Description
Story
Model Origins
At the beginning of 2022, Panda Surfboards launched the development of the Shiitake HP as a direct evolution of the Shiitake model, with a focus on boosting performance without sacrificing flow. The idea emerged after feedback from athletes who were looking for a more responsive board while still keeping the loose feel of the original design. After months of fine-tuning, Blake Peters refined the outline and replaced the vee bottom with a more aggressive single concave, resulting in a twinzer model that is agile, fast, and stable. The Shiitake HP quickly gained traction among free surfers and competitors who wanted performance in beach breaks and point breaks up to 2.5m.
Fast off the mark, smooth rail-to-rail, and plenty of drive — the Shiitake HP lights it up from shoulder-high runners to solid overhead walls.
Board Type
The Shiitake HP is a high-performance alternative shortboard designed for surfers who value speed, flow, and control in waves from shoulder-high to overhead. Developed by Blake Peters from the original Shiitake model, it was fine-tuned with a single concave and twinzer setup to deliver quick response and versatile performance without sacrificing stability or line.
Dimensions and Volume
Available from 5’8″ to 6’4″, with volumes ranging from 26.8L to 37.8L, it suits surfers looking for a balance of speed, flow, and control. Its moderate width and well-distributed volume provide stability on takeoff without compromising responsiveness through maneuvers.
Material and Construction
Available in PU (polyurethane) or EPS (epoxy), the Shiitake HP is built for lightness and quick response, with optional carbon reinforcements that add strength without compromising flex. It features a single concave bottom that channels water for instant lift, with a flat exit between the fins to maintain flow and control. The moderate rocker balances speed and maneuverability, making it effective across a variety of wave types.
Ideal Wave Conditions
Designed for waves from 0.8m to 2.5m, the Shiitake HP shines in medium to solid conditions with open faces and long or fast sections, like those found at Supertubos, Arrifana, Coxos, São Julião, or Cabedelo. It was shaped to hold flow and responsiveness even as the wave’s power shifts down the line.
Skill Level
The Shiitake HP was developed for intermediate to advanced surfers looking to combine flow with precise maneuvers in more powerful waves. Ideal for those with solid wave-reading skills who want to explore wide arcs, carvings, and fast transitions with control. Not recommended for beginners.
Fin Setup
The Shiitake HP is compatible with both FCS II and Futures fin systems, depending on your choice at the time of order. The ideal setup is the twinzer — two main fins with forward canards — though it can also be ridden as a twin or even a thruster. Recommended configurations include:
– Twinzer with rear fins such as the Panda × Futures or FCS Power Twins
– Provides speed, lateral hold, and quick response through tight turns
Surf Style
The Shiitake HP favors a loose, fast style with continuous flow through sections. Perfect for surfers who like to draw wide lines with smooth transitions while keeping responsiveness in critical maneuvers. It pairs well with progressive surfing and a creative approach to reading the wave.
Continuous Acceleration
Deep single concave for nonstop speed and projection down the line
Long Arcs with Stability
Stable outline and moderate rocker for smooth, flowing carves with speed control
High-Precision Twinzer
Twinzer setup with lateral hold and smooth release for loose, fast lines
Versatility in Real Conditions
Flow and responsiveness in both beach breaks and lined-up point breaks
Designed to deliver speed and control in medium to powerful surf, the Shiitake HP combines a single concave with a twinzer setup for continuous drive and precise response. The right choice for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking flow with performance in waves from 0.8m to 2.5m.
Wave Type
- From 0.8 to 2.5 m with a solid face.
- Point, reef, or beach break.
- Holds its flow when the conditions turn tricky.
Performance
- For fluid, technical, progressive surfing.
- From intermediate to advanced level.
- Stable in carves, with quick response in transitions.
910.00 € Add to cart
Shape
- Balanced outline, single concave.
- Moderate rocker and medium tail.
- Drive and hold with smooth release from the twinzer.
Performance Specs
of the Shiitake HP Surfboard
The Shiitake HP keeps it flowing and steady in all kinds of surf — firing speed right off the paddle, holding drive down the line, and letting the twinzer bite hard then release clean through quick, snappy turns.
Balanced Outline:
Flow and control on long lines.
Volume Distribution:
Stability while paddling and smooth wave entry.
Tail Swallow:
More drive and traction in fast turns.
The Shiitake HP keeps the flow locked in on drawn-out lines — stable off the drop and driving through fast sections. Its balanced width spreads the volume just right, letting you lay into smooth carves and snap quick transitions without scrubbing speed.
Continuous Single Concave:
Generates instant lift and sustained speed.
Flat Exit Between Fins:
Maintains flow and drive through fast sections.
With a continuous single concave and flat exit between the fins, the water channels for lift and sustained speed. A moderate rocker keeps the balance between flow and control, driving through long lines while staying sharp and responsive in transitions.
Medium Rails:
A balance of hold and smooth release.
Medium, slightly refined rails deliver a balanced mix of hold and release. The board reacts instantly to rail engagement, letting you draw smooth carves and snap quick turns without losing stability.
Summary
Faqs
What is the Shiitake HP model from Panda Surfboards?
The Shiitake HP is a more refined, high-performance take on the original Shiitake, designed for surfers looking for a more versatile board with the feel of a shortboard while still holding speed and flow. Key refinements were made to the foil and entry, replacing the vee with a single concave that provides extra paddle support and faster acceleration into the wave.
What are the main performance benefits of Shiitake HP?
- ✓ Continuous Speed
- ✓ Flow and Drive
- ✓ Quick Response
- ✓ Versatility in Waves
- ✓ Twinzer Performance
For what type of waves is the Shiitake HP model most suitable?
This model is ideal for waves ranging from shoulder-high to well overhead (double overhead). Although its length leans toward that of a mid-length, it still delivers excellent performance in bigger surf conditions.
What sizes are available and what are the corresponding volumes of Shiitake HP?
The board is available in a custom size range from 5’8″ to 6’4″, with volumes between 26.80 L and 37.80 L. Examples:
- 5’8″ × 19″ × 2 3/16″ → 26.80 L
- 6’4″ × 20 1/4″ × 2 11/16″ → 37.80 L
How to choose the ideal size of Shiitake HP based on weight and surfing style?
The choice of size depends on the surfer’s goals:
- Sizes between 5’11” and 6’2″ offer different sensations — shorter boards provide more agility, while longer ones allow for a smoother, more controlled style of surfing.
- Real-world examples:
- Noa Collins (1.73 m, 73 kg) rides boards around 5’9″ at 27.7 L or 6’0″ at 30 L
- Kyle Robbins (1.88 m, 82 kg) prefers a 6’3″ at around 34.3 L
These references help guide the ideal choice based on weight, style, and wave type.
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