The Innuendo is our high-performance shortboard — designed for clean chest-to-overhead surf with shape and power.
WHAT IT WANTS
Clean or punchy waves with real push — reef, beach break, or point. The high entry rocker is built for waves with shape; it won't paddle well through weak, flat surf.
SKILL LEVEL
For intermediates ready to commit to steeper drops and for advanced surfers looking for a performance board that still holds a line.
WHAT IT'S NOT
Not a grovel board. If you mostly surf knee-to-waist, a wider, flatter shape will paddle and plane better. Not a step-up either — when the surf gets to double-overhead with heavy push, a dedicated step-up shape will handle it better.
BUILD DETAILS
Build overview — rocker profile, rail shapes, fin positions. Hover any zone for the per-section call-outs.
THE DESIGN
High entry rocker gives you confidence dropping into a steep takeoff. A single concave through the front two-thirds of the board flows into a slight double concave through the tail — the single gives the lead foot a clean, loaded surface; the double splits water behind the fins for drive out of turns. Medium exit rocker keeps the board alive through the flat middle of a wave rather than stalling after the first turn.
THE RAILS
60/40 rails through the midsection give a forgiving rail-to-rail feel. Hard rails through the last 12" of the tail release water cleanly at speed — which is why the board feels lively off the top without washing out mid-turn.
+ Not sure which size? Calculate your volume
Volumes are starting points, not rulebooks. Conditions, stance, and style all shift the math.
STOCK DIMENSIONS
Stock dimensions are where we start. Customers tweak width, thickness, and volume to match where they surf and how they ride. Talk to Blake about any adjustments you'd like to make — he'll help you dial in a board with your riding preferences in mind.
Featured sizes cover the core-liters range (26–35L) most of our customers land in. Need a size outside the band? Expand All sizes or start a custom order for a specific dim.
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'7" | 18.75" | 2.36" | 25.3L |
| 5'8" | 18.88" | 2.39" | 26.2L |
| 5'9" | 19.00" | 2.43" | 27.1L |
| 5'10" | 19.13" | 2.46" | 28.1L |
| 5'11" | 19.25" | 2.50" | 29.1L |
| 6'0" | 19.38" | 2.53" | 30.1L |
| 6'1" | 19.50" | 2.57" | 31.2L |
| 6'2" | 19.63" | 2.60" | 32.3L |
| 6'3" | 19.75" | 2.64" | 33.3L |
| 6'4" | 19.88" | 2.67" | 34.5L |
| 6'5" | 20.00" | 2.71" | 35.6L |
+ How to think about dims
Length. Longer = more rail line in the water (drives through a turn, holds through flat sections, paddles better). Shorter = quicker rail-to-rail, tighter in the pocket, gives up some drive.
Width. Narrower = holds a line in clean, fast waves; faster rail-to-rail. Wider = paddles better, more stable in softer surf, sits flatter on rail.
Thickness / volume. More volume = more paddle and more margin on soft days. Less volume = sensitive underfoot; rails sink cleanly; turns feel crisper. Size for the waves you actually surf, not the ones you hope to surf.
Between sizes? We usually size up in volume (not length) for softer waves, and down in volume for overhead surf with real push.
Don't see your size? Message Blake
FIN SETUP
Thruster is stock — the standard HPSB feel. Quad loosens the board for faster down-the-line drive. Five-fin boxes let you run either setup from the same board if you want the versatility to experiment. Need help picking between rake and pivot templates? Read the fin guide, then start a conversation — Blake's happy to talk it through before you lock the build.
Recommended Fins
The Innuendo wants fins that balance drive and release. It's a versatile shortboard, so avoid anything too specialized — you want fins that respond across a range of conditions without limiting the board's natural adaptability.
Performer
Medium· Neo CarbonAll-Around
FCS's most versatile template. Moderate rake and balanced foil keep the Innuendo responsive rail-to-rail. The go-to if you're running FCS boxes.
Shop FCS II →
Carver
Medium· Performance CoreDrive / Rake-Leaning
More rake + larger area than the Performer. Holds drawn-out lines through head-high+ surf and rewards committed rail-to-rail carves. Reach for the Carver when the Performer feels too loose.
Shop FCS II →
Reactor
Medium· Performance CorePivot / Top-to-Bottom
Upright template with shorter base — releases off the top vertically. The pick when you want tight, snappy shortboard surfing in punchy beach break.
Shop FCS II →
AM2
Medium· TechflexAll-Around
The AM2 is the gold standard for versatile shortboards. Balanced rake and area give you drive through turns without losing release off the top. Perfect match for the Innuendo's all-conditions design.
Shop Futures →
F8 Legacy Series
· HoneycombDrive / Rake-Leaning
Larger area + more rake than the F6. Sustained drive through long-line carves; the right Futures pick when you want hold over loose-tail release.
Shop Futures →
P6 Alpha
· AlphaPivot / Top-to-Bottom
Futures's P-series is their dedicated pivot template — upright leading edge, shorter base, vertical release. Pairs with shortboards built for punchy contest-style surfing.
