The Xanadu X-Up is a high-performance shortboard from Family One, purpose-built for head-high to double overhead conditions. Designed with versatility and control in mind, it delivers a unique blend of front-foot drive, smooth transitions, and enhanced paddle power. What sets the X-Up apart is its balanced design that caters to real-world challenges—like wind or softer wave faces—while still performing at a high level.
The nose features a smooth rocker with added width and thickness, helping with early wave entry and down-the-line acceleration—especially useful on windy or fat-faced days. The slightly wider tail promotes glide and adds drive through flatter sections, making the board more forgiving without sacrificing precision. On the bottom, the board transitions from a soft vee in the nose to flat, into a gentle concave, finishing with vee off the tail. These subtle bottom contours create fluid rail-to-rail transitions and prevent the board from feeling sticky or tracky in the face of the wave.
Pros:
* Excellent wave entry and front-foot drive, especially in windy or fat conditions
* Smooth rail transitions with no tracking or stiffness
* Added width in nose and tail improves glide and wave-catching ability
* Performs well in solid surf from head-high to double overhead
Cons:
* Not ideal for small, weak waves
* Designed for advanced to intermediate surfers who are comfortable in larger surf
Summary:
The Xanadu X-Up is a well-balanced performance board tailored for surfers tackling solid, often challenging conditions. With smooth curves, enhanced front-foot drive, and easy rail-to-rail control, it’s a reliable tool for those looking to maintain flow, power, and precision in head-high to double overhead surf. Whether you're threading windy walls or linking big carves, the X-Up keeps you in control and moving forward.