Gun surfboards are designed for one purpose: tackling the world’s biggest waves with confidence and precision. As a large, performance-based surfboard, a gun is specifically shaped to catch and ride these massive swells, offering surfers the speed, stability, and control needed in extreme conditions.
When you’re considering a gun surfboard, it’s essential to understand their unique features, such as their length, narrow shape, and tail design. These characteristics allow for superior edge control, critical mid-face bite, and drive, enabling you to catch and ride giant waves successfully.
In order to choose the best gun surfboard for your needs, evaluating factors such as rocker, rail, concave information, and construction is crucial. By carefully assessing your skill level, desired wave conditions, and personal preferences, you can select a gun surfboard that will enhance your big wave riding experience.
5 Benefits of a Gun Surfboard
Higher Performance
One of the key benefits of a gun surfboard is its higher performance when compared to other surfboard types. As a surfer, you can execute a wide range of tricks and surf smoothly on this type of board. The shape and design of gun surfboards contribute to better control and maneuverability, helping you enhance your overall surfing experience.
Speed
Another advantage of a gun surfboard is its impressive speed. Designed for big wave scenarios, these boards need to quickly get you down the face of the wave. As a result, they are built to cut through the water rapidly, allowing you to ride waves with the thrilling sensation of firing a gun. With a gun surfboard, you’ll notice a significant improvement in speed and acceleration.
Big Waves Advantage
A gun surfboard’s primary purpose is to tackle big waves. With a streamlined design and a longer length, ranging from 6’6″ to 10′, gun surfboards provide the stability and control needed to navigate large swells confidently. This type of surfboard keeps the rider steady and in control, ensuring an enjoyable and safe big wave surfing experience.
Mobility
The design and structure of a gun surfboard also contribute to its mobility. As a rider, you can move swiftly and easily while surfing, thanks to the board’s shape and contours. The manageable size of these surfboards allows for better responsiveness, exceptional control, and increased maneuverability, making them an excellent choice for a more agile surfing experience.
Adaptability
Finally, a crucial benefit of gun surfboards is their adaptability to various weather conditions. While they excel in big wave scenarios, they can also perform well in other conditions, depending on your skill and fitness level. This versatility makes the gun surfboard a valuable tool for surfers dedicated to conquering diverse swells and developing their surfing abilities.
What Are Gun Surfboards Made Of?
Gun surfboards are large, performance-based surfboards designed to catch and ride the world’s biggest waves. To help you gain a better understanding of their construction and how it impacts performance, this section will discuss the materials typically used in gun surfboards, their purposes, and common constructions.
Common Constructions for Most Gun Surfboard
When it comes to materials used in gun surfboards, the key components include a foam core, layers of fiberglass cloth, and a protective resin. These materials are vital for achieving the desired level of functionality that gun surfboards require.
- Foam core: A gun surfboard usually features a core made from either polyurethane (PU) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. The foam core helps determine the overall surfboard volume, which influences the board’s buoyancy and ability to paddle into big waves.
- PU cores are traditional and offer more flex, allowing for smoother turns and a slightly heavier feel.
- EPS cores are lightweight and more buoyant, offering quicker response and increased maneuverability.
- Fiberglass cloth: Wrapped around the foam core are multiple layers of fiberglass cloth, which provides structural strength and durability. The number of layers used in a gun surfboard varies according to the surfer’s preference and the specific conditions the board will be used for.
- Resin: Lastly, the surfboard is coated with either polyester or epoxy resin, which seals the fiberglass cloth and provides an extra layer of protection against water damage. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Polyester resin is more affordable and has a faster curing time but can be a bit heavier.
- Epoxy resin is more expensive and takes longer to cure, but it is lightweight, strong, and more environmentally friendly.
Another important aspect of gun surfboards is the shape, specifically the amount of rocker. Gun surfboards have more rocker (the curvature of the board from nose to tail), which is crucial for navigating steep drops and maintaining control when riding giant waves. This structural design combined with the appropriate materials makes gun surfboards the ideal choice for tackling the most challenging surf conditions.
