The Puerto Padi is a razor-sharp refinement of the proven Padillac, Pyzel’s iconic big-wave gun that has dominated heavy lineups from Jaws to Nazaré. This new iteration, designed for later takeoffs and deeper positioning, is tailored for high-risk, high-reward surfing in the heaviest, hollowest waves on the planet.
Inspired by Nathan Florence’s relentless pursuit of the world’s gnarliest tubes, the Puerto Padi has already etched its name in surf history. Florence rode his 8'5" at Mullaghmore and 7'0" at Aileens into two of the most talked-about rides in big-wave history—earning Ride of the Year and Surfer of the Year at the 2022/23 Big Wave Challenge. These sessions, along with extensive team feedback, led to the Puerto Padi’s refined design becoming available to the public.
The most significant changes are in the front half of the board: a narrower nose, extra nose rocker, and thinner foilimprove how the board fits into steep, late drops and allow for quicker adjustments in the barrel. The design frees up the front end for precision rail engagement while still maintaining paddle power thanks to clever foam distribution. A baby swallow tail enhances sensitivity and makes bottom turns and lip engagements more responsive in critical moments.
A key evolution is the move to a thruster setup as standard—ditching the quad of the original Padillac. This shift delivers more speed control and better pivot in slabby, barreling surf. While the original Padillac thrived on open-face, high-speed lines, the Puerto Padi is designed for threading the needle in below-sea-level barrels.
Pros:
Redesigned for late, steep entries and deep barrels—ideal for heavy slabs and reef breaks.
Narrower nose + added rocker provide critical control and responsiveness under the lip.
Thinned-out nose foil increases agility without sacrificing paddle power.
Thruster setup offers better speed management and control in hollow surf.
Proven pedigree—ridden by Nathan Florence in historic sessions and widely validated by the Pyzel team.
Cons:
Not for average surfers or average waves—needs hollow, powerful conditions to shine.
Tri-fin only—no quad option for those who might prefer it in open-face big waves.
Refined dimensions may take fine-tuning for surfers transitioning from traditional guns.
Summary:
The Puerto Padi is Pyzel’s most focused big-wave tube-hunter to date—built for critical drops, vertical face surfing, and deep barrel riding. It’s a thoroughbred gun for slab specialists and high-performance big-wave chargers who demand speed, control, and sensitivity under pressure. With Nathan Florence as its test pilot and multiple award-winning rides under its belt, the Puerto Padi isn't just a tool—it’s a confidence booster for the heaviest waves on Earth. If you're heading to Cloudbreak, Mullaghmore, or any world-class slab, this is the board to trust.