Shop Futures →
Channel Islands Tri Medium
Medium· HexcoreAll-Around / Mid-Rake
True Ames's CI-collab thruster — hand-foiled fiberglass with hexcore construction tuned for the modern shortboard. Balanced rake + clean foil keep the Innuendo responsive rail-to-rail without the longboard-fin overshoot.
Shop True Ames →
Channel Islands Tri Large
Large· HexcoreDrive / Rake-Leaning
Same CI-collab template scaled up. Larger area + more drive — the True Ames pick for shoulder-to-overhead surf where the Medium feels overwhelmed.
Shop True Ames →
JL Thruster
Medium· Apex Glass-OnAll-Around Performance
NVS's Apex-construction thruster set. Hand-foiled fiberglass with medium rake and a refined foil that generates speed without sacrificing pivot. Pairs well with the Innuendo's balanced rocker.
Shop NVS →
C-Drive Thruster Medium
Medium· ApexDrive / Rake-Leaning
NVS C-Drive cluster — drive-focused fiberglass hand-foil. Holds clean lines through committed turns; the NVS pick when JL feels too neutral and you want more drive off the bottom.
Shop NVS →Not sure which fin template is right for you? Rake, area, flex, and construction all change how a board feels.
Read the Complete Fin Guide →RAKE SPECTRUM
Where each recommended fin sits between drawn-out rake (heavier arcs, more hold) and tight pivot (vertical release, modern shortboard turning). Mid-rake (neutral) is the balanced default.
Drawn-out arcs. Power, hold, drive through long-line turns.
Balanced — drive plus pivot release. The everyday HPSB default.
Tight, vertical release. Modern shortboard pivot off the top.
FCS IIPerformermid-rake (neutral)
FCS IICarverrake-leaning
FCS IIReactorpivot-leaning
FuturesAM2mid-rake (neutral)
FuturesF8 Legacy Seriesrake-leaning
FuturesP6 Alphapivot-leaning
True AmesChannel Islands Tri Mediummid-rake (neutral)
True AmesChannel Islands Tri Largerake-leaning
NVSJL Thrustermid-rake (neutral)
NVSC-Drive Thruster Mediumrake-leaning
On a high-performance shortboard, the spectrum reads: rake = drive priority through long-line carves; pivot = release off the top in steep pockets. Mid-rake (neutral) covers most everyday HPSB conditions.
WHAT TO PICK
Mid-rake (neutral) is the safest first pick on a high-performance shortboard — drive plus pivot release covers most clean shoulder-to-overhead conditions. Lean toward rake for heavier, drawn-out turns when the surf has push and shape; lean toward pivot for tight, top-to-bottom shortboard surfing in punchy beach break. Per-fin picks for this model are coming — message Blake for current recommendations across FCS, Futures, True Ames, and NVS.
SPECS REFERENCE
Full Build Specifications
Stock dimensions, rocker, bottom contour, rail profile, fin positions, recommended fins by brand, and shaper notes for shapers and partner shops.
AVAILABLE IN THE SHOP
Ready to ride. Stop by San Clemente or message us to claim one — they move fast.
CONSTRUCTION & PRICING
Starting at $750 + tax
Every Innuendo is built to order in San Clemente. Pick a finish tier below; customize further in the next section.
Clear Resin Sanded
4-6 weeks
Functional finish, fastest turnaround. PU blank, polyester resin, sanded off the lam.
Resin Tint Sanded
6-8 weeks
Color both sides of the board in the lam, then sand it smooth.
Tint Gloss + Polish
8-10 weeks
Top-tier finish. Resin tint plus a gloss coat polished to show-quality.
Foam + Resin options
Customize your build
AESTHETIC
STRUCTURAL
TAIL VARIANTS
25% deposit today, balance due on completion. Timeline reflects current queue — confirmed on order.
Boards we've built
Recent customer builds — every Innuendo dialed to the rider.
3512313FY — Paul Davis (5'11 Green Deck White Carbon Tail Patch)
5'9 Innuendo (3642327FY)
3652327FY — Micah Lundquist (5'9 Green Rails + Stringer)
3792317MH — Jake Billings (5'9" Black Rails)
6'2 Innuendo (4452317NR)
4592429FY — Kaul Packer (5'9.5)
GO DEEPER
Every construction call links to a full guide. Start with the essentials:
Board Details Checklist
Everything we need from you to begin your custom build.
Learn more →
Foam & Resin Types
Understanding the materials that make up your board's core and shell.
Learn more →
Fins — A Complete Guide
Single fins to thrusters, base systems, sizing by weight + wave, and how to pick across True Ames, NVS, Futures, and FCS.
Learn more →
Gloss + Polish vs Sanded Finish
The final touch that defines how your board looks and feels.
Learn more →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the Innuendo work in waist-high surf?
