You want something with enough paddle power to get in early, but also with good hold and control on a steep face. Often, that means a bit more rocker to fit in the curve of the tube, and a pulled-in tail for quick, sharp turns to set up. Volume is a balance—enough to catch it, but not so much it feels skatey. In hollow waves, you often see surfers on shorter, thinner “step-up” boards or even guns for real juice. It’s about confidence and connection to the wave face.
