CI "G Skate" Surfboard Review with Gudauskas Bros Ep 132

In this episode, Noel Salas meets up with the Gudauskas brothers to review the new G-Skate by Channel Islands Surfboards. Tanner describes his surfboard as a stock 5'6". He said they collaborated to make a great surfboard for small California waves, but found it totally performs in Hawaii during large swells. They want surfers to be able to modify the board with the right fins and the right wave conditions, so they can have the most fun and success with this surfboard. Tanner rides the G-Skate as a thruster, while Pat loves to ride it as a Twin + Trailer for a little more speed and control. The target range for this board is waist- to head-high plus, the board fits well in barrels and can be used as a daily driver. The Gudauskas brothers give tips on how to order the dims on the G-Skate. Enjoy!
Where to Buy Boards:
Surf Station: www.surfstationstore.com/collections/channel-islands-surfboards
CI Surfboards: cisurfboards.com/products/g-skate
Where to Buy Fins:
Pivot Twins + 1 - surfnshow.com/products/twin-fins-p-twin-1
MS-Neutral Thruster - surfnshow.com/products/surf-n-show-neutral-thruster-set
MS-Pivot Thruster - surfnshow.com/products/momentum-series-ms-p-thruster-pivot-template
CI-Gudauskas Fins:
cisurfboards.com/products/merrick-gudauskas-2-1
Noel's Height 5'9" (175.26cm) Weight 170lbs (77.11kg)
Board Size: Stock (PU/Poly) 5'4" x 19 x 2 3/8 (27.2L)
Dane's Height 6'0" (182.88cm) Weight 180lbs (81.64kg)
Board Size: Stock (PU/Poly) 5'6" x 19 1/4 x 2 7/16 (29.1L)
Tanner's Height 5'11" (180.34cm) Weight 175lbs (79.37kg)
Board Size: Stock (PU/Poly) 5'6" x 19 1/4 x 2 7/16 (29.1L)
Pat's Height (5'11" (180.34cm) Weight 168lbs (76.20kg)
Board Size: Stock (PU/Poly) 5'6" x 19 1/4 x 2 7/16 (29.1L)

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Awesome review. Thanks for putting it together. It's mind blowing the speed that Tanner gets on a 6 inch wave, WTF. You guys have me super curious. Cheers and thanks agin.

[@thestow35]

Noel, you are truly a gift to the surfing community - at all levels. Your skills are 100X what mine will ever be, but I can still appreciate what you share. Most "surfboard reviews" are little more than reading a brochure with the same outrageous claims, "heaps of paddle power...packed in with foam just where you need it...but also able to give you the performance when you need it". Which we know is just marketing fluff. Or, like other surfers that spend half their video chugging down some red bull. You are able to share your insights because (1) you understand how waves, boards and body dynamics come together (2) you actually spend time surfing the boards and (3) you are passionate about sharing your knowledge with others.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Thank you for the kind words...

[@charlie-dont-surf]

Great episode! This input from you and the G's is both entertaining and informative. It's so easy to watch. Thanks guys!

[@Meteores7]

That 1ft versatility convinced me...Gskate ticking all the boxes for everyday surfing! Wave range with just the right hold and release + diverse fin options! Epic review Noel!

[@afloatfish]

Remember these guys are light

[@nicklewdor1290]

These guys are very light and very fit

[@user-ut6ks7bw8m]

Great work evolving your show working with different surfers to break down the model. Can't wait to get my paws on one of these G-Skates...

[@SkipperSurfReview]

I love my G Skate! Awesome review Noel with the G Brothers!! I would match these conditions at Trestles to one of the best fun days in New York

[@jbessonephotographerfilmma2600]

Amazing show ! I ve been really interested in knowing about this board and got it all here. Thanks and keep it up 👍

[@alexandreverdan1324]

Love the G brothers and the board looks sick! Great review

[@BigZ_4i20]

Been anxious for this!

