The Walden Magic Model Tuflite 8'6" is an all-around performance longboard for surfers who want to combine turns, trimming and noseriding in a shorter longboard package. Steve Walden's distinctive bottom contours, hard rails and rocker work together to balance stability under the nose with control from the tail.
Walden Magic Model 8'6" Specifications
- Brand: Walden Surfboards
- Model: Magic Model
- Manufacturer: Surftech
- Board type: All-around performance longboard
- Length: 8'6"
- Width: 22"
- Thickness: 2.88"
- Volume: 63.2 liters
- Construction: Surftech Tuflite EPS/epoxy sandwich construction
- Side-fin system: FCS II side-bite boxes
- Center-fin system: Longboard center box
- Fin configuration: 2+1, using a center fin and two side bites
How the Magic Model Rides
A single concave beneath the front of the board provides lift and stability for noseriding. Farther back, the bottom transitions through double concave into a moderate V near the tail. This combination gives the Magic Model a design that supports both forward-foot surfing and turns from farther back on the board.
The rails are firmer than those on many traditional longboards, while bevels and bottom curves help reduce catching. Walden pairs those rails with a full rocker to support tail maneuverability and control when riding toward the nose.
Tuflite Construction
Surftech's Tuflite build combines a molded fused-cell EPS core with epoxy, fiberglass, wood-veneer reinforcement and reinforced rails. These materials create a reinforced sandwich structure designed for strength and durability. Tuflite is a hard-board construction, not a soft-top covering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose the 8'6" or the 9'0" Magic Model?
Consider the 8'6" when a shorter, lower-volume longboard is your goal. The 9'0" has 78 liters, which is 14.8 liters more than this size. Compare that difference with a board you already ride, and consider your weight, paddling fitness, ability and usual waves rather than choosing by length alone.
What center fin does Walden recommend for the 8'6"?
Walden recommends a 7" FCS tool-less longboard fin or a 7" Walden Wide Base fin, paired with side bites. Treat that as a starting point for your setup, not a requirement that every surfer use the same fin template.
Does a standard FCS II thruster set fit this setup?
Not as a complete matching setup. This board uses FCS II-compatible side bites and a separate longboard-style center fin. The center box is different from the small FCS II center box used on a conventional thruster.
Can the 8'6" Magic Model be used for noseriding?
Yes. Noseriding is part of the design, particularly through the lift and stability provided by the nose concave. It is an all-around longboard rather than a board focused exclusively on riding from the nose.
Shop at Rider Shack
Rider Shack is an independent surf shop run by surfers. We help you compare sizes and fin setups based on the equipment you already ride and what you want your next board to do.
