Time to dust off those short, stubby summer wave slayers, the attack of the fat and average summer swells is here! While most brands have their go-to grovelers, we decided to pull together 4 new board models you will want to get your hands on.
Short, wide, playful and forgiving – That’s the best way to describe the Chemistry 4 x 4. Inspired and modified of the Wide 6, the 4×4 has a straighter outline to create a natural speed feel while the subtle hip bumps in the tail increase stability and maneuverability. The moderate low rocker keeps the paddle power high on this little weapon while adding to the straight outline for an easy drive. The key differentiation between this and the other models featured is the incorporation of four channels. Doing so helps to boost the board down the line. Although it isn’t something you would clearly associate with small wave boards, it surprisingly helps with maintaining speed to attack the lip whilst keeping it forgiving through initiation and release of turns. We recommend riding this as a quad to truly see the 4 x 4 shine.
Not to be confused with the decadent fried doughy pastry, the Churro by Chilli is a little beast with a hidden talent. Designed for small waves under the guidance of Mitch Coleborn, it features a wide outline without being too wide, maintaining its performance orientation. Being a performance style board it’s surprising how much paddle power is gained from the gentle rocker outline. It has just the right amount of lift to help propel through fatter sections allowing it to fit into the curve of the wave for aggressively attacking the lip. One unique feature in this model is the thick tail block. Normally in performance style boards, the tails are foiled out and kept nice and thin for a response. However the Churros thick tail helps create the stability needed in summer conditions. If you’re chasing a summer board without having it look like a summer board, you’re in luck!
The DHD XRS is one summer vehicle that will be the envy of everyone in the water. The fuller nose is complemented by a wider middle and thick tail block to help get through the flat sections. The best part is low to flat rocker and deep single to double concaves. These are key to have when looking for a summer-style groveler. Fortunately, the XRS has both which will help you excel across soft fat sections while maintaining speed to execute those tight turns you dream of in the summer.
Last but not least, and a new release too. The JS Industries Psycho Nitro Hyfi makes one lively and fun board. The unique design to place the extra foam under your chest acts as the axis for the flat continuous rocker. What this means is that where your front foot lands, it is right on the gas pedal for easy acceleration when up and riding. The inclusion of fuller rails helps to avoid catching in less through turns, yet they are not too fat like a traditional groveler. What’s cool is how the tail is pulled in so it separates the thickness in the center. By doing this it allows you to go rail-to-rail freely in average waves that your everyday performance board won’t allow you’re to do. Whilst you can still get the Psycho Nitro in PU the inclusion of Hyfi allows for added flex and pop which is perfect for summer softness.
