Overview
How bottom contours shapes performance
Concave
A hollowed-out curve running along the bottom. It channels water under the board, creating lift and speed.
- Single: Pure speed.
- Double: Speed + looser turning.
Vee
The bottom is convex (like the hull of a boat), usually near the tail. This allows the board to roll from rail to rail easily, providing control.
Channels
Grooves cut into the bottom. They direct water flow aggressively, providing immense speed and drive in clean waves, but can feel "tracky" in chop.
From shapers
Expert insight
Expert Insight
Contours on the bottom (concaves, etc.) have a big effect too, but they’re more subtle and complicated — not something you can easily look at and figure out.
Keep exploring
Other anatomy guides
Each part interacts with the others — work through the full set before ordering custom.
Put bottom contours knowledge to work
Search catalog boards, compare specs, or contact a local shaper about your home break.