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The Weirdo Ripper by Channel Islands, conceptualized by Yadin Nicol and refined with input from heavyweights like Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, and Nathaniel Curran, is a small-to-medium wave board that blends progressive performance with user-friendly features. Officially unveiled by Dane Reynolds at the 2012 US Open, the Weirdo Ripper earned its name and reputation by thriving in the unpredictable beach break conditions of Huntington.
With an aggressive tail rocker for tight turns and a V bottom that helps the board roll rail-to-rail with ease, the Weirdo Ripper is no slouch in performance. Yet, it's made accessible to a wider range of surfers through its fuller volume, forward wide point for easier paddling, and distinctive square-winged swallow tail. It accommodates both thruster and quad setups, adding further versatility. Designed to be ridden 2” to 5” shorter than your height, it’s compact and lively, great for squeezing maximum fun out of average waves.
Pros:
High-Performance Tail Rocker: Enables sharp, controlled turns in tight pockets.
Fuller Volume & Forward Wide Point: Excellent paddling power and wave-catching ease.
Versatile Tail & Fin Options: The square-winged swallow works well with both thruster and quad setups.
Compact Ride: Riding it shorter enhances maneuverability and responsiveness.
Cons:
Specialized for Smaller Waves: It may not shine in larger or more powerful surf.
Less Traditional Feel: Surfers used to standard shortboards might need a session or two to dial it in.
Final Verdict:
The Channel Islands Weirdo Ripper is a standout choice for surfers seeking a small-wave board that doesn’t sacrifice performance for paddle power. It’s quirky in name but serious in function—a well-balanced blend of volume, rocker, and maneuverability that works in a variety of conditions. Ideal for beach breaks and everyday sessions, the Weirdo Ripper brings fun and flair to your quiver, proving that being a little weird can work wonders in the water.
