The CI Fever is a tour-level performance shortboard born from Patrick Gudauskas’ desire for a board that blends speed, drive, and flair in a wide range of conditions. Developed in collaboration with CI shaper Mike Andrews, the Fever pulls design elements from CI classics like the Proton, Rookie, MBM, and Remix—each known for their strengths in different conditions—and fuses them into a more forgiving and accessible high-performance craft. With a single concave, lowered rocker, and a hip squash tail, the Fever creates a board that generates immediate speed while offering dependable control through turns. It’s a reliable daily driver for advanced surfers and pro-level riders alike.
Pros
Versatile Design: Excels in everything from 2-3 ft beach breaks to head-high reef and point breaks.
Immediate Speed and Drive: Lower rocker and parallel outline boost down-the-line speed and hold through critical sections.
Forgiving Yet Radical: The huge sweet spot and responsive tail design offer high-performance feel without sacrificing accessibility.
Proven Pedigree: Influenced by years of World Tour experience and decades of CI board-building heritage.
Cons
Not for Beginners: Though more accessible than some tour blades, the Fever still requires a solid skill base to maximize its design.
May Feel Too "Tour-Grade" in Weak Surf: Despite being more forgiving than its ancestors, surfers in very mushy conditions might still reach for a groveler instead.
Final Verdict
The Fever is a finely tuned all-around performance shortboard that captures the best traits of several classic CI models and repackages them into a single, high-functioning board. It's a powerful weapon for surfers who want to surf with creativity, confidence, and speed in a wide variety of waves. While not built for total beginners or the smallest days, it fills the space between daily driver and tour blade beautifully. A go-to board for those chasing one-board quiver vibes—especially when speed and flair are non-negotiable.
