At a glance
Quick facts
Fit check
Is a gun right for you?
Honest prompts — not a scored quiz. If several apply, this shape is worth researching.
- Surf waves over 12ft regularly?Triple overhead or bigger
- Have big wave experience?Advanced to expert level
- Need maximum paddle speed?Catch bomb sets
- Require extreme hold?Control in critical situations
Still unsure? Take the skill assessment or run Match Me.
Shape overview
About gun boards
A technical guide to gun surfboards. Explore the design theory behind the length, rocker, foil, and rail profiles that deliver critical paddle speed and high-speed hold. Understand how these elements combine to navigate the world's most challenging waves and what to discuss with your shaper.
Gun surfboards are the ultimate big wave tools, designed exclusively for waves 12ft+ with extreme paddling speed, hold, and control.
Works well when
- Handles very large waves
- High paddling speed
- Maximum hold at speed
- Purpose-built for giants
Trade-offs
- Specialized and difficult to maneuver
- Useless in small waves
- Requires expert skill
Local marketplace
Custom boards from local shapers
Listings on Sticks today — browse shapers in your region, then contact them directly. Strongest coverage in NZ and Australia.
Custom boards from local shapers
Hand-shaped boards from experienced shapers in your region. Open worldwide — deepest listings in NZ and Australia; growing in Brazil, Spain, and South America.
2 custom boards from local shapers
Catalog
Gun boards on Sticks
Search and compare retail models in the catalog — or scroll to custom shapers above.
Sweet Spot 4.0
DHD
The best performing travel board... the ultimate step up! So what’s different from the 3.0? The nose...
$896-1095
View board
Raging Bull
JS Industries
Over the last year, Occy’s fallen back in love with surfing all over again. He’s in the water more, ...
$600-900
View board
Big Horse
JS Industries
When swell is on the way and it’s time to put the head down and go, saddle up the Big Horse. With a...
$600-900
View boardMore in catalog
Forget Me Not 3 Step Up
JS Industries
Our Forget Me Not 3 Step Up is designed for those days we dream about. It’s all about harnessing the...
$600-900
View board
Step Off
JS Industries
Whether there’s no one else around and you just want to triple your wave count, or it’s a wave that ...
$600-900
View board
Zeus
Channel Islands
The CI team calls the Zeus “A quick and loose all-around performance shortboard”. The bottom co...
$600-900
View boardVideo
Learn about gun boards
Background
Design history
Guns are purpose-built for tow-in and giant swell sessions; they emphasize paddling and hold at speed.
Answers
Common questions
What is a gun surfboard?
Gun surfboards are the ultimate big wave tools, designed exclusively for waves 12ft+ with extreme paddling speed, hold, and control.
Who should ride a gun?
Conquer massive waves with purpose-built guns - specialized equipment for serious big wave surfing and XXL conditions.
What waves suit a gun best?
Typical length: 7'6" - 10'0"+ | Volume: 40-60L | Best for: 12ft+ waves
Keep exploring
Related guides
Ready to pick a gun?
Search catalog boards, compare your shortlist, or contact a local shaper about your home break.