Thanks as always for taking the time to guide me through the process. You and...
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Behind Pete Mendia’s Inimitable Frontside Hack
Todd and Pete tackle the age old question, “Is it the surfer or the board?” ...amongst other topics...including homerun hitters, thick is the new thin, how to swing an ax, a power surfer’s fin design, race car tires, and how to blend three different boards into one shape...watch the full 11 minute in-depth breakdown.
Behind the G4-71, "Is it the surfer or the board?"
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Tommy O'Brien footloose and fins-free, east coast hurricane swell, and the G4+ Celestial Transporter.
6'0" x 18 3/4" x 2 3/8" 27.8L | Tommy is 5'9"/175lb | photo: Nate Adams
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6'0" x 19" x 2 1/2" 29L for Ventura county. Forrest is 6'1"/185lb.
Seasons of Snapper
Aussie standout Jarrah Tutton ripping apart the long walls of the Superbank.
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Shaper snags some tube time at home. photo: Papaleo
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Rozsa putting the G4+ through its paces on the long walls of Morocco's point breaks. photo: Reef/Straley
REHAB
Nick Rozsa on his 5'9" x 18 1/2" x 2 1/4" G4+ & 5'7" x 19" x 2 1/4" Carbon Footprint Monsta
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6'0" x 19" x 2 1/2" 29L for LA & county. Forrest is 6'1"/185lb. photo; Stanley
Nick Rozsa x Nicaragua
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Gromathon Man Ricky Schaffer does a 'Kelly turn' at Lowers | photo: Steve Thrailkill 6'0" x 18 3/4" x 2 5/16" 27.2L G4+ | Ricky is 6'0"/178lb
Mendia's Play Day
Mendia’s Play Day - What does Pete Mendia do when there’s not huge barrels on tap? ...He froths out in normal waves just like you and me.
In these conditions he rides the G4-71 HD. 6’1” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 31.5L Pete is 6’1” 190lbs.
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Tommy O’Brien . . . Tommy O Flyin. photo: Gamma
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Nicholas ... takin' it to the streets. photo: Reef
Black Unicorn
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g4-71 360
g4-71 360
Versatile, user-friendly easyrippin’ performance board. Moderate to low drivey rocker, yet still nice and whippy. A board you don’t have to think too much on…it just goes like a horse out tha gate.
If you need to get just one performance board to see you through, this is the one to get.
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The most versatile, high performance shortboard I make, by far.
Works in everything from knee high mushy to double overhead beach break, point break…it does it all. This board has a spark about it, and the new tuneups I’ve done to it have breathed a whole new life into this board. I’ve done tweaks to it over the years and had a whole series for awhile – but I’m clearing the house of all the different versions because this resurrects all of the best qualities of each of the G4 versions, while introducing a
radically new high velocity engine through the use of extreme concaved hull contours.
It brings back the high performance shortboard for average waves
and as an everyday board. It gives you the speed you’re looking for as well as the lightning fast responsiveness.
I’ve maintained a similar outline with a hip in the tail & similar rail line rocker
with a bit more flip off the back fin just to give it a little tighter tweak out of maneuvers.
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Then I’ve made the single concave even deeper but carried the concave all the way into the nose, so you’re accelerating water through the entire bottom of the board right from the get-go, gettin the thing to slingshot. I’m carving a really heavy concave right through the fins, deeper than what I’ve done in any other board up ’til now. It acts like a gas pedal for your back foot, so you get more speed than you ever had before, but it’s speed you can regulate.
It feels like you’re flying on air, but when you lay it over, you’re on a rail.
So you’re flying through air, but at the same time you’re on rails like a locomotive.
This harnesses the speed, adds more speed, but then regulates the speed like a gas pedal under your back foot. You don’t have to back it off with all that speed, it just holds…it won’t come undone off the bottom at the highest speeds.
So you’re generating speed with all kinds of concave up front
and then going even deeper in back
and it’s just harnessing the hydrodynamics.
The last few days I’ve been surfing with buddies getting this model and I’ve just been seeing all these characteristics come out of their surfing where they have all this extra speed and are doing stuff I haven’t seem them do before, so it’s an exciting time.
