Dan Mann’s Sweet Potato is the ultimate high-performance groveler designed to unlock fun in the smallest, weakest waves. Known for its wide, flat, and thick outline, this board offers effortless paddle power, no-paddle takeoffs, and buttery floaters that make surfing less-than-ideal conditions a blast. It’s a small wave specialist that transforms gutless, mushy surf—normally reserved for longboards—into an arena for quick turns and spirited performance.
The latest iteration features a swallowtail and refined bottom contours, improving maneuverability without sacrificing speed or drive. The deep double barrel concave is a standout design element, effectively splitting the board in half underfoot during turns to make it feel narrower and more responsive than its generous volume suggests.
Perfect for those days when the waves are weak or disorganized, the Sweet Potato delivers fast, loose, and playful surfing with tons of projection—making it a must-have board that should never leave your trunk.
Pros:
Exceptional paddle power and easy wave-catching in small surf
Wide and thick for stability but surprisingly loose and responsive
Swallowtail and refined bottom contours boost maneuverability
Deep double barrel concave creates a narrow, agile feel on turns
Ideal for turning mushy, gutless waves into fun sessions
Cons:
Not suited for powerful or critical surf conditions
Less precise than high-performance shortboards in steep waves
May feel too wide or flat for surfers used to traditional shortboards
Summary:
The Sweet Potato is a high-performance groveler designed for maximum fun in minimal waves. Dan Mann’s refined swallowtail version enhances control and tight pocket turns while maintaining the effortless speed and float that define this shape. If you want a go-to small wave board that turns weak surf into ripping potential, the Sweet Potato is your secret weapon.
