Semi Gun

A really long time ago I picked up a 7'6" semi gun from a North County shaper when I lived on the East Coast. The inspiration for this model comes from that board directly – being that it was the only one I ever owned over 7'0" made for very large paddle in surf that could potentially kill you if you made a mistake (and I rode that board at a wave or three that COULD kill you). Think a massive offshore reef in Nicaragua, a Mexican wave that has rock finger piles that dyed into a rock cliff on the inside, Hanalei rights, a notorious wave on North Shore of Kauai called Cannons, and a highly localized secluded spot called Kalihiwai. Interestingly enough, I got a bunch of time at Pavones on it too, and it made that wave really easy to get into and still ripped well for a 7'6".

The open ocean rocker, the California style rail, and the full nose on this semi-gun gives it holding power, grace under pressure, and, if conditions are at all fat, gliding power with ease – setting you up with confidence to get shacked, all without feeling too stiff.

The wider than normal outline, the full nose, and slightly softer rail all contribute to this feel and you'll be happy you own one even though it's a big board for around So-Cal. There are reefs in Mexico that light up all winter long like Theresas and Salsipuedes that love this size board to get in easy and early.

With no one out but me and one other guy, I took off on waves at a left offshore reef in Nicaragua that handled 20 ft faces. The barrel implosion sounded like a dump truck when the tailgate slams shut after dumping a load on the ground. I've been afraid I was going to die several times surfing serious waves in my life. When I had this thing to paddle back out through the impact zone in those situations, it may have saved my life from drowning or getting pancaked onto boulders on the inside.

The i-beam rails shown on this model only strengthen the board, and give you an ergonomic grip contour that make you feel like it just can't get pried from your grip when it's gonna count.

The forward V keeps it plowing through the chop on late drops, and the single to double concave bottom contours, in combination with the well balanced round pin and slightly softer fuller rail give it a little more forgiving easy to turn feel for our west coast larger surf.

You're gonna wanna have this around if that's one of your target conditions we get here. Are you a taller or older or slightly less confident or skilled guy who just feels more comfortable on bigger boards? Then this is for you; if you are not a full time longboard guy of course. Add glass on fins for a big upgrade.

While I shape these in EPS or poly, I suggest poly if larger surf and travel is the purpose of this shape.