Not really. The Innuendo's high entry rocker is built for waves with shape — it won't paddle well through weak, flat surf. For the waist-and-under range, look at a wider, flatter shape like the Gumball (groveler-leaning shortboard) or the Pin Twin (twin fin for speed from shape). The Innuendo starts coming alive at chest-high.
Can I order the Innuendo as a quad from the start?
Yes. Quad conversion is a $50–$100 add-on at build — two extra fin boxes installed alongside the thruster. The five-fin setup adds a bit more (boxes for thruster + quad) so you can swap between configurations on the same board. Tell us which setup you want when you place the order.
How long until my Innuendo is ready?
Turnaround depends on the finish:
- Clear resin sanded — 4–6 weeks
- Tint gloss + polish — 8–10 weeks
- Resin tint sanded — 6–8 weeks
Timeline reflects the current queue and is confirmed at order. A 25% deposit locks the build slot.
What fins do you recommend on the Innuendo?
Template recommendations across Futures, FCS II, True Ames, and NVS are finalizing right now. Until they're dialed in, start the custom order and we'll recommend a template based on your weight, stance, and the waves you're riding most. The Innuendo runs well with mid-rake (neutral) thrusters as a starting point.
Can I get custom artwork on the Innuendo?
Yes — three paths depending on how far you want to take it. Airsprays start at $50 for simple work. Printed logos (from your artwork) run $60–$150+. For one-of-one art, we partner with Bree Poort (@justbree) — her art resin layers are $1,000–$1,500 and turn the board into a wall-hanger that happens to surf.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Nationwide US shipping starts at $150; worldwide from $350. Free local pickup in San Clemente. Every board ships insured for full value, with signature required. FedEx or UPS domestic, air cargo internationally. Exact quote on request.
Is the Innuendo a beginner board?
No. It's built for intermediate-to-advanced riders committing to steeper takeoffs and riders who want a performance board that still holds a line. Beginners are better served by a wider, flatter, higher-volume shape — something forgiving that paddles fast and planes early.
Can I try an Innuendo before ordering one?
Sometimes. We keep a small number of display boards in the shop in San Clemente so you can hold one, check the rails, see the finish. Message us to confirm what's currently available — stock rotates as boards sell.
MORE SHORTBOARDS
EXPLORE THE LINEUP
Innuendo
shortboard
Salt Burn
twin fin
Spectre
mid length
Fantasma
longboard
Scorpio
shortboard
Talisman (Mini Gun)
gun
Dutchman
glider
Rage
wake surf
2nd to None
shortboard
Suds
twin fin
Esplanade
mid length
Black Pearl
longboard
Talisman (Step Up)
shortboard
Talisman (Gun)
gun
Wake Surf #2
wake surf
Gumball
shortboard
Revenant
twin fin
Sea Bottom
shortboard
Lunada
longboard
Five Horizons
shortboard
Pin Twin
twin fin
Whip-Stitch
mid length
Big Joe
longboard
Wanted
shortboard
Duppy
twin fin
Serenata
mid length
Legacy
longboard
Gold
shortboard
Lucid
twin fin
Hiatus
mid length
Magic Carpet
longboard
Moon Shine
shortboard
Boomerang
twin fin
Apparition
shortboard
Half-Moon
twin fin
Bang!
shortboard
Aardvark
twin fin
Lasso
shortboard
Acid-Drop
twin fin
Popsicle Stick
shortboard
Big Buoy
shortboard
COMPLETE THE QUIVER
“Surf Everyday” means a board for every condition. Your Innuendo covers chest-high to overhead— here's what rounds out the quiver.
Fantasma— Longboard
When the surf is waist-to-shoulder and clean, the Fantasma glides through sections the Innuendo would bog down in. Traditional longboard: single fin, roll-to-edge rails, classic trim-and-noseride feel. Complements the Innuendo on the small end.
Learn more →
Pin Twin— Twin Fin
For fast, small-to-medium waves where you want speed from shape and a looser feel underfoot. Twin keel fins drive differently than a thruster — wider arcs, more slide, more fun in 3-foot beach break. Complements the Innuendo when the conditions are punchy but small.
Learn more →
2nd to None— Shortboard
When the surf climbs past overhead-and-a-half with real power, a dedicated step-up handles what the Innuendo can't. More rocker, a pulled-in tail, heavier glassing — built for confidence on bigger drops. Complements the Innuendo on the big end.
Learn more →
Building a quiver around the Innuendo? Start a conversation — we'll build the right boards for how and where you actually surf.
More boards live in the website catalog than at the shop. Visits are by appointment — text or call (949) 750-5067 to look at boards in person or start a custom build.
READY TO START?
Every Innuendo is built to order in San Clemente — 4–6 weeks on a clear-sanded build, 6–8 weeks on tint-sanded, 8–10 weeks on gloss and polish. Lock your slot with a 25% deposit.
Shop: 106 W Mariposa Unit B, San Clemente, CA 92672
By appointment · 8am–8pm daily · (949) 750-5067