Ride the G4+ your same height
(as a basic principal, but individual needs may require increased length)
For instance, Todd is 6′ & 175 lb & his G4+ dims are 6’0″ x 18 3/4″ 2 5/16″ (2 3/8″). Ride it about 1/4″ wider than your good waves board & the same thickness.
Works in everything from knee high mushy to double overhead beach break, point break…it does it all.
Todd’s picks for traction, fins, & other board essentials

Power Broker
Andy Irons Dakine Traction
Octopus Chippa Traction
Popular Dimensions | Volume | Rider Weight |
4’11” x 17 1/4″ x 2″ | 18L | Rider weight: 70-100 lb / 31-45 kg |
5’5″ x 17 7/8″ x 2″ | 20.7L | Rider weight: 80-120 lb / 36-54 kg |
5’6″ x 18″ x 2 1/16″ | 21.7L | Rider weight: 90-130 lb / 40-58 kg |
5’7″ x 18 1/8″ x 2 1/8″ | 22.9L | Rider weight: 100-140 lb / 45-64 kg |
5’8″ x 18″ x 2 3/16″ | 22.8L | Rider weight: 110-150 lb / 49-68 kg |
5’8″ x 18 1/4″ x 2 1/8″ | 23.4L | Rider weight: 110-150 lb / 49-68 kg |
5’8″ x 18 1/2″ x 2 3/16″ | 25L | Rider weight: 130-170 lb / 58-77 kg |
5’9″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 3/16″ | 24.4L | Rider weight: 120-160 lb / 54-72 kg |
5’9″ x 18 5/8″ x 2 5/16″ | 25.9L | Rider weight: 140-175 lb / 63-79 kg |
5’10” x 18 1/4″ x 2 7/16″ | 25.5L | Rider weight: 120-165 lb / 54-74 kg |
5’10” x 18 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ | 25.6L | Rider weight: 130-170 lb / 58-77 kg |
5’10” x 18 3/4″ x 2 5/16″ | 26.4L | Rider weight: 140-175 lb / 63-79 kg |
5’10” x 18 3/4″ x 2 3/8″ | 26.9L | Rider weight: 140-175 lb / 63-79 kg |
5’10” x 18 5/8″ x 2 7/16″ | 27.5L | Rider weight: 140-175 lb / 63-79 kg |
5’10” x 19 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ | 29L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
5’11” x 18 7/8″ x 2 5/16″ | 27.2L | Rider weight: 150-180lb / 68-82 kg |
5’11” x 19 3/8″ x 2 5/8″+ | 32L+ | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
5’11” x 19 3/4″ x 2 11/16″ | 33L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’0” x 18 3/4” x 2 5/16” | 27.3L | Rider weight: 150-180 lb / 68-82 kg |
6’0″ x 19″ x 2 1/2″ Peter | 29L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’0″ X 19 1/4″ X 2 9/16″ | 30.2L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’1” x 18 7/8” x 2 3/8” | 28.5L | Rider weight: 155-185 lb / 70-84 kg |
6’1″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 9/16″ | 31.2L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’1″ x 19 1/2″ x 2 11/16″ | 33.3L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’2” x 19” x 2 7/16” | 29.8L | Rider weight: 160-195 lb / 72-88 kg |
6’2” x 19” x 2 9/16” | 31.3L | Rider weight: 160-200 lb / 72-90 kg |
6’2″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 9/16″ | 31.4L | Rider weight: 165-195 lb / 74-88 kg |
6’2″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 5/8″ | 32L+ | Rider weight: 175-205 lb / 79-93 kg |
6’3″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 9/16″ | 32.5L | Rider weight: 175-205 lb / 79-93 kg |
6’3″ x 19 1/4″+ x 2 11/16″ | 33L | Rider weight: 175-205 lb / 79-93 kg |
6’4” x 19 1/4” x 2 1/2″ | 31.7L | Rider weight: 175-205 lb / 79-93 kg |
6’4” x 21” x 3 1/8″ | 43-44L | Rider weight: 175-225 lb / 79-102 kg |
6’6” x 19 1/2” x 2 9/16” | 33.7L | Rider weight: 175-215 lb / 79-97 kg |
6’6″ x 21 1/4″ x 3″ | 45L | Rider weight: 185-240 lb / 79-90 kg |
6’8” x 20” x 2 3/4” | 37.7L | Rider weight: 185-220 lb / 83-100 kg |
6’10” x 20 1/4″ x 2 7/8″ | 40.7L | Rider weight: 195-230 lb / 88-104 kg |
Ride the G4+ your same height
(as a basic principal, but individual needs may require increased length)
For instance, Todd is 6′ & 175 lb & his G4+ dims are 6’0″ x 18 3/4″ 2 5/16″ (2 3/8″). Ride it about 1/4″ wider than your good waves board & the same thickness.
construction options & pricing
Polyester/Polyurethane
$725+traditional foam & fiberglass - starting at ...
