OUR STORY
How we got here
Magic Board Finder was developed by the owners of Magic Board Center, a surfboard shop with a decade of experience helping surfers find the right surfboard. This experience is complemented by an engineering background in hydrodynamics, ten years of surf coaching and thirty years of surfing.
Over the years, we noticed that many customers came to us with the same questions about finding the right surfboard. We wanted to make our knowledge accessible to surfers everywhere, not just those visiting our shop. With the help of a skilled software engineer, we turned that knowledge and experience into Magic Board Finder.
Initially, we set out to collect enough data to create an AI-powered algorithm capable of recommending the perfect board for every type of surfer. With the help of a technique called mapping, we expanded our data to 20 million entries. However, the AI algorithm still gave us only 98% accuracy. So, we used the lessons learned from the AI algorithm and built a system with hard-coded rules. This approach now delivers surfboard recommendations that perfectly match what we would advise in our shop — only now faster and with every detail considered.
Currently, the database includes around 1500 surfboards, featuring boards from brands like Chilli, Rusty, Sharp Eye, Pyzel, Polen, Stewart, NSP, Torq and Go Softboards. While not their full catalog is included, we’re seeing the value it brings to surfers. Our goal is to expand the database with more brands and models, offering a broader selection of boards for you to choose from.
THE TEAM
Meet the founders
Magic Board Finder was created by two friends who joined forces, each bringing their own expertise to the table. Together with surfboard industry experts, we built a tool with one simple mission: to help every surfer find their perfect board, so they can call it magic.
Rik
Engineer with a background in hydrodynamics, surf coach for 10 years, co-founder of Magic Board Center and 30 years of surfing experience. This combination brings a solid understanding of surfboard design and performance.
Stefaan
Engineer specialized in IT and artificial intelligence. In this project, the one behind the scenes, shaping the digital side of things. The translator of the logic of choosing a surfboard into code.
OUR VALUES
What drives us
Surfer first
Every decision we make puts the surfer’s experience and needs first. We’re here to help, not to sell.
Independent
We don’t favor any brand. Our recommendations are based purely on what’s best for each individual surfer.
Knowledge-driven
Our recommendations combine our own surfboard know-how with expertise from surfboard brands and shapers.
Educational
We believe in empowering surfers with knowledge so they can make better decisions about their gear.
Passionate
We’re surfers ourselves. We understand the magic of finding the right board and we want to share that.
Transparent
We present boards in a clear and simple way, with scores that make it easy to compare different models side by side.
