For surfers who love the feel and versatility of the Ghost and Phantom but crave a shorter, chunkier board tailored to smaller surf, the Pyzel Gremlin is the perfect choice. Designed to inject excitement into less-than-epic days, this board offers a dynamic blend of speed, glide, and high-performance fun—perfect for those weaker, slower waves where getting fired up can be a challenge.
The Gremlin features a wider outline paired with a low entry rocker that makes paddling effortless and allows the board to glide through weak sections with ease. The tail rocker maintains a healthy curve, ensuring the board stays maneuverable and responsive despite its fuller shape. The bottom contour flows from single to double concave with a pronounced vee off the tail, delivering lift, speed, and smooth rail-to-rail transitions.
This design strikes an excellent balance between ease of use and performance. Experienced surfers can confidently ride the Gremlin 4 to 6 inches shorter than their usual height, unlocking its true high-performance capabilities. Meanwhile, intermediate surfers will find it comfortable to ride closer to their own height, benefiting from its forgiving nature. It also serves as a fantastic transitional board for beginners stepping away from longboards or less responsive shapes into something more lively and performance-oriented.
Pros:
Great for smaller, weaker surf: Wide outline and low entry rocker maximize paddle power and speed.
Performance-oriented tail rocker: Keeps the board responsive and maneuverable in tighter sections.
Versatile bottom contours: Single to double concave with vee tail generates lift and smooth rail transitions.
Suitable for multiple skill levels: High-performance for advanced surfers, forgiving and fun for intermediates and transitioning beginners.
Encourages surfing on marginal days: Designed to make even slow surf exciting.
Cons:
Chunkier shape may feel less agile: Compared to thinner, more traditional high-performance shortboards, it might feel less quick in tight pockets.
Less ideal for very powerful surf: Optimized for smaller waves, may lack drive and control in heavy conditions.
Summary:
The Gremlin is a fun, fast, and accessible board designed to expand your surfing sessions into smaller, slower conditions. With its wider outline, efficient rocker, and refined bottom contours, it delivers a mix of paddle ease, speed, and snappy performance. Whether you’re an advanced surfer looking to enjoy smaller waves with style or an intermediate/beginner ready to step up into a more responsive board, the Gremlin offers a versatile and exciting ride that makes every wave count.
