Few boards have had the impact that the original Dumpster Diver did when it exploded onto the scene in the late 2000s. Birthed from a casual request by Dane Reynolds in 2010, the Dumpster Diver was originally meant to be a fun, wide, short epoxy groveler to make summer waves bearable. But when Dane requested a more refined version just days before the WCT Trestles contest—and then rode it to a career-defining final in 2009—the board's legend was sealed.
Built with a ton of curve in a compact frame, the Dumpster Diver is a quirky, high-performance shape that thrives in the pocket and on rail. Its deep single concave, wider nose, and oversized square tail create a fast, reactive platform that excels in punchy surf when you want to stay sharp and spontaneous. Its responsiveness in tight transitions is part of what made it a favorite among pros and punters alike, eventually earning SIMA’s 2010 Board of the Year.
The Dumpster Diver isn’t your standard shortboard—it’s short, curvy, and explosive, designed for surfers who want to squeeze the most performance out of average waves.
Pros:
Explosive Pocket Performance: Built to stay tight in the curve and thrive on rail.
Proven Pedigree: A staple of Dane Reynolds’ early CT success.
Fun and Functional: Equal parts quirky and high-performance for small to shoulder-high surf.
High Curve in a Short Package: Great for tight arcs, fin releases, and fast transitions.
Cons:
Not for Big Open Faces: The ultra-curvy template prefers pocket surfing over drawn-out lines.
Can Feel “Small” Underfoot: Its compressed length may take adjustment for surfers used to more stretched-out boards.
Final Verdict:
The Dumpster Diver is a modern classic that redefined what a performance board could be in everyday conditions. Its playful outline, aggressive rocker, and quick-reacting tail make it a perfect board for surfers who want to stay fast and sharp in small to medium surf. If you're looking to channel some of that Dane Reynolds magic, keep this one close and in the pocket—it still holds up as a performance staple over a decade after its debut.