Best Gun Surfboards
Best Gun Surfboard Overall: Golden Gun by Haydenshapes
When it comes to gun surfboards, the Golden Gun by Haydenshapes stands out as the best overall choice. Designed for advanced surfers, this surfboard is perfect for conquering waves over 4-6 feet. If you’re searching for a high-quality gun surfboard that offers exceptional performance, look no further than the Golden Gun.
The key to the Golden Gun’s success lies in its unique design elements. With a forward outline and medium entry rocker, you’ll benefit from extra speed as you glide through the water. The rounded pin tail and double concave through the tail further enhance the board’s performance, providing you with the ideal balance of speed and control.
As you take on bigger waves, the Golden Gun’s surfboard shape allows you to maximize your potential. The board’s design gives you excellent control, making it easier to get barreled and perform carving maneuvers off the top. As a result, you can focus on improving your skills and pushing your limits on this exceptional gun surfboard.
In summary, if you want a top-quality gun surfboard that caters to advanced surfers looking to tackle larger waves, the Golden Gun by Haydenshapes should be your go-to option. With its unique combination of design elements and performance characteristics, this surfboard will enable you to take your surfing to new heights.
Best Gun Surfboard for Easy Entry to Waves: The Double Up by Lost
The Double Up by Lost Surfboards is an excellent choice for those who are looking to tackle waves over 4-6 feet. What sets this gun surfboard apart is its forward outline and wider-than-average nose, offering you remarkable speed and effortless entry into waves. Tailored by Lost shapers, the Double Up is a custom board designed to meet your specific big wave requirements.
Given its smooth entry into waves, it might even suit beginners who have some experience and aspire to level up their surfing game in bigger waves. However, keep in mind that gun surfboards are still recommended for more advanced surfers, as their design is geared towards larger surf conditions.
This board features a round pintail, which provides greater control when dealing with those steep, hollow waves that are common at breaks like Todos Santos. The surfboard size will be important—pay close attention to your shaper’s guidance in order to make the right choice for your style and experience. And remember, the Double Up is a custom board, so it will be crafted keeping your preferences and needs in mind.
In conclusion, when choosing the best gun surfboard, consider the Double Up by Lost. Its design elements—the forward outline, wide nose, round pintail, and custom size options—are tailored to provide you with excellent performance and an easy entry into larger waves. Whether you’re transitioning from a longboard or an experienced surfer looking for a reliable gun surfboard to conquer bigger waves, the Double Up is a suitable choice.
Best Adaptive Gun Surfboard: Stretch Gun by Stretch Surfboards
When it comes to choosing the ideal gun surfboard, the Stretch Gun by Stretch Surfboards offers the perfect combination of agility, versatility, and control. Being a contemporary and proven design, the Stretch Gun guarantees to provide you with an adrenaline-pumping experience in big-wave surfing.
The Stretch Gun features a curvy but ample outline that lends itself to versatility and confident handling. You’ll feel at home on this board, and it will quickly become a familiar choice when you’re heading into large, powerful waves. With its curvy design, the Stretch Gun easily adapts to a variety of wave types and conditions, ensuring that you have the right board for each ride.
One key element of the Stretch Gun’s design is its reverse vee bottom contours. These cleverly designed contours help cut through choppy water and reduce surface stiction when surfing at high speeds. This feature ensures that you maintain optimal control of your board even in the most demanding conditions.
The Stretch Gun, being a quad-fin surfboard, provides a unique and more maneuverable alternative to traditional thruster-fin surfboards. The tail design of this surfboard offers a balance between hold and release, giving you the ability to draw out powerful turns as well as navigate steeper sections with ease.
When considering volume options for your Stretch Gun, remember that gun surfboards are often customized to suit the surfer’s preferences and specific wave conditions. It’s essential to choose the right volume and dimensions for your surfing style and experience level. A custom-made Stretch Gun will ensure the best performance possible, tailored to your needs.
In conclusion, the Stretch Gun by Stretch Surfboards stands out as a top choice for those looking to harness the power of big waves. With its contemporary design, versatile outline, and unique bottom contours, this gun surfboard offers superior performance and control, making it an excellent investment for any serious big-wave surfer.