Proxy epoxy/EPS
$875+3-5 x the strength & durability of a poly, lighterweight & slightly more buoyant
Carbon Footprint
$1025+stringerless Proxy epoxy with carbon reinforced rails
Titanium II Series
$1025+ any of our Proxy epoxy iterations with the additiona of strategically placed carbon/kevlar mesh
Zipstitch-Swamis-Loop
Zipstitch-Swamis-Loop
introducing a radically new high velocity engine through the use of extreme concaved hull contours.
The last few days I’ve been surfing with buddies getting this model and I’ve just been seeing all these characteristics come out of their surfing
where they have all this extra speed and are doing stuff I haven’t seem them do before, so it’s an exciting time.
Zipstitch-Swamis-Loop
Zipstitch-Swamis-Loop
It brings back the high performance shortboard for average waves and as an everyday board. It gives you the speed you're looking for as well as the lightning fast responsiveness.
how to get your board
ordering options
Hi Charissa, New board arrived in pristine condition. Looks rad! Please tell Todd I...
Hi Charissa, New board arrived in pristine condition. Looks rad! Please tell Todd I...
Hi Todd and Charissa, I’ve been surfing the new board for a few months now...
The G4f worked great in Indo. The extra volume is clutch for paddling but the...
So critical here to have a board that can hold in these conditions and this type of wave – Nailed it
Todd , perfect board for Teahupoʻo. Thank you. 12’+ Perfection on the barrels. The quad...
It has been two years since I got my G4+ & the Titanium construction feels...
Hey guys thank you for getting my surfboards done before my surf trip. This is...
Hey Todd, The 5’10 G4+ Varial foam is working great. Fast, responsive, and all around...
Well I just wanted to express my gratitude to both you and Todd. After buying...
Seriously thank you . . . I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately & kinda...
Yeah, we agree @k_epic_mendia_ we think Big Z is a good role model too
#g471surfboard
@billabong_usa @billabong @gardenoflife @dragonalliance @freak_traction @jo_bistro @nomadsurfshop @playabowls
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Yeah, we agree @k_epic_mendia_ we think Big Z is a good role model too
#g471surfboard
@billabong_usa @billabong @gardenoflife @dragonalliance @freak_traction @jo_bistro @nomadsurfshop @playabowls
…
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Up in the air with a junior bird man 🦅
Kepa does the #billabongbloodlines flight path with style and ease.
5’8” x 18 1/4” x 2 1/4” #G471surfboard a combination of the #G4surfboard outline with the rocker and hull contours of the #SR71surfboard …. a single to double concaves combo gives this board a wide open sweet spot, easy to ride in a variety of conditions, for a broad array of styles.
Kepa is 15, 5’8”, 120lbs.
Photo: @shane_grace
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Up in the air with a junior bird man 🦅
Kepa does the #billabongbloodlines flight path with style and ease.
5’8” x 18 1/4” x 2 1/4” #G471surfboard a combination of the #G4surfboard outline with the rocker and hull contours of the #SR71surfboard …. a single to double concaves combo gives this board a wide open sweet spot, easy to ride in a variety of conditions, for a broad array of styles.
Kepa is 15, 5’8”, 120lbs.
Photo: @shane_grace
…
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@k_epic_mendia_ keeps a cool head on his way to the finals.
5’7” x 18 1/4” x 2 3/16” #g471surfboard
@billabong_usa @billabong @gardenoflife @playabowls @freak_traction @dragonalliance @nomadsurfshop @jo_bistro @shadesunscreen
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@k_epic_mendia_ keeps a cool head on his way to the finals.
