The Highline is a modern high-performance shortboard (HPSB) that has quickly earned a spot among elite-level contest quivers, most notably under the feet of Tyler Wright, who rode her 5'8" Highline to the podium at the 2022 and 2023 WSL Bells Beach events. Built to shine in average-to-good surf, the Highline is rooted in the DNA of the acclaimed “’74” model—Dane Reynolds’ 2016 Stab in the Dark winner—yet it brings a refined update in both outline and foil for today’s performance standards.
While the rocker profile remains untouched from the '74, the Highline benefits from an updated foil and outline designed to create more drive, lift, and responsiveness in a wider range of everyday conditions. A medium/high nose rocker and medium tail rocker allow for solid acceleration and vertical performance, especially when the waves lack push. The single concave throughout the bottom, with a double concave through the fins, creates lift, enhances rail-to-rail transitions, and helps the board generate and maintain speed effortlessly.
The wide point sits just behind center, with a noticeable hip that adds a responsive pivot point for quick, snappy turns—particularly in the pocket. The slightly flatter deck, a carryover from the ’74, pushes more foam out to the rails for added stability and paddle power, while the rails themselves remain sharp and refined for precise edge control.
When compared to the Radius, another popular performance shortboard in the Pyzel lineup, the Highlinefeatures slightly less rocker and more volume—making it faster in flatter sections and more forgiving in below-average surf.
Pros:
Proven performance pedigree: Ridden to WSL podiums by world-class surfers like Tyler Wright.
Well-suited for everyday surf: Holds speed and flow in flatter, weaker waves while still performing when the surf turns on.
Fast and responsive: Contour and rocker combo deliver acceleration, drive, and fluid rail-to-rail transitions.
Forgiving volume distribution: Slightly more width and float per size adds paddle power and glide.
Snappy in the pocket: Wide-point-back outline and hip allow tight arcs and vertical surfing with control.
Cons:
Not a groveler: While more forgiving than some HPSBs, it still needs a bit of face to work—better in waist-high and up.
Flatter deck feel: May take adjustment for those used to domed decks or lower-volume rails.
Summary:
The Highline is a refined, competition-proven performance shortboard that thrives in average-to-good surf. With its roots in the ’74 and tuned for flow, control, and quick release, it balances user-friendly volume and speed with the precision and responsiveness expected of a modern HPSB. Ideal for surfers looking to elevate their performance on everyday waves, the Highline delivers a polished ride that doesn’t need perfect conditions to shine.
