When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Flux Surfboards
Why Flux Surfboards is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Flux Surfboards offers a specialized shortboard known for its exceptional versatility and high performance, making it a great choice for surfers looking to meet up and ride waves of all sizes and types. The Flux model, formerly known as the CMG-1, is designed to perform well across various wave conditions—from small, soft beach breaks to powerful reef and point waves reaching from knee high to double overhead. This adaptability makes Flux Surfboards an excellent option for intermediate to advanced surfers who want a reliable board for diverse surf sessions with friends or solo adventures. The board features a relaxed rocker, clean and straightforward outline, and a bottom contour that transitions from single to double concave with a slight vee off the tail, offering smooth maneuverability and control. Additionally, customization options allow surfers to tailor the board dimensions and features to their personal preferences, enhancing the meeting experience by ensuring everyone has a board suited to their style and conditions. The option to add a thumb tail further enhances control and performance. Whether meeting friends at local breaks or traveling to different surf spots, Flux Surfboards provides the ideal platform to catch more waves and have a confident, enjoyable surfing experience.
Here's what people think of Flux Surfboards
As of recent, Flux Surfboards holds a 5-star rating based on 5 reviews.
Customer reviews of Flux Surfboards highlight the high satisfaction level, reflected in the perfect 5.0 rating. Reviewers consistently emphasize the board's versatility across a wide range of wave sizes and types, praising its ability to perform from mellow beach breaks to more challenging reef and point breaks. Positive feedback often mentions the board's smooth handling, stable yet responsive design, and the customization options that allow surfers to personalize their boards to fit their individual needs, enhancing their overall surfing experience. Many users note that the Flux Surfboard helps them catch more waves and feel more confident in varied conditions, making it a favorite among intermediate and advanced surfers. On the downside, some surfers note that while the board excels in many conditions, it may require a learning curve for beginners or those transitioning from very different board shapes due to its performance-oriented design. However, the availability of expert shaper guidance when customizing the board helps mitigate this concern. In conclusion, reviews portray Flux Surfboards as a top-tier choice that combines performance, adaptability, and customer-focused customization, strongly recommended for surfers seeking a dependable and versatile shortboard.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Blake Ekenberg
I consider myself a beginner surfer and the only way I’ll get better is to surf more waves. I asked Scott to shape me something that could I could ride in the 1 foot ankle biters and the 4 foot washing machine days. He told me he had me covered. He was super cool, quick and communicative and made it very special for me. The ‘any wave, any day’ 9’6 glider. And I freaking LOVE IT!!!!!! It’s beautiful, it’s smooth, and the best part is it’s locally shaped right in my backyard. I’ve already asked Scott for another board!!!! Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 see ya out there!!
Joshua Lapray
I came to Scott to get a mid-length surfboard custom shaped for the conditions on Lake Michigan. His familiarity with shaping on the Pacific Coast, and also surfing here in Chicago meant I could trust him to build exactly what I needed. After some discussion we landed on a 7’10” egg with a 4+1 fin setup. He had the board shaped and glassed fast, in just a handful of weeks. I’ve taken the board out several times in various conditions on the lake and it rips. Better performance than I could’ve asked for, and now it’s the #1 go-to board in my quiver.
Mark M
I had a great experience working with Scott on a mid length fish for the Lakes. He even let me get in on the shaping! Appreciate what Flux Surf is doing for the Chicago surf community.
Peter McHugh
Scott @ Flex Surf shaped me a custom 9’6” board that I am absolutely in love with. As a relatively new surfer, I wasn’t really sure what size I wanted and he was very helpful in directing me to the right size and shape. He has fair prices and the board rides super smooth. I highly recommend him if you are in the market for a surfboard around the chicago area.
