Catch Surf Wave Bandit Review

Big fun for the Small wave rider!

Catch Surf in San Clamente, CA, came up with the Wave Bandit Edition Models of Wake Surfers. When they designed this Edition, they had a specific type of wave rider in mind.

One small in stature, on the lightweight side, someone who already has some surfing skills but they want to progress, and they want a stylin’ stick! You may be thinking “GROM” and you’d be right! Yet, you don’t have to be a kid to surf one. You just have to fit the “type” – small and lightweight.

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The Wave Bandit Wake Surfers catch waves easily. Their buoyancy comes from their dual foam core. A high-pressure construction and slick sturdy bottom add to the strength and durability of these boards! The Wave Bandits are small and lightweight, just like the type of rider these boards carry best, making them simple to pack up and take anywhere.

Want to learn how to ride the lip, carve deeper bottom turns, do snap backs, get some air, or get barreled? Practice all your new moves! Don’t worry about dings. Don’t worry about injuries from the board hitting you. Don’t worry about not catching waves. The company’ name is Catch Surf after all, and they make boards to help you do just that!

Catch Surf uses advanced computer technologies to design their boards. The HDPE slick bottom, in addition to the the buoyancy of these boards, make them fast, smooth, sleek rides. Pushing your limits is all about being fearless on the wave face. Surf with confidence on one of these Wave Bandits.

Like all Catch Surf boards, the Wave Bandit Edition models have cool, vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns. The three boards to choose from differ from each other a little. Depending on your skill level and what you hope to achieve, one of these boards might be right for you. Let’s have a look!

The 3 performance "Bandits" by Catch Wave


5 Star Editorial Rating

Quality Made 5/5

Stability 5/5

Speed 5/5

Price 5/5

Maneuverability 5/5


Wave Bandit Performer Mini - 4'10" Twin


Wave Bandit Performer Mini Twin


Typical of a twin-fin, the Performer Mini slides down the wave face fast and can handle a bit bigger wave than the Shred Sled.

Rocker in the design keeps you from pearling on steep breaks and gives you more maneuverability on turns.

It’s a loose feeling, playful board that responds well to your body’s movements.

Carve faces, make tight snapping turns, and float on the wave lip or high above it aerial-style on this board. Perfect your form on the Performer Mini.

  • Shape: Egg-shaped, full-rounded nose, rounded-square tail, rocker
  • Dimensions: 4’10” x 19.0” x 2.5”
  • Best for: Intermediate to Experienced surfer, 2- 4’ wave
  • Characteristics: Maneuverability and speed
  • Materials: Dual composite core, HDPE slick bottom, high-pressure construction
  • Fin System: Twin fin, 4.5" performance, removable
  • Stringer(s): Dual wood stringers
  • Leash: Pro-style leash, included
  • Warranty: 30-day Limited Warranty for manufacturer and material defects
  • Best Feature: Facilitates advanced moves

Wave Bandit Shred Sled Mini - 37"


Wave Bandit Shred Sled Mini 3722


The Shred Sled Mini is like a bodyboard, just with more functional ways of using it to wave ride.

It’s the perfect bodyboard in small waves and dumping shore breaks. Because it has no fins, it doubles as a skimboard and kickboard.

At around 3’ in length, it’s an easy board to carry around and maneuver in the water.

If you want something for every type of small summer surf wave, check out the Shred Sled Mini.

  • Shape: Egg-shaped, full-rounded nose, rounded-square tail, no rocker
  • Dimensions: 37" (~3’1”) x 16.0” x 2.0”
  • Best for: Beginner to Intermediate surfer, 1- 3’ wave, shore break
  • Characteristics: All-around fun board
  • Materials: Dual composite core, HDPE slick bottom, high-pressure construction
  • Fin System: None
  • Stringer(s): None
  • Leash: Pro-style leash, included
  • Warranty: 30-day Limited Warranty for manufacturer and material defects
  • Best Feature: It’s a versatile board!


Wave Bandit Shred Sled - 48" Twin


Wave Bandit Shred Sled 4822 Twin


The 48” Twin finned Shred Sled is for those who want to take their skills to the next level.

This is your go-to board for speed on slow mushy waves. You’ll forget this is a foamie, except when it takes a beating and comes out ding-free!

Generate speed and learn those new tricks you’ve wanted to try. Get those moves down this summer . . . that winter swell will be here before you know it!

  • Shape: Egg-shaped, full-rounded nose, rounded-square tail, slight rocker
  • Dimensions: 48" (4'0") x 18.0” x 2.5”
  • Best for: Novice to Intermediate surfer, 2- 3’ wave, shore break
  • Characteristics: Speed
  • Materials: Dual composite core, HDPE slick bottom, high-pressure construction
  • Fin System: Twin fins, removable
  • Stringer(s): None
  • Leash: Pro-style leash, included
  • Warranty: 30-day Limited Warranty for manufacturer and material defects
  • Best Feature: Perfect board for perfecting new tricks!



FAQ

How long does it take to learn to surf?

The learning curve varies depending on several aspects, such as your age and fitness level, your familiarity with the ocean, the amount of time you devote to surfing, and your local surf break. Kids pick up the activity faster than adults do. Those who have more cardiovascular fitness, as well as muscular strength and endurance, will fare better than unfit people will. You really have to practice nearly every day, even if you are not “surfing” because just being in the water helps you learn to read waves better, build arm strength by paddling, and get to know others at your local break that are just learning as well. If your local break is a favorite among short boarders, chances are it hosts the type of wave a beginner would not want. Look for a longboard wave! You surf to have fun, don’t forget that part! Bottom line – it takes as long as it takes!


Should I worry about sharks?

If you want to, go ahead. You will probably not last long as a surfer, especially if you start sharing your worries with others in the lineup. A good response to this question is – NEVER! Truthfully, it’s like thinking about a head-on collision every time you drive a car. Learn about the sharks in your area and talk to local scientists who study them if you’re that worried. We only fear what we don’t understand!


How do I wax my new Wave Bandit?

Wax keeps you from slipping off the deck of a wet board. Buy wax that is the correct temperature for your locale – you want to avoid having it go soft on you. The best way to put wax on a new board is: 1) Use a sharp corner of the wax bar to draw diagonal hash marks on the area of the deck you want waxed. 2) Use the flat edge of the wax bar to draw small circles over the hash marks, covering open areas between the diagonal lines with wax. You can repeat steps #1 and #2 until you feel you have a good coating. Subsequent waxing requires step #2 only. Always clean wax off the bottom of your board to reduce friction and drag. Don’t put wax anywhere on the board you don’t need it, like on the nose tip, unless it’s a longboard and you plan on hanging ten!


Is it safe to surf alone?

No, but people do it. If you do, consider your situation. Assess your swimming ability at the moment, the wave and tide conditions, and the amount of daylight left. It is best to take along a mate, even if they sit onshore.


How does a soft top board handle compared to fiberglass or epoxy boards?

Soft tops are great for beginners. They don't handle quite like a hard board, but the technology in soft top boards has come a long way. Soft tops are a class of their own and as such, are decent boards to surf – for the beginner or expert!




Verdict

The choice comes down to your skill level. A beginner or someone with wave skills might gravitate toward the Shred Sled Mini because of its versatility in wave riding capabilities.

Those already confident in catching and riding waves, and who want to develop their own style should look at Wave Bandit’s Shred Sled Twin or Performer Mini.