Best Light Gun Surfboard: JS Industries Monsta Box Hyfi
Choosing a gun surfboard can be quite overwhelming, especially when there are so many options available. If you are looking for a lighter gun surfboard that offers strength and performance, the JS Industries Monsta Box Hyfi is worth your consideration.
The Monsta Box Hyfi is a product of combining the best of JS Industries’ popular models – the Monsta 6 and Blak Box 2. This hybrid surfboard features a unique construction that has evolved over the past five years since its debut. Its innovative design focuses on enhancing performance, flex, speed, materials, and the manufacturing process.
Compared to fish and longboards, the Monsta Box Hyfi is more of a high-performance board, ideal for big waves. It is designed to optimize your speed and control as you tackle powerful waves. Despite being a gun surfboard, its light construction makes it a versatile option suitable for various conditions.
In terms of size, the Monsta Box Hyfi falls somewhere between narrow boards and grovelers, ensuring that you have an agile and responsive surf experience. Its innovative HYFI technology guarantees a lighter and stronger board, giving you that ideal spring-loaded flex crucial for optimal performance.
When deciding on the perfect light gun surfboard for your needs, keep in mind the various factors that make the JS Industries Monsta Box Hyfi a sought-after choice. Its unique combination of strength, lightness, and performance sets it apart from other gun surfboards, making it a top pick for surfers looking to enhance their big wave riding experience.
Best Gun Surfboard for Paddling: The Chase by Xanadu
The Chase by Xanadu is perfect for those who seek to conquer big waves. This gun surfboard model starts at a minimum size of 8 ft and can be crafted up to 11 ft, designed exclusively for skilled surfers ready to charge in challenging conditions. The Chase offers excellent paddle power as it has extra thickness moved forward, crucial for paddling into massive waves.
Combining the rocker and template curves necessary for big wave surfing, The Chase also ensures that you can “make the drop” effectively. This surfboard provides stable and optimal performance while maneuvering on large, powerful waves.
Regarding fin setup, The Chase is available in both 3-fin and 4-fin configurations. While the 3-fin option may cater to those comfortable with a traditional thruster setup, the 4-fin arrangement is highly popular among surfers targeting big wave conditions. The 4-fin setup offers more drive and control, enhancing your overall surfing experience.
When choosing the best gun surfboard for paddling, it is essential to consider your surfboard’s volume. The Chase, with its extra thickness moved forward, provides the necessary volume to improve paddle power and catch big waves with ease.
To sum up, The Chase by Xanadu is an excellent choice for surfers seeking a gun surfboard with superior paddling capabilities. Its design, fin configurations, and increased volume cater to the unique demands of big wave surfing, ensuring that you can effortlessly paddle into and dominate those colossal waves.
Best Gun Surfboard for Customizing: Semi-Gun by Stretch Surfboards
When you’re looking to customize your gun surfboard, the Semi-Gun by Stretch Surfboards is an ideal option. This surfboard is designed with a proven rocker and optimum foil that provide steady and predictable paddling performance. The new school outline features enough tail width to accommodate both tri-fin setups for top to bottom surfing and quad setups for high-speed, high-line exits.
The bottom contours of the Semi-Gun transition from a reverse vee to a slight single concave, offering a balance between speed and maneuverability. This versatile design caters to the needs of professional surfers, helping them tackle various wave conditions with ease.
Choosing a Semi-Gun by Stretch Surfboards allows you to make the most of your surfing experience by customizing the board to match your style and preferences. The pintail design enhances board control in critical maneuvers, while the adjustable fin setups let you adapt your approach to different waves and surfing styles.
In summary, the Semi-Gun by Stretch Surfboards is a top choice when it comes to customizing gun surfboards. Its blend of proven design elements and adaptable features makes it a surfboard that can keep up with your ever-evolving surfing skills.
Best Gun Surfboard for Big Waves: The Archangel by Proctor Surf
When it comes to tackling big waves, the Archangel by Proctor Surf is a top choice for a gun surfboard. Designed with a more relaxed entry rocker and a fuller nose outline, this board allows for early glide-in, making it perfect for massive waves. Its shape enables you to duck dive efficiently and safely, ensuring smooth travel in and under the water.
