As the Wave Bandit is a collection within the Catch Surf, you can think of them as Catch Surf weird more youthful cousin. However, Wave Bandit surfboards are slightly cheaper, don’t meet the same standards of construction or durability, and Wave Bandit surf boards have pop through fins instead of replaceable pro fin boxes. The Odysea surfboard line from Catch Surf has 3 stringers, the Wave Bandit boards have 2.
The Catch Surf Odysea’s also has several intermediate layers on the top and bottom that add a bit of strength and performance to their boards. In general, Wave Bandit will work similarly, however, the Catch Surf Odysea series are more durable and have a performance advantage.
Given the above and a more affordable price, the Wave Bandit line is largely intended for beginner surfers. It is quite impossible not to say Wave Bandit surfboards can’t be enjoyed by any level of surfer (check out several of Ben Gravy’s exploits on these things!). Besides, there are a lot of excellent reviews for all the Wave Bandit models from both learners and progressed ones.
Here is a breakdown of the Wave Bandit lineup!
1. The Wave Bandit Easy Rider
The Easy Rider from Wave Bandit is a longboard that is well matched to beginners because of its high volume stability as well as a full-bodied egg shape. Easy Rider is built with double wood stringers and EPS core, PE deck, sturdy HDPE slick bottom, and bumper-tail.
While it is a really good board for surfing learners, the Wave Bandit Easy Rider boards can still certainly be useful for every skill level of surfing. With lots of floats, catching waves is easy, and the surfboard will work with anything from a tiny knee-high mush through to reasonably sized waves with a little bit of shape.
User Review:
- A large number of volume and float so excellent for a much heavier surfer
- Construction and short fins make it long-lasting in shallow water
- Paddles perfectly and so easy to get into waves
- Fantastic board for surfing learning
- Fun to utilize on mushy days
There are 3 sizes to pick from 7’0 to 9’0:
- 7’0 x 22 1/2″ x 3 1/8″ (72L)
- 8’0 x 23″ x 3 3/8″ (86L)
- 9’0 x 24″ x 3 1/2″ (98L)
For kids, surfing lighter learners, or pro surfers looking for an average length, the 7’0 size will suit them best. 8’0 size and especially 9’0 size of the board have significantly more volume and weight. If you are looking for a bit more maneuverability I would certainly suggest going for 7’0 or 8’0 sizes. 9’0 size is an absolute tanker that is not easy to turn but it will catch everything you need!
2. The Wave Bandit Performer
The Wave Bandit Performer is available in two models: The tiny 4’10 Twin Fin and the Tri Fin (3 sizes from 5’6- 6’6).
The Mini Twin Fin Wave Bandit Performer is a small pocket rocket with a fully rounded square tail and nose, suitable for pro lightweight shredders or kids who already have some surfing experience and want to improve on a high-performance board (probably not an idea for a toddler who is just starting to learn how to surf). Despite the Twin Fin Wave Bandit Performer’s small size, they still pack a significant volume of 35 liters!
The Mini Twin Fin Wave Bandit Performer boards have a bit of rocker to them so are well equipped to handle tighter turns as well as steeper waves. They are loose as well as responsive and will deal with waves up to about 4 feet.
The Tri Fin Wave Bandit Performer lineup is suitable for a wider range of surfers. It is a fish shape with a less full nose than the Mini Twin Fin Wave Bandit Performer, otherwise similar in design and quality, and provides good speed when down the line, you can throw them around and look for barrels.
The 5’6 size like the Mini Twin Fin Wave Bandit Performer is well suited to intermediate to advanced surfers as well as lighter surfing learners/kids. The 6’0 size as well as 6’6 sie will suit less experienced or heavier surfers.
The Mini Twin Wave Bandit Performer is 4″10″ x 19.5 x 2 15/16 (35L).
The Tri Fin Wave Bandit Performer can be found in:
- 5’6″ x 21.0″ x 2.875″ (42L).
- 6’0″ x 21.5″ x 3.0″ (48L).
- 6’6″ x 22′ x 3.125′” (55L).
User Feedback of Mini Twin Wave Bandit Performer:
- Some suggest very close to a PU shortboard with really high-performance capability
- Excellent for both adults as well as kids.
- Can surf very small to head high surf
- The soft foam is awesome for beginners
User Feedback of Tri Fin Wave Bandit Performer:
- Plenty of floats yet very easy to turn as well as really responsive
- Feels like top quality
- Great for children
- Incredible for barrels
- Can deal with heavy waves
3. The Wave Bandit Shred Sled & Shred Sled Mini
The Wave Bandit Shred Sled (& Mini) are designed mainly for children who are learning to surf with maximum performance. Unless you’re not a surf God who can ride a toothpick, you’ll have a little trouble on a four-foot surfboard! However, for the youngest, these surfboards can offer a slightly different path than the regular learner boards. Created with a buoyant dual composite core, they are made for speed.
They are available in 2 sizes: 48″ and also 37″. The 48″ size of the surfboard has security twin fins and 37″ has none – it is a body board.
User Feedback of the Wave Bandit Shred Sled
- Kids love them for their gorgeous colors
- Some pro surfers can also surf the Shred Sled
User Feedback of the Wave Bandit Shred Sled Mini Board
- This surfboard is said to be a more functional shape than a typical body board as well as a friendlier shape for a kid to handle.
- Positive comments as a kid-friendly board.
- Some comments about being able to float children weighing up to 22 kg (50 lb)
4. The Wave Bandit Shock Wave Board
The Shock Wave is a bodyboard with a channel bottom and 50/50 rails for additional drive. This is one more prominent beginner board for kids or those who are looking for a choice to stand up surfing.
5. The Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer Twin 4’10”
Just when we thought Wave Bandits couldn’t get any better, professional surfer Ben Gravy came along and made them even cooler! The Ben Gravy board is a stellar choice. It’s a great fun egg-shaped surfboard that is perfect for waist to shoulder high waves. Take the two fins out and you can ride the Ben Gravy board like a skimboard. It makes for a great wakeskate and or tow board.
Ben Gravy boards have a signature design on the bottom deck in the form of a pineapple head with sunglasses on a light green background. Ben Gravy pineapple boards are very stylish, with great colors to choose from.
User Review:
- Ben Gravy Performer Twin 4’10”
- High-performance shape and round pintail foam board
- Special 4.5″ performance thruster fin set
- Twin wood stringers and the buoyant dual-composite core of high-pressure construction for maximum rigidities
- High-density slick bottom
- Needs surf wax because the top deck foam is slick
Where To Buy?
If you are looking for a place to buy one of the different Wave Bandit products, you can purchase at the Catch Surf retail locations in San Clemente, as well as currently in Malibu, CA. Or you can order one from the Wave Bandit internet site, or various other online merchants like Amazon com.
The whole Wave Bandit Surfboards range is compared below.