[@cooperdavis6751]

just picked up a 5'6, thing is so epic. great for everyday sort of waves

[@generalmayhem8318]

Love your reviews🤙🏽

[@mikeuptegrove]

I like that they’re trying to create more versatility. My Seaside has begun to function like that for me; I ride it in everything from tiny to super steep and ledgy. I started using it for basically everything to easy up on my shoulder paddling since it’s a higher volume board I generally grovel with. But in the end, I just learned how to use it in everything. I’m starting enjoy versatile boards like this more and more. 🤙🤙

[@Spider2029]

Feel the same about my Helium Sweet Potato, stock 5'6. I started with mushy 2-3ft, tried it in every condition I've been given since I got it (up to 5ft) and kinda surprise how the board still hang ups rather nicely. Sure, maybe not the best board for 5ft+ and definitely not something you will use in OH+ (too flat, too wide), but on average conditions I think it's a great board overall and now it's basically my daily driver (you know, Mediterranean surfer here). Cannot be happier as someone started to short boarding from a couple of months. Best!

[@chrisathan4293]

Next Level Surf n Show !! 🙌💪 Finally, I couldn't wait for this show to come out ! Amazing ! Yes Noel you were really grinding it ! We owe you so much ! How would you compare the G skate to the Bobby quad and the RNF 96 ?

[@jakesboardreviews]

That Thumbnail is 🔥 Noel, like something out of X-Men 👍

[@johnrockyoga9557]

I just got my 5’6 stock and gotta say as soon as i paddled I knew it was gonna be a good board.. wide on the nose that makes it super easy to paddle in to waves! And playing around with the back foot is so crazy on this board.. going down the line, generating speed with the foot a bit forward on the pd gives you insane speed and twin feel! And when you pull that foot back the board is so loose! Very happy with my purchase! And the blue colour is sick!!

[@bodhicoll2807]

How tall are you

[@johnrockyoga9557]

@@bodhicoll2807 5’11

[@apiadventures3213]

Me too I know what you mean 🤭

[@lebelieberungewohnlich4227]

Great interview Noel 🙌🏼

[@taradead]

Tanner has the ultimate micro-wave style: ultra compact, coiled and ready to strike 2:23. On backside bottom turns, his back knee is only inches from the deck.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Tanner won the heat by a mile... one of my favorite surfers on every board he rides.

[@richardthiele4206]

@tarasded Nailed it!!!!! I was thinking the exact same thing.🔥🔥🔥

[@carloslukather6658]

you are a must these days since de surfboard companys are forced to creat new models every 3 months. a lot of then looks for the same purpose for me. the companys need to sell. love your show. i alreday got my gremlim, the phanton and neck beard 3 and rocket wide.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Cheers for the kind words!! Your quiver sounds epic to me

[@taradead]

True. Still loving the pod mod I bought based on Noel's reviews.

[@whatmemories3728]

Board looks sick!

[@peacepuffz]

Big ups boys!!

[@geoffreymccann2841]

Very interesting. Looks like a very similar shape to a model Joel Fitzgerald does called the space hawk that Ozzie Wright rips on.

[@justinbordwell4654]

David puuu made those in Ventura. It worked so good in small and large conditions

[@derekwoodcock2510]

The back half kinda looks like the free scrubber mixed with the Bobby quad for the front half, I'd still like to try one out for sure.

[@dougsheldon8970]

I know a few months back u mentioned doing a segment tying surfing and bowl skating together. Any chance we see that. Carpenter in Dallas area is a great park.

[@jonahhex9620]

The waves remind me of Florida but then that’s a good for the evaluation. It looks like you put it thru the paces.

[@dr.ivanpenna6767]

Nice review, which is better G skate or Astro pop?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

AP Carrie’s more speed in 1-2’ surf but the G-Skate is more versatile. The G-Skate’s wave range is next level… great daily driver

[@Darkvlad7]

Hi Noel, low intermediate here , between the G skate and the RNF 96, which one do you think is the most user friendly and has the best paddling ? Love your reviews from France

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The G Skate might paddle a little better. The 96 turns sharper and offers a bit more performance

[@Darkvlad7]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thank you for your reply !

