Video

CI Surfboards "Dumpster Diver 2" - Surfboard Review by Noel Salas

In this episode, Noel Salas and his crew review the "Dumpster Diver 2" by Channel Islands Surfboards, a model designed by Dane Reynolds. Noel tested the board in stock 5'5" dimensions across three different constructions: Spine-Tek, XTR 10, and a P/U poly with Team Lite glassing.

Noel found the 5'5" XTR 10 to be extremely light, loose, and responsive, with the twin plus trailer fin set emerging as the best configuration. He felt the XTR 10 provided a lot of pop and projection in turns. Meanwhile, the Spine-Tek construction allowed for smooth transitions between turns, making it an easy board to surf, with just the right amount of flex for Noel's weight. The P/U poly, on the other hand, offered speed and stability underfoot, with great drive. In fact, Noel stated that the "Dumpster Diver 2" might be the best Channel Islands board he’s surfed in the wave pool.

Others in the group also shared their thoughts. Eric Petersen found the "Dumpster Diver 2" to be fast and lively in flat, mushy conditions, primarily riding it in knee- to chest-high waves. Asa Cascavilla thought the board had a great sweet spot, connected turns really well, and felt lively underfoot. Ian Macpherson from Wooly TV rode the board in both small and larger surf, preferring its performance in oversized waves, which was an interesting surprise.

Overall, Noel described the "Dumpster Diver 2" as a good paddler, with extra width under the front foot aiding down-the-line speed. Designed as a high-performance So-Cal surfboard, it features medium rails that add to its versatility. For a deeper dive into Noel’s fin setups and more details, viewers are encouraged to watch the full review. 

Noel's Height 5'9" and weight 172 lb
Board Dims:
XTR10 Stock 5'5" x 19 x 2 1/4 (25.3L)
Spinetek Stock 5'5" x 19 x 2 1/4 (25.3L)
PU/Poly Stock 5'6" x 19 1/8 x 2 5/6 (26.5L)

Asa's height 5'10" and weight 165 lb
Spinetek Stock 5'5" x 19 x 2 1/4 (25.3L)

Eric Petersen's height 5'8" and 180 lb
Board Dims:
XTR10 Stock 5'8" x 19 1/2 x 2 7/16 (29.3L)

Ian's height 6'1" and weight 195 lb
Board Dims:
PU/Poly Stock 5'11" x 20 1/4 x 2 5/8 (34.0L)

Where to Buy Vaer Watches: Surf n' Show (15% off) https://www.vaerwatches.com/pages/surfnshow

Where to Buy Boards:
https://cisurfboards.com/products/dumpster-diver-2

Where to Buy Fins:
https://surfnshow.com/collections/lightning-series-fins

Where to Buy Dane's Fins:
https://cisurfboards.com/products/dane-dd2-3-fin 

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Video

Best of the Best "My Ultimate Surfboard Quiver"

After 9 years of surfboard reviews, Noel Salas picks his BEST of the BEST boards to help you build the ultimate quiver. Noel has ridden hundreds of surfboards from the world's best Board Builders in categories from Twin Fins, Small Wave Performance Boards, Daily Drivers, Hybrid Grovelers, Fish, High-Performance Short Boards, and Performance Grovelers. With shapers and surfboards becoming better and better, now Noel's clarifying what makes his "Best" surfboard list and shares some insight on what's coming up next. Check out Surfnshow.com to compare surfboards in all different categories, so you can make the best new board purchase. But first, watch the full review to see what's in Noel's ultimate quiver.

BEST of the BEST - WINNERS!

Hybrid Groveler:
Pyzel Gremlin

Fish:
Lost RNF 96 &
Akila Aipa Modern Fish

Small Wave Performance Board (SWPB):
SharpEye Storms Twin Turbo

Daily Driver:
Pyzel Mini Ghost

HPSB:
Lost Driver 2.0

Twin Fin:
Rusty Twin Fin

Where to Buy Vaer Watches: Surf n' Show (15% off) https://www.vaerwatches.com/pages/surfnshow

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Noel's "2023 Favorite Finds" Surf Gear Must Haves

Video

Slater Designs "FRK Swallow" -- Surfboard Review by Noel Salas

In this episode, Noel Salas and the crew test out the brand new "FRK Swallow" surfboard from Slater Designs. Originally released with a round tail, the FRK gets an exciting update with a swallow tail for even more speed and maneuverability. Firewire sent over this high-performance shortboard in 5'6 and 5'7 sizes, and Noel put both to the test at Waco Surf.

Noel rode the 5'6 with a quad fin setup and the 5'7 with a pivot twin + trailer, and found both setups offered great performance. The 5'6 was more responsive, while the 5'7 delivered a looser, free-flowing ride with tons of traction. Eddie Lester of Southern California loved the pivot twin + trailer setup for its speed and ability to hold in smaller waves. Meanwhile, Asa Cascavilla, after adjusting from shorter boards, said the FRK Swallow was a rail-engaging machine, perfect for hitting the lip.

