When the waves are pumping and the lineup is stacked, you want to be on the Black Pelican. This board isn’t here to cruise—it's built for performance, just super-sized. Designed for surfers who still want to charge but need a little extra foam under the chest, the Black Pelican paddles like a log but surfs like a shortboard. Think of it as a high-performance board with the volume of an XL combo meal—more fuel, same flavor.
Pro
The Black Pelican blends paddle power with precision. You can sit outside the pack, swoop into set waves early, and still surf top-to-bottom with confidence. It’s not just a step-up in size—it’s a step-up in mindset for surfers who still rip but appreciate a little more foam where it counts. A great option for older surfers, heavier surfers, or anyone who wants to keep their edge on solid days without compromising performance.
Con
Though more agile than a mid-length or funboard, the added volume does make it slightly less twitchy than a true high-performance shortboard. It requires commitment to put it on rail and might not suit surfers looking for ultra-compact feel or aerial performance.
Final Verdict
The Black Pelican isn’t perching on logs—it’s soaring over the crowd and swooping into bombs. For those who still want to surf hard but need a little help getting into the wave, this board delivers in all the right ways. Paddle early, take off deep, and surf like it still matters—because it does.