Which Christenson Surfboard Is Right for You? A Model Guide by Wave Type

With many arrows in the quiver, Christenson makes a board for nearly every condition. Here is how to narrow it down by the waves you ride most. Under each section we have added board breakdown and review videos from Christenson Surfboards and REAL Watersports.

Small, weak, or playful waves: ride a Fish

Still the most versatile design in surfing. If you could only own one board, a fish would be it. Explore the Fish lineup including the original Fish, the quad-fin Myconaut, the performance-minded Acid Phish and C-Hawk, and the longer-rail Long Phish 2.0.

Fish review — REAL Watersports
Acid Phish breakdown — Christenson Surfboards
Long Phish review — REAL Watersports

Everyday performance: the OP Series

When you want a high-performance shortboard that handles a range of conditions, the Ocean Pro series delivers. The OP1 through OP4 step you up through the surf, from the OP1 groveler for waist- to head-high days to swallow and round tails for solid, overhead waves.

OP1 review — REAL Watersports

Something different: alternative shapes

Want speed and flow without a traditional thruster? Our alternative shortboards include the full-throttle Lane Splitter twin, the rail-happy Cafe Racer, and the easy-paddling Easy Wind. Going a touch longer, the mid-lengths like the Nautilus, Submariner, and Ultra Tracker bridge glide and performance.

Cafe Racer 2.0 breakdown — Christenson Surfboards
Easy Wind breakdown — Christenson Surfboards
Nautilus review — REAL Watersports
Submariner breakdown — Christenson Surfboards

Glide and noseriding: longboards

For trim, nose time, and timeless style, browse the longboards, including the user-friendly Scarlet Begonia noserider, The Cliff, the Tradesman, and the do-it-all Sportsman, plus classics like The Outlaw and the Chris Craft.

The Outlaw review — REAL Watersports
Chris Craft review — REAL Watersports

When it gets big: step-ups and guns

As the surf grows, reach for a step-up or gun. The Osprey and Carrera are go-to step-ups trusted by pros worldwide, while the Sicario carries the gun outline ridden by our big-wave veterans.

Still not sure?

Tell us your home break and skill level and we will point you to the right shape, or build you a custom to your exact specs. Ready now? Browse in-stock boards.