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A compact, small-wave specialist that fuses decades of fish and mini-hybrid design into a highly maneuverable, speed-loving machine.
The Hydra is a minuscule wave monster crafted for small surf, drawing on over 25 years of design evolution from models like the Puddle Jumper, Bottom Feeder, Pelagic, and RNF-Retro. Built around a low rocker and a snowboard-inspired “Pelagic” sidecut outline, the Hydra offers tight, controlled carves while maintaining speed and control in tiny waves.
Its bottom contour features a complex triple concave setup—double concave nested within a single concave—with chined rails that add release and prevent the board from getting “sticky” on the face. This design encourages true 3D rail surfing rather than just flat, surface-level skating common with many traditional fish shapes.
The innovative split diamond tail combines swallow and diamond tail traits, featuring a notched centerline that reduces surface area behind the rear foot for added bite and control. This tail design shortens the rail line, enabling quick, radical turns with power retention, making it more advanced than standard fish or swallow tails for handling wide tails in dynamic maneuvers.
With a flat-ish deck and full, forgiving rails, the Hydra retains volume while maintaining flex and responsiveness, crucial for low rocker boards seeking both pliability and forgiveness.
Pros:
* Low rocker combined with Pelagic-inspired sidecut offers excellent speed and tight turns
* Triple concave bottom with chined rails promotes smooth, controlled 3D rail surfing
* Split diamond tail adds bite and control for radical, power-retaining turns
* Flat deck with full rails enhances flex and forgiveness despite volume
* Effective design for very small waves, maximizing performance in minimal conditions
* Draws on proven elements from multiple successful models, ensuring reliability
 Cons:
* Specialized small wave focus may limit performance in larger, steeper surf
* Complex bottom contours and tail shape may have a learning curve for some surfers
* Wide tail design may feel less agile in very tight, critical maneuvers compared to narrower boards
Summary:
The Hydra is a refined small-wave weapon that synthesizes decades of design insights into a highly capable fish-style hybrid. Its innovative outline and triple concave bottom deliver speed, lift, and control, while the split diamond tail allows for sharp, powerful turns uncommon in wide-tailed fish. With a forgiving flat deck and flexible rails, it offers a lively yet manageable ride in mushy or minimal surf, making it ideal for surfers seeking a high-performance board for small, soft waves. The Hydra is a forward-thinking evolution of the performance fish, bridging classic design and modern versatility.