Designed in collaboration between Channel Islands’ Britt Merrick and legendary big-wave surfer Peter Mel, the Mavs Gun is a precision-built weapon tailored for the heaviest drops and most critical moments in surfing. Best known as the board Peter rode for what many consider the greatest paddle-in wave ever at Mavericks, the Mavs Gun isn’t just a specialist board—it’s a benchmark for performance, confidence, and control in serious surf.
At its core, the Mavs Gun is engineered to do exactly what a big-wave board must: paddle powerfully, drop with confidence, hold with authority, and fly down the line with control. What sets it apart, however, is its user-friendly feel, a trait rarely associated with big-wave guns. Peter Mel himself calls it the fastest and most forgiving gun he’s ever ridden.
One of the most defining features of the Mavs Gun is its rocker profile—something Peter is deeply passionate about. Rather than following the trend toward low-entry rocker seen in other models, this board retains a more pronounced curve in the nose, enabling it to fit seamlessly into steep, critical takeoff zones. That extra curve means you're less likely to pearl when committing to a vertical drop in big, barreling surf.
The five-fin setup is another standout design choice. Unlike traditional placements, the cluster is set slightly forward, offering enhanced turning sensitivity and mid-line adjustability—an invaluable feature when threading massive walls or needing to alter line subtly at high speeds. Whether running as a quad for speed or thruster for control, the fin configuration gives the rider tuning options for varying degrees of power and texture in the wave.
While it was born at Mavericks, this board isn’t just for NorCal slabs. Peter praises its scalability—particularly in stock sizes like 8'0" and 8'6"—for places like Puerto Escondido and Ocean Beach, where paddle power, control, and versatility in hollow surf are key.
Pros:
Elite Paddle Power: Built for critical entries into waves of consequence.
Perfected Rocker Curve: Allows clean fit into steep drops without sacrificing drive.
Innovative Fin Placement: Forward five-fin cluster enhances responsiveness and control.
Surprisingly Forgiving: Designed to give the rider confidence and flow, even in terrifying conditions.
Scalable for Different Spots: Not just a Mavs board—ideal for big beach breaks and other hollow power waves.
Cons:
Niche Use: Tailored for double- to triple-overhead surf—overkill for average days.
Requires Experience: While “user-friendly” for a gun, this is still a board for seasoned big-wave surfers.
Final Verdict:
The Mavs Gun is more than a big-wave board—it’s a battle-tested design born from the heaviest drops and refined by one of the most respected names in the sport. With a rocker profile that prioritizes drop precision, a five-fin setup that boosts versatility and control, and paddle power that gets you into the most critical waves, it’s an essential board for serious surfers chasing serious surf. Whether you're hunting monsters at Mavericks, Puerto, or OB, this gun delivers the tools and confidence to perform when the stakes are highest.
