The Rad Zapper is a collaborative tribute to one of the most iconic and original minds in surfing: Cheyne Horan. Designed alongside Matt Biolos, this board fuses Horan’s trailblazing Lazor Zap concepts with the proven performance of …Lost’s Rad Ripper, resulting in a reimagined small-wave weapon that’s fast, loose, and full of character.
Cheyne Horan revolutionized board design in the early 1980s, turning heads with his wide tails, deep concaves, keel fins, and “no nose” outlines. His designs and style dominated lineups and influenced countless shapers, particularly in the small summertime surf of California. The Rad Zapper captures that era’s bold experimentation and channels it into a modern, functional shortboard meant for small waves and high-speed fun.
The board maintains a flat deck and aggressive thickness through the nose and tail, capped with a pronounced beak and narrowed nose for vintage flair and improved maneuverability. A double-bump swallow tail — what Cheyne affectionately calls a “butt tail” — controls the wide tail block and offers pivot and drive. Deep double concaves run through the tail, flaring out near the rails to accelerate water flow while adding grip during carves. Combined with low entry rocker and a soft belly up front, the board paddles well, holds speed, and turns easily from the tail.
The Rad Zapper is not just a nostalgia trip; it's a small-wave performance board with a rebellious spirit and futuristic function, crafted for surfers who want to feel speed and flow without sacrificing control.
Pros:
* Excellent in weak, small surf – catches waves early and carries speed.
* Easy to turn and super responsive off the tail.
* Nostalgic look with modern refinements—great conversation piece in and out of the water.
* Ideal for surfers seeking a blend of vintage flair and functional performance.
* Unique feel due to rail shape, concaves, and tail design.
 Cons:
* The retro outline and volume might not appeal to those seeking ultra-modern performance shortboards.
* Not suited for powerful or hollow surf.
* Best used as a specialized board, not a do-everything quiver killer.
Summary:
The Rad Zapper is a fresh take on small-wave board design, combining the avant-garde legacy of Cheyne Horan with the proven performance DNA of the Rad Ripper. With its flat deck, pulled-in nose, wide tail, and radical bottom contours, it’s built for fast, stylish surfing in small waves. For riders who appreciate originality, flair, and speed — the Rad Zapper is both a tribute and a performance statement.