Summary:
The Shortie by James "Chilli" Cheal is a finely tuned, travel-ready performance shortboard that blends elite-level capabilities with a surprisingly forgiving ride. Refined alongside Adriano de Souza and tested under pressure by Jack Robinson in Stab in the Dark, the Shortie brings together paddle power, control, and high-speed maneuverability in a design that’s easy to click with from the first wave. It’s a no-fuss, high-performance board for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for flow and reliability in good waves.Pros:
Generous Sweet Spot: The extra foam along the stringer line makes for excellent paddle power and more forgiveness in foot placement.
Balanced Rocker & Concave: Smooth nose-to-tail rocker and a moderate single concave combine to create speed, drive, and control without being overly technical.
Responsive Tail Control: The semi-rounded pin tail offers grip and precision in the pocket, even at higher speeds.
User-Friendly Feel: Despite being a high-performance design, the Shortie is remarkably accessible—just paddle out and go.
Cons:
Not Ideal for Weak Waves: The Shortie thrives in punchy 3–6 ft surf and may feel slightly underwhelming in gutless or very small conditions.
Extra Thickness May Require Sizing Attention: While the added foam is strategic, some surfers might need to size down or fine-tune their volume preferences.
Final Verdict:
The Shortie is a standout performer for surfers seeking a seamless connection between ease and explosiveness. It’s the kind of board you can confidently travel with or keep on hand for your local beach when the swell turns on. With forgiving rails, generous volume, and tour-tested design DNA, the Shortie brings a fresh take on modern performance—without the intimidation factor. A true "set and forget" shortboard for when the waves are firing.
