Board rocker, explained
Rocker is the curve of a board from tip to tip. Every type the catalog draws, with how it tends to feel on the water and what it suits.
Flat rocker
- Shape:
- Almost straight through the middle, lifting only at the tips
- Feels:
- Fast and stable. It gets up on the water early and holds its speed. It can feel harsh in chop, and landings are firmer.
- Suits:
- Light wind, cruising and freeride, riders who want speed and upwind. Less suited to big jumps and rough water.
Low rocker
- Shape:
- One gentle curve from tip to tip
- Feels:
- A smooth, gentle curve. Easy and predictable in chop, and it gets going early.
- Suits:
- All-round freeride, learning, and flat to choppy water.
3-stage rocker
- Shape:
- Flat middle, with an angled section at each tip
- Feels:
- The flat middle gives drive and early planing, and the angled tips take the sting out of chop and landings.
- Suits:
- Freeride and light wind, for riders who want drive plus some pop.
Medium rocker
- Shape:
- One even curve from tip to tip, with moderate lift
- Feels:
- Balanced. It turns predictably, is smooth in chop, and the pop builds as you load it.
- Suits:
- An all-round choice for freeride and jumping.
Progressive
- Shape:
- Gentle through the middle, curving more toward the tips
- Feels:
- Calm underfoot, with the curve building toward the tips. It gives a controlled, strong pop and soft landings.
- Suits:
- Jumping, big air and freestyle.
Maximum rocker
- Shape:
- One deep curve from tip to tip, the banana shape
- Feels:
- A deep "banana" curve. Very soft landings and plenty of pop, but it gets going later, is slower and holds less upwind, so it needs more wind.
- Suits:
- Big air, freestyle, and rough water.
The curves are idealized. A real board's rocker won't look exactly like them. In general. Brands use these names loosely, and the outline, flex and fins change how a board feels as much as the rocker does.