Welcome to the first-ever People’s Board Review. “What the hell is this and why does it have vaguely Marxist undertones,” you ask? Well, it’s a board test series in which we enlist working-stiff, relatable rippers to give us feedback on the latest surfboard models in dims you can find right there in the rack at your local surf shop. Because you probably don’t need to know if a pro’s custom sled feels a little off when reconnecting with the transition after an inverted full-rotation—but you do want to know if the stock version paddles well, if it can generate speed easily and if the thing can turn worth a damn. For this review, we put off-the-rack “El Bandido” models from RS Surf Co. in the hands of four surfers of varying sizes and board preferences and took them to a fairly average beach break on a peaky, head-high day. With its wide point forward and some hidden foam in the nose, this tri-fin craft offers high-performance feelings in a range of conditions without making you work too hard for it. While Tester #4 — the lightest of the bunch at 125 lbs., and who rode the “Bandido” in 5’8” x 19.25″ x 2.38″ 27.57 L — didn’t like that the board carried extra volume above the chest, the three other testers thought the “El Bandido” knew its niche — somewhere between a potato-chip thruster and a beefy groveler — and filled it perfectly. “This was the most well-rounded shortboard,” said Tester #1, who is 5’9” and typically rides boards with a volume around 26 liters, but didn’t mind the slightly fuller shape (ridden in 5’8” x 19.25” x 2.38” with 27 L). “It caught waves really easily and felt like it did everything I wanted it to. Just a good overall California shortboard. It’s a little more volume than I’m used to, but it didn’t feel too floaty at all. I was surprised by how well this board worked.” All four testers rode this craft with traditional polyurethane foam construction, although RS also offers this board in epoxy. Head to our site for the full review.

@jettschilling, getting tech on the Waco trampoline. Filmed by @jadon_griffith at @bsrsurfresort.

This wave ain't Jaws but it sure as hell is death-defying. Hit our link in bio to watch @cocom4debarrelkilla and @sheldoggydoor narrowly escape skinnings from this practically dry lava rock slab. Filmed by @riordanpringle.