[@chrisathan4293]

@@Darkvlad7 merci for the question :)

[@mourrisprod.1013]

I have the sharp eye inferno 72 as my hpsb at 25 L. What do you think would make a better 2 board quiver for the smaller days/ medium when I don’t feel like using the hpsb, the g skate or the rnf 96 or something else?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

G-Skate or Bobby Quad

[@surfbum8166]

Rocket wide squash looks better to me. Noel, it would be cool to see how G skate holds up against your top grovler board picks

[@dissanti]

That fr Will be my next board

[@AtilaMadrona]

Thanks for the review Noel. CI G-skate or Bobby Quad for a very similar point break at the Mediterranean?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Tough one…, both boards are super fun. Personally I like the BQ better. It offers a bit more performance in the pocket

[@AtilaMadrona]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 awesome thanks

[@cesarcaceres26]

Yewwww🔥

[@leilanikaiawelacuesta7771]

Yo Noel How would you compare this to the Pod Mod? Thanks!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The PodMod might Ofer a little more performance in the pocket. The GSkate might have a little more hold and drive. You can really push through your turns on the G Skate

[@reefslug]

Hey brother I had an unrelated question about your choice of board construction. I know PU is the absolute best for bigger and windy conditions but what construction has better durability to pressure dents and overall life of the board but can still go descent on bigger windier days? Thanks in advance

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The folks at XTR have their new foam XTR10. I have been riding it and it’s next level. Excellent flex and very durable. Check them out here… epoxysurfboards.com/ They can customize flex and make you something perfect for windy conditions or bigger waves that settles in the water good too. I am starting to ride XTR 10 in a lot of board reviews coming up. They do all the bigger brands in their XTR 10 foam. Channel Islands, Lost, Pyzel, etc….

[@JonathanSalandi]

I'm 6'3 and about 210 pounds and can't seem to find the ideal groveler size for me from north sd. Extremely interested in the g.skate. What y'all thinking? Tried a 5'11 Hypto about 33 liters and felt a little stiff (borderline intermediate/advanced surfer) yew

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Volume wise here are some ranges to consider for your weight at different skill levels. Pro/Expert 34-36L Advanced 36-38L Intermediate 39-41L If you like your boards ultra responsive and your a good paddler and catch plenty of waves then you can go 35-36 ish. Maybe go custom 5’11” x 20 1/8 x 2 5/8 or 2 3/4. Mess around on the CI custom board builder… and dial it in.

[@JonathanSalandi]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks a ton. Always tough when a lot of the guys rippin are only 150lbs to 180 ish, God blessed me with the big guy genes, need to hone in my numbers and this helps a lot. Appreciate this channel!!

[@stevenmowat6786]

What is it like in comparison to the lost rnf 96 ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Good question…. The 96 and G-Skate have similar wave range and both are super versatile. I need a bit more time on the G-Skate in different wave conditions to give you solid feedback but this is what I think so far. The 96 seems to have more glide and down the line speed due to it’s wider tail. It also shreds purely as a Twin Fin without a stabilizer in bigger open faced waves. The 96 seems to surf the pocket a bit more vertical by design for a fishy outline. The G-Skate seems to have a bit more hold and drive through turns when paired with the right fin set up. More testing needed at this time but these are my thoughts so far.

[@chrisathan4293]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you for your breakdown so far !

[@deeznuts133]

Congrats CI you made a RNF :)

[@wesleychapman9001]

hahaha someone said it. A CI RNF

[@murphdog232]

Was thinking the same thing

[@NunoTeixeiraMartins-zo6wu]

Hi Noel, your reviews are epic, it seams I can't decide what to buy with out viewing your reviews, so I was really waiting for this one !!I was in to buy a flat earth as a daily driver, but after this review I just can't decide on each one to buy. Can you help me sort off the diference between the two models ? Which one should I buy ? I'm 44 years old , intermediate advance surf for more than 20 years and use 29 L volume thank you so much. Nuno

