Step Up by TDK Surfboards
Surfboard Reviews
Overall Rating
Pros
Great performance in big waves
Durable for bigger waves
Paddles well
Easily handles steep take offs
Cons
Not ideal in rolling, fatter waves
It is always a bad sign when you are standing on the beach with waves thundering, knees shaking, and watching other surfers paddle out with big boards. All the while you're looking at your potato chip wondering if you might be under gunned. The feeling of paddling out with an eight foot charger gun when the waves are only chest high isn't much better than the first scenario. You don't want to bring a knife to a gun fight and you don't want to bring a gun to a fist fight, so what do you do? A little compromise is all that is needed. The Step Up shaped by TDK is exactly that. This board is the perfect step up. When the conditions cause you to leave your small wave boards at home but the swell isn't quite big enough for your lightning bolt emblazoned bonzai gun, then it is time to grab the Step Up. The board is shaped with the intention of handling sizable waves while retaining the characteristics needed for high performance.
The Board
Dimensions & Material
The board we tested is 6'3"H x 18.75"W x 2.4"T, shaped with polyurethane foam. It's important that the dimensions of the any step up board should be designed for your body size. The Step Up also comes with heavy glass because big wave boards need the extra weight and durability.Bottom
The bottom features a double concave. The channels aren't too extreme but rather they are mellow and allow for added water flow while still capable of holding turns.Tail
Here you see a skinny squash tail. Most step up boards come with a pin or a rounded pin but on this board the squash will help bolster some big turns on the face or off the top. The tail has rocker to help out with those turns as well. An important aspect of the tail is how narrow it is, this characteristic is similar to the tails found in the Gun family.Nose
The nose on the Step Up is a distinct feature drawing more on the side of the gun it is elongated, narrow, and has substantial rocker. The length and rocker help for paddling and catching the bigger sized sets. The nose is narrow which follows the sleek shape of the board in general.Rails
The rails are crisp and sharp around the tail but then transitions into smooth rails through the body and up to the nose.Fins
This board comes with a three fin FCS Fins set up. I personally use FCS-K3 model, which was developed and tested by Kelly Slater. Generally speaking, the bigger the waves the bigger the fins, so make sure you don't paddle out with small fins or you will find yourself sliding instead of doing a bottom turn.
The Test
Paddling
The Step Up model surf board distinguishes itself form standard performance boards by having increased length while retaining its sleek width. The rocker in the body of the Step Up board is also more relaxed. These features allow for more glide while paddling. The length brings more surface area which enables increased momentum when paddling. Less rocker means less water displacement and thus, an easier paddle.Catching
The board has rocker in the nose which moves into the body. It is designed for steep take-offs on heavier waves. The long narrow nose won't dig into the face as you air drop into those monsters with nothing but the tips of your toes touching the deck.
Board Info
Shortboard
3 fin
Polyurethane
Ideal Use
Waves: Large
Skill: Advanced
Editor:
Surfers:
Add the first review!Riding
The adrenaline which pulsates through your veins on those macking days provides for one of the best natural highs you can find on this planet. The fear associated with falling on a monster wave with thousands of gallons of water thrashing on top of you is what every surfer has to conquer. The last thing you want to do is paddle out on equipment which can't handle the intense ride. The Step Up by TDK has an excellent ride, specifically shaped so the surfer won't have to worry about his equipment while gliding across the face of over head slammers.Conclusion
Next time the waves pump up and provide more power than your small stick can handle then get yourself a step up. The Step Up by TDK is a great option because it comes from an experienced shaper who hasn't jumped on the mass production train. Every board by TDK is hand shaped and glassed by Todd Kayminski. The Step Up has everything machine made step up boards have except it was made by hands of the artist himself. With it, you'll be able to take on pretty much anything between shoulder to double-overhead.
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