A Guide To Catch Surf Surfboards

If someone asked you to picture a foam surfboard, you would probably think of one of the classic blue or yellow thick boards that you see surf schools using (and you may have even used yourself when learning). You might even think that they are not great to surf on. However in the early 2000s a new brand called Catch Surf decided to radically change the foam surfboards market. 

The History of Catch Surf

Catch Surf was founded in Laguna Beach, California by George Arzente in 2007. He was real estate agent, whose real passion was surfing, so he decided to take a break from his day job and try to launch a surf brand. 

George teamed up with legendary bodyboard pioneer Tom Morey to design an early range of foam surfboards. These were called the 'Y Boards' and featured a slick bottom and top skin, afterburner rails and a quad fin set-up.

These were followed by the Beater - a short board that's amass-up of a surf, skim and bodyboard. It could be ridden as a twin-fin or finless, so was adaptable to different styles of riding and could even fit in the boot of your car.

Catch Surf has arguably revolutionised the surf industry over the years, especially in the foam surfboards market, by producing eye-catching 1980s-inspired designs. Importantly it also created foam surfboards that were made for performance surfing and not just for beginners.

The headquarters are now in San Clemente, California and there are around 30 employees.

Types of Catch Surf surfboards

Catch Surf surfboards have evolved since their early days and now offer a full range of surfboard designs and sizes, for every type of wave and skill level.

The infamous 'Beater' 

Some of their most popular surfboards include:

• The Beater - 54" long and ideal for charging shore breaks
• The Skipper - a 6' fish shape, that has great speed down the line and draws stylish turns
• Retro Fish - a 5'8" classic design, for small summer surf
• Noserider - a 9' longboard for all levels, that (as the name suggests) helps you get some tip time
• Plank - this 9' model gives you an old school feel, on a single fin
• Log Pro - super floaty and looks like a longboard, but comes in 6' or 7' lengths

All of these different models are available in a range of bright or neon colours and designs.

How to care for Catch Surf surfboards

Despite being constructed to withstand a pounding in the surf, there are a few things you can do to prolong the lifetime of your Catch Surf surfboard:

• Excessive heat - probably not a problem for us in the UK, however if the boards are exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods of time then they might bubble or fade. It's recommended you don't leave them in cars for long periods of time
• Cleaning - rinse your board and wipe it clean after every surf. Don't use any solvents or cleaners
• Transporting - if strapping to a roof rack, then do not overtighten the straps, otherwise you might cinch the rails on the board. Use a board bag or sock where possible
• Repairs - only use a product like Gorilla Glue or glue-gun glue and not any bodyboard repair products (like Sponge Rez).

Catch Surf Team Riders

Catch Surf have partnered with a number of pro surfers over the years, the most famous of which being the Jamie O'Brien (JOB). The Hawaiian hellman has been captured riding his home break of Pipeline on various Catch Surf boards.

The current team includes the likes of: Kalani Robb, Blair Conklin, Johnny Redmond, Tyler Stanaland, Clay Marzo, Ian Crane and Evan Rossell.

Many of the pros have put their names to different collections of boards, including JOB, Kalani Robb and Taj Burrow.

Where to buy Catch Surf surfboards

We are one of the UK's leading stockists of Catch Surf surfboards and you can purchase them in our online store or our surf shop near Newquay, Cornwall. Please contact us if you have any questions about them.

Photo (c) Catchsurf.com