Modern Fun Meets a Legendary Design Innovation
The Puddle Jumper-Sting is a reimagined version of the beloved original Puddle Jumper, now supercharged with the iconic Sting design developed by Ben Aipa in the 1970s. Known for its ultra-playful, wide and stable plan shape, the Puddle Jumper has long been a favorite for cruisy, small-wave fun. But by integrating the Sting—placed 18” up from the tail—this model adds a sharper, more dynamic turning response without sacrificing its user-friendly nature.
The Sting design introduces a dramatic shift in surface area just behind the wings, enabling quicker release, tighter pivots, and a surprising level of maneuverability for a board this wide. It’s a smart performance enhancement for a groveler-style board, making it not just fun to ride, but fun to rip.
Pros:
Maintains the original Puddle Jumper’s easy paddle and planing speed.
The Sting adds tight, responsive turning rarely found in wide-bodied hybrids.
Ideal for small to mid-sized waves where quick release and rail-to-rail agility matter.
Nods to surf history with the legendary Sting design, blending form and function.
Cons:
Still wider than most performance shortboards—some may find it less suited for steep, hollow waves.
The unique Sting outline may take a session or two to dial in for surfers unfamiliar with it.
Summary:
The Puddle Jumper-Sting brings together playful accessibility and radical potential. By fusing a tried-and-true small wave favorite with Ben Aipa’s legendary Sting innovation, this board turns an everyday groveler into a high-performance surprise. It’s perfect for surfers who want the best of both worlds—paddle ease and speed with the ability to push harder through turns. A standout hybrid that honors surf heritage while pushing performance forward.