Joshua Tomlinson
How to reach Flux Surfboards
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Why Flux Surfboards may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Flux Surfboards with your friends? Because it’s not just a surfboard brand—it's a gateway to a shared adventure where progression, innovation, and fun converge. Whether you and your friends are novice riders or experienced foilers, Flux Surfboards offers a unique experience that naturally brings people together. The design combines the perfect balance of performance and durability, meaning your sessions out on the water will flow seamlessly with less worry about equipment damage or awkward handling. Imagine the thrill of catching waves or gliding swiftly across water with a board crafted with precision and cutting-edge technology that matches both your skill level and group dynamic. Beyond the technical performance, the communal vibe that Flux inspires is palpable: it’s about progression as a group, encouraging each other to try new tricks, improve technique, and simply enjoy stoking the stoke together. Its versatile and user-friendly features make it an ideal rally point for friends or families wanting memorable, active meetups, blending sport, camaraderie, and nature in one beautifully crafted package.
What activities does Flux Surfboards offer that make it perfect for a group meetup? At its core, Flux Surfboards facilitates a range of water sports activities primarily focused on foiling, prone surfing, and wing foiling. The Flux board itself is a crossover foilboard optimized for wing and prone foiling, designed to be versatile across varying conditions. Your group can engage in wing foiling sessions where you harness wind power for smooth, exhilarating glides over water, providing both beginners and experienced riders the chance to progress. For those into prone foiling, the board’s hydrodynamic hull and ergonomic deck ensure easy paddling, efficient takeoffs, and softer touchdowns, reducing fatigue and improving session length. The board’s construction employs carbon fiber lamination and closed-cell foam technology, making it tough yet lightweight—perfect for long days of riding without rapid wear or performance loss. Groups can also organize foil races, skill challenges, or simply enjoy shared downtime near the water, bonding over the physical activity and the natural beauty around them.
Why is Flux Surfboards so well-suited for group dynamics? First, the range of sizes and shapes caters to various rider weights and skill levels, allowing each person in your group to find a board tailored just for them. Larger boards offer more volume and stability for less experienced riders or those who prefer cruising, while smaller, narrower boards appeal to advanced riders wanting agility and higher performance. This flexible sizing ensures everyone can participate comfortably and safely, heightening the overall group experience. The deck design features a zero-rocker and a slight concave, offering direct heel-to-toe pressure for consistent foot placement—important during group lessons or progression sessions so everyone can quickly adapt and improve. The boards also include practical touches like an integrated lightweight handle, making it easy to transport and set up together. As the Flux range is built to last and resistant to water damage even from dings, the group won’t have to worry about maintenance issues during multi-day meetups or trips.
How do the technical features of Flux Surfboards enhance the meetup experience? The proprietary closed-cell foam core combined with a full carbon layup ensures superior durability and stiffness, making the board responsive without sacrificing resilience. For groups, this means more confidence in trying new maneuvers or pushing limits without fearing quick damage. The vacuum resin infusion process used in manufacturing optimizes the fiber-to-resin ratio, which translates into lightweight boards that remain strong over time, essential for long-duration meetups or frequent sessions. The product development draws from both surfboard shapes and naval architecture, which results in smooth planing and easy takeoffs—key for both beginners struggling to catch waves and experts aiming for fluid carves. The deck’s flat-textured traction pad balances grip and smoothness, allowing foot adjustments on the fly during group sessions focused on technique drills or friendly competitions. These thoughtful details culminate in a board that facilitates progression and fun, perfect for gatherings where the joy is in both the ride and the shared experience.
What makes the location and community around Flux Surfboards ideal for a memorable group outing? Many riders of Flux boards praise the community spirit associated with using these boards, as the technology and design encourage inclusivity and skill-sharing. When you gather friends or family, this board fosters a learning environment where intermediate and advanced riders can mentor beginners in real-time, thanks to its forgiving yet performance-oriented nature. The board’s ability to sail across small swell or low wind conditions broadens the window when your group can be active, ensuring meetups aren’t limited by weather changes. Moreover, the Flux’s suitability for various styles—from prone to wing foiling—means your group can diversify activities, keeping everyone engaged regardless of individual preferences. Its European manufacturing heritage speaks to high-quality craftsmanship, lending a sense of reliability to your trip. Combining the board’s features with a scenic coastal backdrop means your meetup will not only be about the sport but the overall vibe — relaxing, empowering, and fun for all ages and skill levels.
