Step Up boards are often ridden a few inches larger than your typical performance shortboard and are typically utilized in bigger surf. A gun is made for exceptionally large waves and heavy charging. While a Step-up can typically handle up to 12 feet, guns may be utilized from 10 feet and beyond. Big wave boards from Pollywog come in a variety of styles to get you pumped for the big stuff.

You’ll be able to feel the pace beneath your feet and take full advantage of the strong, hollow waves you love so much. When your conventional shortboard lacks the paddle speed, hold, or both (or both!) necessary to handle the amount of wave you want to surf, you’re going to need a step-up surfboard.

Step-up boards often have a smaller profile and a straighter rail than a conventional shortboard after the waves start to get a little more serious, which is when they are 6-8 feet or higher. In larger, quicker, and more powerful waves, these characteristics give you greater control. This type of board often has more length, which contributes to increased paddle speed, which is crucial.

If you will, think of it as an upgraded version of the original 2×4. A little less single concave up front, a slimmer contour, a refined foil, and a bit more overall rocker distinguish the more sophisticated step up version. All of these result in an elegant but comfortable ride that is unmatched by the occasional all-time swell but isn’t limited to being left undisturbed the rest of the time there are enjoyable waves to be obtained.

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The quad rear pair is constructed to have a 1/8″ shorter toe angle than the original 2×4 model, but the regular 5-fin convertible fin cluster stays unchanged and is optimized for bigger and more powerful situations.

The Lost Round-Up has been a favorite for many years, the Channel Islands Black Beauty set the bar for those who came after, and the Firewire Hydronaut has elevated design ideas to a new level. Every board builder has a selection of step-up type boards in their collection. Get a Step Up in your quiver if you wish to charge in Indo and beyond or take on the larger, better days at home.

The step up variant may still be ridden a little bit shorter than a typical step up or semi-gun since it uses the same slightly broader form as the 2×4 model.

Describe the Step Up Surfboard.

You must change your board selection when the temptation to push your boundaries in increasingly challenging circumstances starts to beckon.

A step up surfboard is a surfboard that is typically designed for waves over six feet in height and is a few inches longer than your typical shortboard, typically 2-4 inches. To better balance your paddle power with the power of stronger waves, the added length is crucial.

The quantity of glass utilized in a shortboard as opposed to a step up is one noteworthy distinction. You should make the glass on your step up heavier. For a high-performance type board, anything like 4+66, and maybe 6+66 for a single fin or fish.

Not all step-up surfboards are thrusters. Having a basic grasp of shortboards and knowing what kind of shortboard you perform best on is essential when selecting a step up because many quads, single fins, and even twin fins still fit the criteria of a step up.

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The Different Types of Step Up boards

You’ll be riding bigger waves, so volume and buoyancy aren’t as important because you won’t be struggling to compensate for the weakness of weak, mushy waves. Instead, you’ll be trying to equal the wave force, not adjust for it, and certain board designs simply accomplish this better than others.

The qualities of these board designs are meant to compliment your ability to handle the board and perform moves, rather than keeping you afloat and assisting you through soft parts, as the wave has plenty of power to share.

Tail Form Step Up Boards

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Step up boards tail shapes vary, but there are a few go-to huge waves that professional surfers and weekend warriors alike have come to adore.

A pintail or rounded pintail will be seen on the majority of step up boards. Pintails are the greatest for holding in steep, strong conditions since there is no need to adjust for buoyancy and speed with a broader, thicker tail shape. These tails’ narrow design fits well inside barrels, and the thinned-out shape allows the water to gently respond to the rails as it flows towards the tail for control.

In situations where a step up is normally required, the slower and more subtle reaction of water bouncing off your board offers a much-needed grip.

Swallowtail and fishtail forms are also becoming popular as a step up board shapes. These tail forms give two separate places of support in the water, functioning as a pintail for whichever rail you have positioned in the face.

Fin Configurations Step Up boards

We noted that step up boards with single or double fins are available, although they are less common than a typical thruster or quad. A tri and quad fin setup is the most common option of fins for step up boards, with quads being especially popular because of their extra grip.

Five fin boxes in your step up boards are the ideal solution to provide for flexibility and change, allowing you to modify configurations based on conditions and personal taste. Otherwise, you’ll still want mobility and performance, so sticking with your regular surf fins is typically a smart decision.

Rocker Step Up boards

A little more rocker on your step up board is never a bad thing. Remember that the waves you surf on a step up have enough force, so having a flat/fast board isn’t required.

It may really harm your surfing style since you may wind up going too quickly and have difficulty slowing down. There is no need to outrun the wave, therefore a little performance is still required.

The Best Step Up boards-Buyer’s Guide for Step Up boards

Start by using your typical shortboard. The best course of action is frequently to look for a step up that resembles the form of the wheel if you enjoy the way it rides. Therefore, if you’re a single fin shredder, consider stepping up to a single fin, and if you prefer the classic rounded pintail form, riding it in bigger waves is a terrific idea since it encourages comfortability and board control. Next, consider the waves you intend to ride.

You may want to step up even a few more inches if you plan to spend most of your time in a beach break line-up because you’ll be paddling around a lot looking for the ideal peak and location. Look no further than the Judah by Chemistry Surfboards if you want to push your limits on bigger, deeper water waves since you’ll need a little bit more length and volume.