Set-Up Your Winter Quiver

T&C Team rider: Joey Johnston riding S4VF shaped by Glenn Pang. PC: Mike Ito

Winter seems to have leveled up a notch. It’s tough these days to find a swell under advisory levels. It seems like since that run of swell at Peahi culminating at The Eddie Aikau invitational, everyone has been frothing for big surf and the ocean has been giving the people what they want. That’s why we’re digging in deep to our quiver and handpicking you a variety of time-tested step-up boards to fill out your winter quiver. Sure, not everyone is Billy Kemper, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready like he is.

CSU

The CSU is the go-to step-up in Glenn Pang‘s arsenal of amazing surfboards. This board is your all-around board for waves of any size besides pipeline or outer reefs. The CSU is a direct step-up of the Flux model, featuring a more pulled-in nose and tail and a slight adjustment in the fin placement to allow the board more control in big surf. With the concaves remaining the same as the Flux, the board can still turn on a dime and has some extra spice when going into a turn. This board is great to order as your first step up in your quiver from a shortboard. Optimal for open face waves when you still plan on doing turns, the CSU rides well in the barrel, but again, not really a pipe board. Pros tend to order in the 6’0-6’4 range.

S-4V

The S-4V by Glenn Pang is the Ferrari of the step-up lineup. This board has been tested and proven at Pipeline and Teahupoo many times over. The S-4V has a much more pulled-in nose and tail compared to the CSU and a little extra rocker. Pair that with a dialed-in v-bottom, and you have a board that can handle high speed, and big drops, and maintain control at some of the heaviest waves in the world. The board can turn for sure, but this is the most settled board, with the most control, and you benefit from that the most in heavy, hollow waves. Pros tend to order in the 6’2 to 6’6 range.

W-4

The W-4 model by Glenn Pang is the go-to for someone looking to surf bigger, heavier, more powerful waves, typically in the over-double overhead range. The W-4 handles in big Sunset or second reef Pipeline, and the v-bottom on this board allows it to roll over easily while staying settled in the water. So when you’re coming down the face of a giant Sunset bomb and into the bowl, you won’t have to question whether the rail will hold on your bottom turn or in the barrel. The W-4 by Glenn Pang offers the most control of any in our lineup. Pros usually order this board 6’8” and above.

Dragonslayer Step-Up

The Dragonslayer by Makani is a direct step-up of the crowd-favorite Dragonslayer model, great for big Laniakea or Haleiwa when you need that extra paddle power but a board that still performs. This board features a slightly more pulled-in nose and tail and a touch of increase in nose rocker. The Dragonslayer step-up is a great blend of control and maneuverability. It settles enough that it can handle most open-face waves, but it still features enough concave for speed turns and liveliness down the line. Pros order this board 6’0-6’6. 

Ranger

The Ranger by Makani is his very own alternative step-up. This board can handle hollow surf and has been tested everywhere from G-Land to Pipeline. This board features a wide nose, forward outline, and slightly lower rocker than you usually get on a step-up. This combination allows the board to paddle much easier, which results in getting to the wave much earlier. With a slight single, early double, and generous v on the bottom, the board will feel fast down the line but controlled off the tail. If chipping in early and pumping down the line towards a barrel is what you’re looking for, the Ranger is the board for you. Pros order in the  6’0-6’6 range.

With winter in full swing, having the right board under your feet is crucial. Surfers who don’t step up their big-board game often find themselves missing the set wave, only to turn around and see three bigger ones bearing down. Don’t get caught underprepared. Whether you’re ordering a custom shape tailored to your needs or grabbing one off the shelf, we’ve got you covered. Most of the boards featured are in stock at the T&C Surfboards Factory, ready to help you take on whatever the ocean sends your way. Don’t wait—gear up!