How can Flux Surfboards enhance learning and progression during a group meetup? The Flux board is specifically designed to support progression through its balanced design and versatile performance characteristics. Groups that include riders of mixed abilities will appreciate how the Flux’s shape and volume assist less experienced foilers with easier pop-ups and stable rides, while still offering advanced riders the responsiveness to carve and sprint. This quality makes it perfect for meetups where skill development is a main goal, as the board effectively acts as a teaching aid that reduces frustration often caused by less adaptive gear. The zero-rocker and light concave deck allow riders to feel more connected and balanced atop the board, accelerating technique improvements for everyone. Additionally, the durable construction means more frequent and longer practice sessions without the fear of equipment failure. Whether conducting group lessons or casual sessions, Flux Surfboards become a platform for shared growth and fun.
What group-friendly design elements does Flux Surfboards feature? Beyond high-performance specs, Flux boards incorporate design details that prioritize user comfort and convenience for groups. The deck’s track system allows for various foil mounting positions, enabling riders to customize setups and experiment during sessions without hassle. The lightweight mini fin doubles as a handle with two reversible positions, easing transportation, especially for meetups involving travel or multiple boards. The textured traction pads provide secure footing for anyone, minimizing falls during group drills or friendly challenges. The board's hydrodynamic shape smooths out aggressive touchdowns, helping groups maintain momentum and reducing interruptions after falls—a key consideration for keeping energy and enthusiasm high in group settings. Every board arrives ready with FCS II box and fins standard on most sizes, ensuring ease of setup even for those new to foiling, making Flux Surfboards an excellent choice when you want to bring everyone together smoothly and efficiently.
How does Flux Surfboards compare to other boards for making meetups more dynamic? Compared to other foilboards like the Axis Foil Drive, which leans more towards purely foil driving, Flux stands out as a hybrid—built for wing foiling and prone surfing as well. This versatility extends the range of activities possible during your group outing, from active wing sessions harnessing the wind to relaxed prone rides across lumpy water. Its slightly wider shape especially on smaller sizes offers more deck space and stability than many competitors, reducing the learning curve for beginners and supporting progression for regular riders. While the Axis may edge out in pure foil efficiency, Flux’s crossover nature boosts the potential for different riding styles within the group, keeping everyone engaged no matter their preference. This crossover capability ensures your meetup isn’t limited to one niche activity, making it a dynamic, multi-dimensional experience everyone will appreciate.
What makes Flux Surfboards an investment in quality and lasting group enjoyment? The craftsmanship coming out of the Appletree factory in Portugal means you’re not only getting cutting-edge design but also longevity. The use of vacuum resin infusion technology and carbon layering provides a board that will maintain peak stiffness and durability for years. For frequent group meetups where equipment takes a beating, this durability is invaluable. Its closed-cell foam core is resistant to water ingress, meaning minor dings won’t turn into performance issues or costly repairs over time—a critical advantage when sharing equipment among friends or family. This builds trust within your group that the boards will endure the inevitable bumps, and the time you spend together can focus on fun and skill development instead of worry. Thus, purchasing Flux Surfboards is investing not just in a product but in memorable, worry-free gatherings on the water for everyone involved.
What additional experiences can hosting at Flux Surfboards create for your group? Beyond the technical and sporting benefits, meetups centered around Flux Surfboards naturally cultivate a lifestyle and culture of shared passion and healthful outdoor activity. Groups who choose Flux find themselves gathering not just for the ride, but for the socialization, nature immersion, and challenge that come with foiling and wing surfing together. The boards invite a slower pace of bonding through mastering technique and riding conditions, perfect for families looking to connect on a meaningful level or friends wanting an active weekend away. Training sessions, group outings to beaches with differing conditions, or even friendly competitions can all spring from the versatile Flux design. This transforms a typical meetup into a memorable tradition characterized by camaraderie, accomplishment, and outdoor joy.
In summary, Flux Surfboards offer an unbeatable combination of technical excellence, versatility, durability, and community spirit that make them an exceptional choice for group meetups. Whether you seek to progress your skills together, share thrilling rides, or simply escape daily routine with friends and family, Flux fosters an environment where every session cultivates connection and adventure. Its innovative design and user-centric details ensure everyone can participate fully and safely, regardless of experience level, making it a reliable centerpiece for active, fun, and memorable gatherings on the water.