WATCH REAL WATERSPORT'S REVIEW >
WATCH BOARDSHOP'S REVIEW >
 
A performance shortboard for real surfers, not just pros.
The El Patron is a modern high-performance shortboard, scaled up to meet the needs of everyday surfers who want responsiveness without sacrificing volume. Designed with generous dims, it caters to older riders, bigger builds, or anyone looking to step away from fishy hybrids and back into the shortboard category—without feeling punished.
Developed from custom boards made for Kolohe Andino, the El Patron’ features a low-entry rocker for paddle power and early entry, with an accelerated tail rocker for maneuverability. The bottom contours are mild and purposeful: flat through the nose, into a shallow single concave, fading into vee through the fins and flat off the tail. This bottom helps the board drive smoothly, roll rail to rail with ease, and stay engaged without feeling sticky.
Key performance hacks include reduced stringer thickness (2-ply instead of 3-ply) to retain flex and avoid the stiffness typical of high-volume boards, and blended rails that reduce the “chunky” feel in hand and underfoot. The El Patron’ enables more vertical, 3D surfing—on a board that’s thick enough to paddle like a dream.
Pros:
*High volume without the drag surprisingly responsive for its size
*Exceptional paddle power from forward foil and generous dims
*Smart rocker and bottom contours make turning and rail engagement easy
*Reduced stringer thickness improves flex and feel
* Ideal for aging surfers, bigger builds, or anyone tired of overly fishy boards
Cons:
*Not ideal for steep, hollow waves volume-forward design favors smoother, rounder conditions
*Still a shortboard less forgiving than grovelers or full hybrids for beginners
* Can be hard to size right for those transitioning from traditional performance boards
Summary:
The El Patron’ fills a much-needed gap: a legit performance shortboard for surfers who want to rip—without squeezing into a Pro-level toothpick. It blends ease of use with modern responsiveness, offering older or heavier surfers the chance to re-engage with a true shortboard experience. It's a realistic high-performance board not just for the top 1%, but for the 99% who want to surf their best.