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The two boards you are considering are completely different. They do have some overlap in wave sizes but here is my 2 cents on both boards. The FE needs a bit of a wave to go good... for me that board shines in 3-6' surf and it surfs best as a Twin + Trailer. The FE draws HPSB lines... it likes to be in the pocket and feels like a performance with a bit less rocker. The G-Skate is way more versatile in different wave sizes... it's really a fun 1 board quiver and. Now the lines the G-Skate draws is a bit different compared to the FE. Like I said the FE draws similar lines to a HPSB, the G-Skate surfs more down the line and likes to carve a bit more compared to the FE. In the end it's really about the lines you want to draw.... if you want versatility to shred small waves and overhead surf then maybe jump on the G-Skate. If you want surf a Twin + Trailer in the pocket and work on surfing more vertical then go FE.

[@NunoTeixeiraMartins-zo6wu]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 very enlightening!! I would like to have both but can't :))) so the G skate is more like the Pod mod ? Which one you prefer ? I bought a second hand pod mod, the torq one at 5'6 but it was just to fat for me at 31 L, heavy and to much flotation. But I understood with the right volume could work for me. that The problem is I'm 1,82 m high and only 72 kg...

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@NunoTeixeiraMartins-zo6wu Go G-Skate… both boards are epic but I think the G-Skate is easier to shred

[@NunoTeixeiraMartins-zo6wu]

@@surfnshowreviews7777thanks you so much, love your surfing and reviews. Let know if you come to portugal. Cheers

[@ItsJustBunny1]

Hey Noel. Ive been playing around with mine for a few sessions now and my last surf was a small surf which i decided to try it as a straight twin with the amt no trailor and it went sick. My thought behind it was the tail looks similar to the free scrubber and thats a twin so i went for it. Looking forward to trying it like that in slightly bigger waves

[@chrisathan4293]

@just bunny wow ! I had the same thought , and I was wondering if it would work as a twin , thank you so much for sharing! What twin fins did you use ?

[@ItsJustBunny1]

@@chrisathan4293 i used the amt twins. I actually had a funner surf on it like it. Give it a try

[@chrisathan4293]

@@ItsJustBunny1 oh wow ! Now I’m super curious! Thank you for your tip ! Hopefully soon 🙏🏽

[@ItsJustBunny1]

@@chrisathan4293 no worries. I hope you enjoy it

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I rode my G-Skate at Waco yesterday with my HP Twins and it went pretty good too. More testing needed....

[@simonecani9194]

Do you recommend the tail pad for this board? Looks like no one is using it in the video? Or, is it because of the tail shape?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I use a pad on every board. My foot cannot handle the hard deck without a pad. I will also destroy the tail without a pad in 1 week of surfing

[@simonecani9194]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 makes sense, especially if you are more backfooted. Probably the guys in the video don’t care much about destroying the board deck. My boards have pads too, the only one without it is the christenson fish. I would probably use the pad on g skate, cause the tail looks really shortboard style

[@remicottes6180]

Hi Noel. I'm 5'6 / 141lbs and have a CI Ultra Joe 5'11 37L too fat for me now I think + a TooFish 5'5 31.6L. I'm looking for a one-board quiver as a low intermediate. What would you recommend me for 2-6ft max for "gentle" beachbreaks in Portugal, between RNF 96, BQ, and G-Skate? I have the impression that G-Skate (probably 5'8 at 31.4L) might be easier for me due to the easy paddling, but I might be wrong. Appreciate your guidance as always, many thanks!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I say 96…. It’s more versatile and works better in softer waves.

[@remicottes6180]

Awesome, thank you very much 🙌!

[@sonfishinternational3073]

Which do you like more, White Tiger or G Skate?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I like the WT better in 1-3’ waves…. It’s way faster and grovels better. The G-Skate is more of a 1 board quiver and surfs best in 3-8’ surf.

[@ilanzugman4802]

BV2 or G Skate for small waves?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

BV2 is faster and offers more performance in 1-3' surf. The G Skate has a better wave range and shreds bigger waves with more traction.

[@ilanzugman4802]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thank you!!

