Surfinshape® is a training board designed for use in a lap pool to paddle on in a prone position to get and stay in great paddle shape. Read and adhere to the warning label before using. 

    Surfinshape® comes with a board, resistance bucket, and attachment hardware. To attach the resistance bucket, place the (2) bolts through the two holes in the top deck of the board.  Next place the bucket holes through the bolts on the bottom of the board. Finally, tighten the bucket to the board with the washer/wing nuts on the outside of the bucket.  It’s always recommended when you start your training to paddle first with no resistance (you can add the hardware and tighten the bolts with the washer/wing nut to the bottom of the board).

    Surfinshape® is designed to be used in a lap pool (indoor or outdoor lap pools). The boards are made out of foam and have a soft deck pad. It can also be used in lakes, ponds, or other bodies of water. Read and adhere to the warning label before using. 

     That’s a question you need to ask your gym, club, pool, or aquatic center. Surfinshape® boards have already been used in private club pools, recreation center pools, YMCA pools, community centers, and other franchise club pools. It’s always best to ask for permission first.

     Most pools allow the use of kickboards, pool buoys, and other pool fitness devices specifically designed for training.

     KEY POINT - Surfinshape® is a FITNESS DEVICE designed exclusively for use in a lap pool, this is NOT a flotation device. Many pools do not allow stationary flotation devices because they can block the view underneath the water. The reasons this is different from a flotation device is when used as designed for training, you will be taking up the same or less space as a swimmer (less space than someone using a kickboard extended from their body), and you will be moving over the water as fast or faster than a swimmer. 

     With a Surfinshape® board, a paddler will take up less lane space than a swimmer swimming breast stroke or butterfly.

     Additionally, you will be paddling in a prone position with your head above the water, seeing exactly where you are paddling (unlike a swimmer who is on their back kicking backwards using a kickboard).

     Some pools have rules that only allow approved devices, and those rules were likely made before this patented Surfinshape® board was invented. More clubs are excited about ways to increase pool use and ultimately grow and retain their memberships. If your pool will not allow use, we recommend finding another club/pool that will allow you to train with it.

     Swimming is a great exercise; however, there is no substitute to paddling on a board in prone position to get in the best possible paddle shape. The neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles are used differently when paddling. The ability to add and increase resistance for your paddle training also makes this workout very different from swimming. 

     One of our early demo testers, Sarah, shared the following, “In addition to being a quantum leap in effectiveness vs. only swimming, training with Surfinshape® is much more enjoyable too.”  Another demo tester, Jeff, explains, "The difference in my paddle fitness this trip was 10 times better and I credit 100% of that to training Surfinshape®, as I was in the pool before both trips the same amount."

     Use common sense and treat your Surfinshape® board just like you would your surfboard. For example, don’t leave it outside in the sun in extreme heat all day. It’s also not recommended that you place anything heavy on the deck pad.

     After paddling, we recommend towel drying the board as the texture on the rails and bottom of the board are prone to hold some water.  A quick and thorough towel drying should be sufficient.

     This is your call.  We’d recommend starting with a rash guard or surf t-shirt.  Lose your “cool card” and just do it.  

     No. If you find yourself sliding off easily, the best way to add more grip is to sand the deck BY HAND (specifically the area where you lay – this starts typically from the bottom half of the “S” logo down to the tail of the board).  If you do sand the deck, we recommend 180 grit or 120 grit SANDING SPONGE and to do so lightly by hand. Sanding the deck will give it a fabric like finish.  

     This is more art than science.  Currently, our Model “O” is available for purchase on our website. If you’re an experienced surfer weighing over 220 pounds, wait to order the “W” model, launching in 2018.  If you are more comfortable riding a board with more volume, you will likely want to wait on the “W” model as well.         

     Please see these loose guidelines for "Sizing Recommendations" (these are also on the product page):

Model “O” Original – 4’2”, 35 Liters, Short Board shape, slight rocker:

- All experienced, competent surfers under 215 lbs  (unless you’re a pure longboarder and you want more volume) 

- Intermediate surfers under 205 lbs 

- Newer surfers that are comfortable paddling under 170 lbs.

- Baseball pitchers under 165 lbs

Model “W” Wide - 4’4”, 56 Liters, Egg Shaped, less rocker (increased stability):

- Experienced surfers 220 lbs and up (might feel like too much volume, however, the larger resistance attachment will still make this a tremendous workout) 

- Intermediate surfers under over 205 lbs

- New to the sport of surfing 175 lbs and up Longboarding purist that appreciates paddling on more volume

- Baseball pitchers over 165 lbs 

If you’re right on the edge feel free to contact us to talk through it.

     When preparing for an upcoming trip, it’s ideal to start a paddle training program 8-12 weeks before your depart for your trip.

You can download the workout guide here.

     We ship to residents in the US, Canada, & Western Europe.  If you live outside of this geography, please contact us and we will be happy to review. Estimated shipping in the US for the models O and W is $35 and $15 for a board bag.  Shipping the models O and W to Canada is $50-$75 per package (please note the board bag and the Model W must be shipped separately).  Shipping outside of the US and Canada is approximately  $65-$80 per package (again the Model W and board bag must be shipped separately).

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CUSTOMS, TAXES AND DUTIES

     Please note that international orders may be subjected to VAT, import duties and/or taxes, which are levied once your package reaches your country.  Packages are shipped according to Incoterm Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU), which means we DO NOT collect VAT, duties and/or taxes on orders and we cannot predict what your particular charges may be. Please contact your local customs office for more information. We are sorry for this inconvenience.

     Stay tuned!  There are some in baseball (at the highest level) that have suggested paddling on a surfboard is one of the best exercises to strengthen a throwing shoulder and arm, specifically strengthening the muscles on the back of the shoulder and back of the arm.  We will be formally studying this with Exercise Sports and Science professors and look forward to sharing our results.