The Archangel gun surfboard stands out with its beak nose, which not only adds a cool aesthetic, but also helps keep the nose down while paddling. This useful feature ensures that you maintain control and avoid nose diving. Additionally, the board has volume forward under the chest, allowing you to generate plenty of speed while paddling, further enhancing your ability to catch big waves.
In terms of the bottom design, the Archangel gun surfboard features a traditional Pat Curren/Brewer-esque hull, consisting of vee to flat to panel vee bottom. This type of hull design provides predictability and smooth glide while riding big waves.
To sum up, when you’re seeking a gun surfboard for big waves, the Archangel by Proctor Surf is an exceptional option. Its thoughtful design elements such as the relaxed entry rocker, beak nose, and the Pat Curren/Brewer-esque hull cater to the unique challenges of navigating massive waves, ultimately ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
How to Store a Gun Surfboard
On a Rack
To store your gun surfboard effectively, consider using a sturdy rack specifically designed for surfboards. When selecting a suitable rack, take into account factors such as the size of your surfboard, the purpose of your storage, and your budget. Ensure that the board is properly secured to the rack using straps or bungee cords to prevent any accidental damage.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of your gun surfboard is essential for maintaining its longevity and performance. Here are some helpful tips to keep your board in the best possible condition:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can deteriorate the surfboard’s materials, leading to fading and weakening. Store your board in a cool, shaded area, away from direct sunlight.
- Do not leave your board in a car: Extended periods of time in a hot vehicle can cause damage to your surfboard. If you must transport your board in a car, make sure it is for a short duration and use a surfboard bag or sock for protection.
- Avoid hard surfaces: Storing your surfboard on hard surfaces may cause pressure dings and other damage. Opt for a rack with padding or a storage solution specifically designed for surfboards.
- Secure your board: Make sure your surfboard is securely placed on the rack to prevent any accidents or potential damage.
- Rinse with fresh water: After each use, rinse your board with fresh water to remove any saltwater and sand, which can gradually wear away the surfboard’s materials.
- Use a surfboard bag or sock: When not in use, consider covering your surfboard with a bag or sock to shield it from dirt, dust, and other external factors that might lead to wear and tear.
By following these storage tips and investing in a suitable rack, you can preserve your gun surfboard’s quality and ensure it stays ready for your next big wave adventure.
Best Gun Surfboard Brands
Haydenshapes
Haydenshapes, a surfboard brand designed by Hayden Cox, offers a range of high-performance surfboards for surfers in the USA. Their products are available in various styles, such as funboards and performance shortboards, making them an excellent addition to your quiver. Their Golden Gun surfboard is often considered the best overall gun surfboard in their lineup.
Lost
Lost Surfboards, founded by Matt Biolos in 1985, is highly regarded in the surfing world, providing boards for progressive free surfers and professionals on tour. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and performance, you can find several gun surfboard options to suit your needs.
Stretch Surfboards
Although not mentioned in the background information, Stretch Surfboards is well-known for producing high-quality gun surfboards. Their Padillac model is notorious for its big wave capabilities and performance, making it a popular choice among big wave enthusiasts.
JS Industries
Founded in 1999 by Jason Stevenson, JS Industries is a brand renowned for its high-performance surfboards. Ridden by some of the best surfers worldwide, you can confidently add one of their gun surfboards to your collection. Look for models like the DHD 3DV for high-performance big wave surfing.
Xanadu
Xanadu Surfboards, a California-based manufacturer, offers a range of surfboards for various skill levels. Although not explicitly mentioned in their background, gun surfboards from Xanadu are expected to provide the same quality and performance as their other board types. Make sure to explore their offerings and add a suitable gun surfboard to your quiver.
Proctor Surf
Proctor Surfboards, a California-based surfboard manufacturer, specializes in providing custom surfboards precision designed and shaped by Todd Proctor. If you’re looking for a custom-made gun surfboard tailored to your specifications, Proctor Surf is the perfect choice. Their premium quality boards will not disappoint during your big wave adventures.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best gun surfboard brands, make an informed decision based on your preferences and experience level to ensure you’re fully equipped for your next big wave challenge.