This board is ideal for solid intermediate to pro surfers, performing best in 2-to-4-foot punchy waves and up to 6-foot surf. Ready for all the details on how the new "FRK Swallow" stacks up? Watch the full review now!

Noel's height 5'9" and weight 172 lb
Boards: 5'6" x 18 1/2 x 2 3/8 (25.7)
5'7"" x 18 9/16 x 2 3/8 (26.3L)

Asa's height 5'10" and weight 165 lb
Board: 5'6" x 18 1/2 x 2 3/8 (25.7)

Eddie's height 6'0" and weight 190 lb
Board: 5'10" x 19 1/16 x 2 9/16 (30.2L)

Where to Buy Vaer Watches:
Surf n' Show (15% off)
Vaer Watches

Where to Buy Boards:
https://www.firewiresurfboards.com/products/prestige-frk-swallow

Where to Buy Fins:
Prepreg Carbon Pivot Twins + Trailer:
https://surfnshow.com/collections/lightning-series-fins
MS- Five Fin Set:
https://surfnshow.com/products/momentum-series-5-fin-set

Become a Family Patron: @ Surf n' Show Patreon Page: 

SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR EXCLUSIVE SURF BETTER TUTORIALS @ Surf n' Show Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/surfnshow

No obligation, but these links & ads help support the site and keeps the reviews coming! If you decide to buy somewhere else or would like to support the show, go to https://www.paypal.me/surfnshow

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NEW! Lightning Series Prepreg Carbon Fins

Rusty "Deuce" Surfboard Review with Ian from Wooly TV

In this episode Ian from Wooly TV gets a custom Rusty PU/Poly "Deuce" and puts it through the paces in West Australia.

Noel mentions in this review that he wanted a third party unbiased review on the Deuce model he designed with Rusty, so he reached out to Ian from. Wooly TV. Ian has his on You Tube channel called Wooly TV where he regularly reviews surfboards from some of the largest surfboard brands.

Ian brings his A Game to shred the Deuce in chest high to overhead waves. Ian likes the performance of the Deuce on his forehand and backhand, and notices that he can push hard on his rails through turns. He also mentions that surfing backside on most twin fins can be difficult..... however on the Deuce he feels like he can push through his turns similar to a Thruster off the bottom and still have the release of a Twin Fin.

Ian says the Deuce offers excellent hold and drive through turns and it's very fast down the line. He liked the Deuce in 2-6'+ surf and mentions that it could easily replace a High Performance Short Board with its ability to perform in the pocket in waves that have push.

Ian surfed the EN Twin Fins by Future for the entire review. He said the EN Twin Fin template is a little bigger and they offered plenty of hold and drive. The last thing he mentions is the Deuce did not grovel well in small mushy waves but he loved it in waves with steeper sections or flatter waves that have push.

Ian's Height 6'1" (187cm) & Weight 195 lb (89kg)
Ian's Board DIMS: 6'1" x 20 x 2.48 (34L)

Where to Buy Boards:
Rusty USA
Rusty Australia
Rusty Deuce Dark Arts
Rusty Deuce XTR10

Where to Buy Noel's HP Twin Fins:
https://surfnshow.com/products/twin-fins-hp-twins

Become a Family Patron:
@ Surf n' Show Patreon Page

No obligation, but these links & ads help support the site and keeps the reviews coming! If you decide to buy somewhere else or would like to support the show, please give at https://www.paypal.me/surfnshow

Surf 'n Show on Patreon

Surf 'n Show on Patreon

As our community grows so have the requests for us to offer more. We are excited to create exclusive content on Patreon for our Patrons that want to go deeper. We are starting with one Patron level for "Family Patrons" that will get you Early Access to Surfboard Reviews, Bonus Videos, and Exclusive Surf Better Tutorials.  

Each of our Patrons will enjoy the attention to detail in a more private environment on topics we're all passionate about.  

Your pledge as a Patron to support Surf n' Show allows us to be more creative and keeps the content coming! 

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VIP Session

Video Coaching

Have you ever seen yourself surf on video before? Ever wonder if you’re riding the right board? How about your fins… do they even matter? Can a couple minor changes in your technique get you to the next level in your surfing? 

My brother Aarron and I would like to invite you to experience a VIP session with us. 
Come spend 2 hours getting the VIP treatment as we dial in your boards, fins, and surf technique.

Aarron will capture your waves on video, and I will be in the water with you working on surf technique and dissecting your surf equipment. After the session is over, I will take the captured video and break down technique and equipment adjustments as needed. 

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