5’7” x 18 1/4” x 2 3/16” #g471surfboard
@billabong_usa @billabong @gardenoflife @playabowls @freak_traction @dragonalliance @nomadsurfshop @jo_bistro @shadesunscreen
…
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10 years ago when I first went to El Salvador, this local kid was 11 years old and lived right on the point with his family. There was literally nothing around; a very humble existence, I’d imagine life had not been lived too much differently for hundreds of years at that stretch of beach. I remember Bryan and his brothers would take turns going over the falls on old brown boards that looked like they had been broken and ramshackle fixed a hundred times. They would scamper around hooting barefoot on the beach, and hunting down coconuts to share for hydration. I ran into him and his brothers on this latest trip and here’s how Bryan surfs now! He tried one of my personal boards I brought down and he went to town …and, all the brothers have grown into fine, responsible young men that are quick to share a smile and pass on solid aloha vibes. Did you know that “El Salvador” means ‘The Saviour’. And “La Libertad” means ‘Liberty’…
6’2” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32.5L thumbtail #G471surfboard
@bryan_perez_14 is 21/6`2"/185lb
🎥 @kevinsurfpz
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10 years ago when I first went to El Salvador, this local kid was 11 years old and lived right on the point with his family. There was literally nothing around; a very humble existence, I’d imagine life had not been lived too much differently for hundreds of years at that stretch of beach. I remember Bryan and his brothers would take turns going over the falls on old brown boards that looked like they had been broken and ramshackle fixed a hundred times. They would scamper around hooting barefoot on the beach, and hunting down coconuts to share for hydration. I ran into him and his brothers on this latest trip and here’s how Bryan surfs now! He tried one of my personal boards I brought down and he went to town …and, all the brothers have grown into fine, responsible young men that are quick to share a smile and pass on solid aloha vibes. Did you know that “El Salvador” means ‘The Saviour’. And “La Libertad” means ‘Liberty’…
6’2” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32.5L thumbtail #G471surfboard
@bryan_perez_14 is 21/6`2"/185lb
🎥 @kevinsurfpz
…
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Class act kid in orbit, Hunter, soaring this morning at the local beachie.
6’1” x 19” x 2 9/16” 31L #g471surfboard with a couple new tweaks & modernizations @huntray284 photo: Dennis
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Class act kid in orbit, Hunter, soaring this morning at the local beachie.
6’1” x 19” x 2 9/16” 31L #g471surfboard with a couple new tweaks & modernizations @huntray284 photo: Dennis
…
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Stoked surfer reports >> this just in: “Hey Todd I’ve been riding the 6’1” a lot lately the thing is crazy!” – Jake
Here’s a couple from yesterday at T-Street…
6’1” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32L #G471surfboard with a couple new tweaks and updates.
Jake is 23, 6’2”, 190lbs.
#surflinesessions
#surflinecamrewind @jakes_strength
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Stoked surfer reports >> this just in: “Hey Todd I’ve been riding the 6’1” a lot lately the thing is crazy!” – Jake
Here’s a couple from yesterday at T-Street…
6’1” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32L #G471surfboard with a couple new tweaks and updates.
Jake is 23, 6’2”, 190lbs.
#surflinesessions
#surflinecamrewind @jakes_strength
…
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We have nothing against airs. In fact, we quite like them. And so does @k_epic_mendia_
5’2” x 17” x 2 3/16” 20.2L #g471surfboard Kepa is 13/5’2”/100lb
@billabong @billabong_usa @gardenoflife @petemendia @nomadsurfshop @freak_traction @jo_bistro @dragonalliance @shadesunscreen
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We have nothing against airs. In fact, we quite like them. And so does @k_epic_mendia_
5’2” x 17” x 2 3/16” 20.2L #g471surfboard Kepa is 13/5’2”/100lb
@billabong @billabong_usa @gardenoflife @petemendia @nomadsurfshop @freak_traction @jo_bistro @dragonalliance @shadesunscreen
…
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Erik, with his new custom #G471surfboard 6’1” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32.5L in teamlite epoxy construction. Erik knows how to navigate square barrels like a tunnel rat, and froths like a grom gone rabid.
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Erik, with his new custom #G471surfboard 6’1” x 19 1/4” x 2 5/8” 32.5L in teamlite epoxy construction. Erik knows how to navigate square barrels like a tunnel rat, and froths like a grom gone rabid. …
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