Q & A's

We were born to surf!

We are river surf experts, life long athletes and pioneers with over 4 decades of experience in the river, whitewater kayaking, standup paddle boarding and surfing. We live it, surfing over 300 per year, winter, spring, summer, fall, giving us an unmatched connection, knowledge and understanding of water, wave dynamics, plus what type of boards and materials really work in all different wave types and conditions.  We've pioneered 90% of the river waves in Montana and surrounding areas. We've shared the waves, showed people where they were, how to catch them and how to surf them. We put on the events, contests and built community. We're here to share our stoke for surfing and we're grateful and psyched to share our surfboards and products with you.

Our Motto is "Surf the Earth"

We surf the Montana's rivers and mountain snow in the winter. In the spring, snow melts into the rivers and we surf the run-off season. Rivers flow to the lakes and oceans. In the summer we hit the lake, wake surfing and chasing lake swells during big storms. In the fall and winter, we follow the waves to the coast and surf the ocean. Oh ya surf wave pools too. we surf it all!

Q: What do you like surfing best, ocean or river?

Surfing starts with respect, whether ocean or river.  It's important to build that connection with the water and waves first. Understanding how the waves are working and water is moving are essential.  If you don't have a connection, basic knowledge and good level of fitness you will struggle till you do.

If you approach surfing with respect it's all just surfing, different but the same. You are harnessing Mother Nature when surfing both in a river or ocean. The power, energy, beauty, wildlife, aquatic life, weather, make surfing in a river or ocean magic.

 

SURFBOARD Q&A

Q: Whats up with the RUNT blunt design?
A: No, Its not a chopped off surfboard...

In the river you need a board with volume and you need the volume in the right places, maximizing the highest level of fun and performance. The Runt was designed from ground up to be the ultimate river surfboard. However it is more then just a river surfboard.

The parallel outline/shape x thickness x balanced rocker x wide tail are designed to maximizes speed and planing while reducing flushing out the back of river waves x boxy rails that are designed for all wave conditions and optimize surfing in variable, choppy, chunky conditions like pretty much all river waves.

The RUNT Rips!

Q: Is the RUNT design good for beginners?

A: Absolutely!

We recommend starting with one of our soft_boards. The soft_board RUNT is the ultimate board especially for the river. It has the performance of an epoxy board but more user friendly. Eventually you might want one of each. Your first surfboard is never your last surfboard. That said, the Runt is super durable, so when the time comes for a new board the soft_board will still make a great backup or loaner board.

Go up in board length for stability or slower/flatter wave conditions. Stable and forgiving with paddle power. 

Q: Does it come with traction?
A: No

• That's a personal preference, We like the extra width of the DaKine Wide Load for the rear https://www.dakine.com/products/wideload-surf-traction-pad with a front foot traction kit https://www.dakine.com/products/front-foot-surf-traction-pad . Surfboard wax will also work effectively on both the soft top and epoxy models.  

Q: Is the RUNT design good for beginners?
A: Absolutely!

• Go up in board length for stability or slower/flatter wave conditions. Stable and forgiving with paddle power. 

Q: What fins  do you recommend for the RUNT?
A: Futures Thermotech

• Durability is usually a concern on the river so we recommend a set of the Futures F-4 tri fins set: https://futuresfins.com/products/thermotech-f4 switching out the rear fin with a TMF-2 (Knubster) https://futuresfins.com/products/thermotech-tmf-2?_pos=1&_sid=0b51b0205&_ss=r  for a looser feel. 

Q: How will the RUNT work in manmade park waves?
A: Unbelievable! 

• We recommend the foam top or epoxy 5'. Size up or down depending on your local spot and ability.

Q: Will work wake surfing?
A: Yes! 

• Fast, quick, nible and stable. Rips all wake style waves flat-steep.

Q: Will work Ocean surfing?
A: Yes!  

• Excels in most wave types. Stable for late drops, boosting airs and stomping landings. Excels in paddling and wave catching. Tested in some of the best waves from California and Hawaii.

Q: Can I order a custom painted board  
A: Yes

• The deadline to order a custom board is February 15th for a April 1st delivery. The only other boards available after that will be clear production boards with black labeling and boxes. 

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Q: What size board should I buy?
A: Formula: Height • Weight • Ability • Location = Correct Board Size  

• Generally, the compact design is designed to be surfed a bit smaller than a normal shortboard design. Check the board finder below for sizing.

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Surf Everything Beginner:

5’0” up to 180 lbs

Surf Everything Expert:

5’0” up to 220 lbs

River - WavePark Specific:

5’0” up to 200 lbs

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Surf Everything Beginner:

4’9” 80 lbs - 140 lbs

5’0” 100 lbs - 160 lbs

5’3” 120 lbs - 180 lbs

5’6” 140 lbs - 200 lbs

Surf Everything Expert:

4’9” up to 175 lbs

5’0” up to 195 lbs

5’3” up to 210 lbs

5’6” up to 230 lbs

River - WavePark Specific:

4’9” up to 170 lbs

5’0” up to 190 lbs

5’3” up to 210 lbs

5’6” up to 230 lbs

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