Gliders and Guns
Makaha-style Glider
Ten- to 12-foot boards with the wide point set forward of center, the gliders have subtle “belly” forward of midships, flowing into vee panels through the tail. The forward-set wide point allows a fuller outline through the front half of the board that tapers through to a narrow tail block or pintail. Inspired by the boards George Downing designed to charge big Makaha, the gliders take the “point-and-shoot” philosophy to the small wave realm. Smooth trimming is what these boards are made for, and the glide begins the moment the surfer paddles out.
Pioneer Generation Gun
Somewhere between the rounded longboard nose and the needle nose of most big wave guns, is a set of curves that combine maximum paddling efficiency with performance characteristics that come alive in big surf. One-part Phil Edwards, one-part Pat Curren, and one-part George Downing, the nose outline on the Pioneer Generation Gun blends classic surfing designs to meet the demands of 12- to 25-foot surf on deep water reefs. Like many of the boards in the Surfboards California catalog, the PGG has its wide point set well forward of center to accommodate a “fuller” outline forward that narrows through the tail. Although counterintuitive, the PGG is often equipped with a set of twin keel fins. Usually associated with small wave fish designs, keel fins have fantastic hold and drive in big waves. Variations on the design can be run with quad fin set ups, single fins, or as a two-plus-one. Available in sizes 8’6” to 12’0”.