A board that is too soft will compromise stability.
  • A board that is too stiff will lose tolerance.

Landing: Absorption

  • Flex becomes your cushioning system
  • The structure absorbs and dissipates the impact
  • A well-calibrated flex avoids unwanted bounces
  • The transition to the next maneuver is natural

"In an aerial, flex is like the suspension on a skateboard - it helps you take off, keeps you stable in the air, and absorbs the landing."

Flex in Modern Aerials Understanding flex has become crucial in modern surfing where aerial maneuvers often define the difference.

A well-controlled flex not only allows for more explosive launches but also better retention of speed after landing.

The role of materials in flex

The construction of a modern surfboard is a balance between different materials , each bringing its own characteristics to the final flex.

This combination directly determines how your board will react in the wave.

Interaction between bread and lamination Flex behavior starts with the choice of bread - polyurethane (PU) or polystyrene (EPS) - but it is the lamination that plays the main role .

Flex sensitivity: a matter of experience

The flex of a board is a subtle characteristic that comes with experience . There is no predefined " ideal flex " per level, but rather a progressive ability to feel and exploit this characteristic.

The perception of flex:

  • The sensations associated with flex require a certain technical level
  • The ability to "read" a wave and anticipate its movements
  • An understanding of the relationship between your supports and the board's response

The determining factors

  1. Surfer's build : Weight is the primary factor influencing flex
  2. The type of waves : The more powerful the wave, the more the flex will be required
  3. Surfing Style : More radical surfing requires a more precise flex response

Progress and feeling

  • Beginners focus first on balance and takeoff
  • Intermediate surfers begin to notice the differences in behavior
  • Experienced surfers actively use flex in their maneuvers

For example, an 80kg surfer will feel the flex differently than a 65kg surfer on the same board. It is this interaction between your size, your style and the conditions that will determine the optimal flex - not your level.

Testing the flex of your surfboard

If you're unsure about what type of flex is right for you, trying out different boards is the best way to get an idea.

Ask the shapers for advice or contact us to find out what options are available and to test boards with various flex configurations.

You will be able to feel for yourself the impact of each flex on your performance and adapt your choice according to the waves you usually surf.

In summary: Flex, a fundamental element of your surfing

Flex is more than just a technical characteristic - it is the soul of your board. It directly influences:

  • The way your board reacts under your feet
  • Your ability to generate and maintain speed
  • Comfort and feeling in different wave conditions

To choose the right flex, consider:

  1. Your surfing level and style
  2. Your weight and size
  3. The type of waves you surf most often
  4. Your sensation preferences

Whether you choose a traditional PU/PE construction or opt for innovative technologies like our 4DCore , the important thing is to find the flex that matches your practice. Remember: a board that is too stiff will limit your progression, while a board that is too soft will lack responsiveness.

The ideal flex is one that allows you to surf in harmony with the wave, transforming each session into a fluid and natural experience.

The final word

The flex of a surfboard is a key element for those looking to improve their style and performance. A better understanding of this concept can help each surfer find the board that will allow them to fully enjoy each wave. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, choosing the right flex will improve your surfing experience, making it more enjoyable and allowing you to better feel your support .

The biggest brands have understood this well, each developing their own technology:

Bonus The fibers used and their impacts

The fibers used in the construction of surfboards play a crucial role in determining their performance and durability. Each type of fiber brings specific characteristics that directly influence the flex and responsiveness of the board.

Fabric type Weight Construction Mechanical properties Optimal applications
E-Glass standard 125 gr/m² (4oz) • Simple frame
• Taffeta
• Progressive flex
• Standard resistance
• Average absorption
• Basic construction
• Bottom
• Hot coat
E-Glass epoxy 203 gr/m² (6oz) • Tight weave
• Reinforced armor
• Increased rigidity
• Superior resistance
• Controlled flex
• Deck
• Standard construction
• Support areas
Basalt 4oz 140 gr/m² • Mineral fiber
• Natural weave
• Vibration absorption
• Natural flex
• Near E-Glass resistance
• Eco alternative
• Hybrid construction
• Absorption zones
Glass/Nylextra/Basalt 140 gr/m² • Triple material
• Complex plot
• Multi-properties
• Optimized absorption
• Balanced flex
• Versatile performance
• Technical construction
Basalt/Flax 2.8oz 95 gr/m² • Double natural
• Mixed frame
• High absorption
• Soft flex
• Natural amortization
• Natural construction
• Eco performance
E-Glass/Carbon Variable • Hybrid tech
• Targeted reinforcements
• Localized rigidity
• Flex mapping
• Precise snap
• Performance
• Reactivity zones
Innegra/Carbon 160 gr/m² (4.7oz) • Hexagonal structure
• Advanced tech
• Anti-delamination
• Impact resistance
• Controlled flex
• High performance
• Sustainability
• Professional construction
Biaxial Carbon 205 gr/m² • ±45°
• 12K T700
• Maximum rigidity
• Direct restitution
• Optimized torsion
• Extreme performance
• Racing construction
• Critical areas

Fiber orientation: a key factor in behavior

  • Biaxial fiber (±45°) increases torsion capacity and flexibility in the rails
  • Unidirectional fibers (0° and 90°) provide rigidity and responsiveness
  • The combination of the two allows for controlled flex depending on the zones

Note: Flex characteristics may vary depending on:

  • Fiber orientation (0°, 90°, ±45°)
  • The type of fiber used: E glass, S Glass, Carbon, Linen.
  • The weight used
  • The associated resin
  • The stratification process



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