[@javiermatos3863]

Success guaranteed 2+1 or 3

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I say 2+1

[@Rbn-oy6pz]

Hi Noel, appreciate the review, thanks! Is it possible to oversize the G Skate and surf it as a sort of short mid length? E.g. surf a 6'0 G Skate at 38L (I am roughly 5'11 and 145 lbs). I am searching for a board with glide that paddles into waves super smoothly/catches almost anything and yet is surfable off the tail in smaller and less powerful, sometimes choppy waves. A mid length with a round tail just doesn't seem fit for that kinda thing. Some board advice would be highly appreciated!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

To be honest I’m not sure how that would go. I suggest calling CI Headquarters and ask if they have made any boards like that custom yet.

[@Rbn-oy6pz]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks for the speedy reply! Yea their 6'0 G Skate is actually 38L in stock dims. But I'll give them a call and ask what they think. May I ask: What is your favourite 1-4ft board for less than perfect conditions? I own a 5'2 Seaside but the helium doesn't go so well with a lot of chop for me (and also it's not the best as a groveler really), I feel like I need a PU board with a little more length to fit those conditions.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@Rbn-oy6pz RNF 96… get it PU/Poly

[@Rbn-oy6pz]

​@@surfnshowreviews7777 Oh man, it has been on my list since your first review and since Mason Ho and all the fun he has on it too. I guess there is no way around it anymore. Is it okay to oversize it a tiny bit for less gutty waves (again I'm about 145lbs, and am thinking of the 5'5 in 26.5L, which is about 1L more than I usually ride)? Or would you say stick exactly to my usual literage of 25-25.5L? Thanks a million for all the effort in your videos Noel!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@Rbn-oy6pz Go with Spinetek at your normal dims and it will float a bit more.

[@jaydensekula4557]

Hi Noel, any plans on reviewing the Churro 2?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

No sorry

[@MrRobinski]

Would have been good to speak about the rocker and bottom contours like you use to do.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I will do that on the episode I do on the G-Skate. This episode is more of a introduction to this sled.

[@chrisathan4293]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 when will it be coming out coach ?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@chrisathan4293 Not sure yet

[@SuperBigben8]

Looks quite similar to an hypto crypto to me.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Not even close to similar in shape or feeling under foot

[@daveroche689]

Really like the nose. After losing sight in one eye I won't buy boards with points that will fit inside the ocular orbit.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Sorry to hear that. I completely understand that

[@JustCurious637]

That outline looks like a hypto krypto with a swallow tail, imho

[@simonecani9194]

This board could turn in the “new” Hypto krypto. I’m talking about popularity and sells

[@bluepaints]

You work for CI now or what?

[@mrmr314]

Again, he's riding a 29 litre board. No-one can ride such small litres unless they are 16 years old or under. He says he is 5'11" but he must eat once a week to keep himself so light. And as Noel said they're riding half decent waves where they can manufacture speed, even though it's only small and gutless. And they also say they ride this stuff every day, so they're used to it. The G Skate looks too fat and stiff unless it's in more solid stuff. In those Rocky Point waves I'd be on something above 6'3" with at least 38 litres, probably more. Maybe a bit shorter on a G Skate. Noel's going to have to get bigger heavier guys to do some reviews. And not Jordy or JJF or Owen Wright ... we mean guys who weigh over 100kg and are over 6' tall. Think football and hockey players (not basketballers because they are extraordinarily big). This entire thing of board reviews with relative midgets on them is only giving us a false outlook.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Bro… you can find a bunch of reviews out there from bigger/heavier guys. Check Wooly TV, or Craig from theSurfboard Guide on You Tube. Maybe our show is not for you…. and I’m good with that. I can’t help that I’m 5’9” and 170lbs. I’m here to help the surf community… it’s a real bummer our show is not relatable for everyone.

[@manbearpig999]

You sound like a kook

[@mrmr314]

It looks stiff. It needs channels and more rocker. There are better short boards around.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Bro… water temp was 51 degrees. I was stiff…