Surfing Waves

Hey guys,


I've been looking into getting a shortboard for next year and want some opinions on the Channel Island Flyer.

I live in New York, so I usually surf beach breaks with 2 - 3 foot waves. However, because of Hurricane swells, there are days that will bring the waves up to 5 - 10 feet, especially around this time of year (quiksilver pro, anyone?)

I have a longboard and a mini - mal for the smaller days, but want something with a lot more maneuverability that I could possibly use on those small days but also rip on on 5 - 6 foot days as well.


Looking online, it seems the flyer is a board that is designed just for this - works in smaller surf, and caps out around 5 - 6 (anything larger than that I don't think i'll be surfing yet anyway)

Anyone have any experience with it? Also I am 5'8 and 143 lbs... if I were to get it should I go with the 5'10"?

I'm not sure if this is transferrable to a flyer 1, but I have a flyer II and it surfs great in 1-2ft up to overhead, although my board is a bit on the larger size. I'm 5'10" 170ibs and I ride a 6'3 ,18 5/8, 2 5/16. You're right it's quite versatile, although I'm sure there are plenty of other boards out there with similar characteristics.

Thanks for the reply. You say it surfs decently in 1 - 2 foot waves as well? That's very good to hear - I would think that the waves that small wouldn't get steep enough for a smaller shortboard to properly catch, but I guess i'm wrong.


How does it maneuver? (The Flyer 2) Do you find it agile enough to perform on medium sized waves? Have you ever road any other short boards? If so, how does the flyers maneuverability compare?

I had a 6'1" Channel Islands flyer and the board is insane. It has a wide tail so it gets out of the water quickly and flies down the line. I don't think I have ridden a faster board. You will not be disappointed. The board does have its limits if it gets to big, but you should love it in small to med sized surf.

sounds good... leaning more towards getting it now. As I said before, i'm 5'8", 143ish pounds... should I get a 5'8" flyer? or the 5'10"?

It depends on your surfing ability as well as your size. Channel Islands recommends that your Flyer be 2” to 3” shorter and 1/4” to 1/2” wider than your normal shortboard. Hope that helps you!