Deadly Flying Turtle - Customize
The Deadly Flying Turtle is a groveler shaped by Jeff "Doc" Lausch — the high-performance version of the V-12 Flying Turtle. The original V-12 has been dialed in for small waves that customers kept asking for a more progressive version that could push harder when the surf gets punchy. The Deadly Flying Turtle is the answer.
This board keeps the full body and high volume that made the original Flying Turtle so easy to ride, but with the nose and tail pulled in significantly tighter than the V-12 and added rocker throughout. The result is a groveler that still paddles like a dream, catches everything, and lets you get "deadly" vertical when the small-wave surf actually has some pop to it.
Whether you're surfing summer beach breaks, weak afternoon sessions, or punchy 1-4 ft days when you want more response than a fish, the Deadly Flying Turtle gives you the paddle power of a Flying Turtle with the snap of a shortboard.
Doc's Board Recommendation:
- 5 Fins
- Round Squash Tail
- No Channels
- Waves from 1 to 4 ft
- Surfers who want a groveler with more performance than a typical small wave board
- Surfers chasing punchy small surf with thruster or quad response
Specs:
- Fin setup: Thruster or quad (FCS or Futures boxes)
- Outline: Pulled-in nose and tail (vs. the V-12 Flying Turtle)
- Rocker: Added rocker for steeper small-wave sections
- Drive Speed: 4/5
- Wave Height: 1–4 ft
- Maneuverability: 3/5
- Paddle Power: 4/5
- Construction: Available in PU/Polyester or EPS/Epoxy
Custom shaped to order in Huntington Beach, California. Typical build time 3–4 weeks.
Related shapes: Looking for a more forgiving small-wave option? Check out the original V-12 Flying Turtle.
PU Polyester
- The standard blank, offering a classic feel and smooth ride. Known for its flex and responsiveness in a variety of wave conditions.
- Polyester Blank
- Polyester Resin
Poly with Epoxy Resin
- Stronger than polyester resin and makes the board more durable.
- Polyester Blank
- Epoxy Resin
EPS Epoxy
- Great strength to weight ratio.
- Lighter and stronger than a polyester board in the same dimensions.
- Slightly more flotation.
Single Slot Channel
- A single slot channel is a singular, short groove starting about 10 inches from the tail and getting deeper as it exits out the end of the board.
Benefits:
- Improved Drive: The single slot channel helps direct water flow, providing the board with extra drive and speed, especially in smaller, weaker waves. A great alternative to having a center fin on twin or quad fins.
- Control: It offers enhanced control by channeling water more directly under the board, making it easier to maintain a stable line during turns.
- Versatility: This channel design is versatile, performing well in various wave conditions, from small beach breaks to bigger surf. Adds a little grip to your rip.
4 Channel
- A 4-channel design features four grooves on the bottom of the board. A slightly longer center channel. The outside channels are a little shorter starting from the back quarter of the board, starting shallow and progressively get deeper as it exits the tail.
Benefits:
- Speed and Lift: The 4 channels create lift by directing water flow more efficiently, allowing the board to plane better on the water's surface, which results in increased speed.
- Enhanced Grip: This design provides additional grip and hold during turns, making it excellent for carving and generating speed through sections of the wave.
- Responsiveness: The configuration of the channels offers more responsiveness in turns, allowing for sharper, more precise maneuvers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: High-gloss shine enhances visual appeal and makes the board stand out.
- Durability: Offers a little bit of strength and durability.
Protects the crucial area of the board under your back foot. It’s worth the price if you are hard on your boards and have a tendency to crush the tail with your back foot.