The Pipe Dream is a machine for barreling days from windswell beach break dredgy drainers to groundswell reef break almondy dreamers. I first developed the Pipe Dream pretty early on in my surfboard building career before a surf trip to Nicaragua. I wanted to a build a barrel board for the trip, but wanted it to hold its own here at home in NJ tubes, too...but also not just be a straight shooter as I'm always looking to make a turn whenever a section calls for it. Might be a hot take, but I just always have hated watching turn sections get neglected just because there are tubes. Definitely a lot to ask for from a true barrel board, and while it's not a complex design - after careful refinement - I'm extremely proud of how well the Pipe Dream handles the full range of home and surf trip tubes along with power surfing arcs & carves.

Sizing is the determinant in whether the board sits in your quiver as a standard barrel board, half step, or full step up. Keeping the board as "short" as possible/the "standard" for your weight/preferences will keep the board as agile & nimble as possible, giving you optimal control in the barrel and the tightest turning radius relative to the board for the best vertical performance.

Size up 2-4" from "standard" for a half step up for a little more paddle and rail hold, with a slight reduction in vertical performance and a slightly increased turning radius.

Size up 4-6" from "standard" for a true step up with noticeable added paddle power and rail hold, but another notch of reduction in vertical performance and further increased turning radius.

The Pipe Dream still holds up going longer from there, however I'd also recommend considering the Heater Mini-Gun at that point as well as point-and-shoot takes a commanding lead over vertical performance at that point and carves become the turning focus. P.S. Why are all the length dims in .5 increments? Well rail length is important for that hold, so it's just my cheeky way of encouraging that extra rail hold for that set wave of the day!

Order the Pipe Dream if:
⬩ Barreling waves & tube hunting are the main focus.
⬩ Barrels & rail hold are the most important aspect, but excellent big carves & vertical capability are still desired.

Consider the Heater if:
⬩ Barreling waves & tube hunting are the main focus.
⬩ XL waves and/or intense wind & heavy water conditions are on tap.
⬩ Premium rail hold & early entry usurp maximum agility.

Consider the Bombshell if:
⬩ Barreling waves & tube hunting are the main focus.
⬩ Extra paddle power & user-friendliness is welcome at a slight reduction of top end high performance.
⬩ Vertical turns are less important and carves/cutbacks are all you need.
⬩ You're looking for a versatile board focused on "mini"/smaller/tighter beach break barrels but can also handle somewhat sectiony waves and vertical turns very well.

Consider the Dream if:
⬩ Barrels and vertical turns/performance are of equal importance.

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