The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi aims to improve your wave count, it has a huge range. This board has the rocker tuned for a shortboard, and we have dropped the volume per size ratio so it fits within the Salt Gypsy mandate to suit women’s smaller frames. It’s a fast board that offers plenty of flow, and is the perfect choice for maximising your wave count even when the conditions aren’t perfect.
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OUTLINE: The nose and tail dimensions at 12″ are the same, creating a larger sweet spot, and a more stable planning zone. The full nose further adds to the stability, and the tail allows the width to extend further back, while still achieving the smooth transitions between turns that a round tail is famous for.
ROCKER: With an emphasis on everyday conditions; flat equals flow, so the Chi Chi will slide into waves with ease, and maintain its speed over dead sections with minimal effort. Slight lift in the nose and tail will satisfy the more experienced rider looking for a summer groveller.
CONTOURS: Subtle yet effective, the slight concave up front creates lift when taking off, then a double concave starting in the mid zone leads into a shallow rolled vee off the tail. This bottom combination maintains exceptional speed in softer waves, yet provides a nice balance of control versus quick turning response when pivoting right off the tail.
PERFORMANCE: The Chi Chi is fast from the second you get to your feet, and super easy to turn. Think summer beach breaks or soft point waves where you need a board with enough foam and buoyancy to get you going, but don’t want to restrict how you want to perform on a wave.
To find out more about Salt Gypsy’s heritage and apparel range please go to www.saltgypsy.com
NOTE: Rider weight is based on board volume and intermediate rider skill level
GLASSING KEY: D = Deck | B = Bottom | LD = Low Density | HD = High Density
| LENGTH | WIDTH | THICK | VOLUME | GLASSING | RECOMMENDED FINS | APPROX WEIGHT RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4 | 20" | 2 5/16" | 28 ltr | D: 2 x 4oz B: 1 x 4oz + 4oz Fin Patch. | FCS II Performer Tri Fin Set | 99lb / 45kg or less |
| 5'6 | 20 1/4" | 2 3/8" | 30 ltr | D: 2 x 4oz B: 1 x 4oz + 4oz Fin Patch. | FCS II Performer Tri Fin Set | 110lb / 50kg or less |
| 5'8 | 20 1/2'' | 2 1/2'' | 32 ltr | D: 2 x 4oz B: 1 x 4oz + 4oz Fin Patch. | FCS II Performer Tri Fin Set | 121lb / 55kg or less |
| 5'10 | 20 3/4" | 2 5/8" | 35 ltr | D: 2 x 4oz B: 1 x 4oz + 4oz Fin Patch. | FCS II Performer Tri Fin Set | 132lb / 60kg or less |
| 6'0 | 21" | 2 3/4" | 38 ltr | D: 2 x 4oz B: 1 x 4oz + 4oz Fin Patch. | FCS II Performer Tri Fin Set | 143lb / 65kg or less |
RECOMMENDED SKILL LEVEL for Salt Gypsy Chi Chi - PU
Advanced
WHAT SKILL LEVEL ARE YOU?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Salt Gypsy Chi Chi - PU
What type of waves is the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi best for?
The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi performs best in small to medium waves (around 0–3ft), especially summer beach breaks and softer conditions where generating speed is important.
Is the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi good for small waves?
Yes, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is specifically designed to maximise wave count and maintain speed in weaker surf, making it ideal for everyday conditions.
What skill level is the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi suitable for?
The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. particularly those transitioning from a mid-length or longboard to a shorter board.
Is the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi a good board for progressing surfers?
Yes, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is designed to help surfers step down in size while still maintaining stability and wave-catching ability, making progression into shortboards easier.
Will the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi help me catch more waves?
Yes, the added foam and balanced outline of the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi provide enough buoyancy to get you into waves easily while still allowing performance surfing.
What does the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi feel like to surf?
It feels fast, stable, and easy to turn, offering a smooth balance between speed, flow, and control.
How does the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi differ from a standard shortboard?
Compared to a traditional shortboard, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi has a slightly fuller outline and more forgiving design, making it easier to paddle, more stable, and better suited to everyday conditions.
Why is the outline of the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi more balanced?
The even nose and tail dimensions of the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi create a larger 'sweet spot,' improving stability and making the board easier to control and turn.
What is the rocker profile of the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi like?
The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi has a relatively flat rocker for speed and easy wave entry, with subtle lift in the nose and tail for added control and manoeuvrability.
What do the bottom contours of the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi do?
A single to double concave with a rolled vee helps generate speed in softer waves while maintaining control and smooth turning.
What fin setup does the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi use?
The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is designed as a thruster (tri-fin) setup. We recommend using the FCSII Sky Brown Tri Fin set for balanced performance.
Does the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi come with fins?
No, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi does not come with fins; they need to be purchased separately. We recommend using the FCSII Sky Brown Tri Fin set for balanced performance.
How does the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi compare to a mid-length or longboard?
The Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is shorter and more manoeuvrable, allowing tighter turns and more performance, while still retaining enough volume to make the transition easier.
Is the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi good as a daily go-to board?
Yes, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi is designed as an everyday shortboard that performs well in typical surf conditions and helps maximise wave count.
Can the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi handle bigger waves?
Yes, while it excels in smaller surf, it can handle more powerful waves, especially for surfers looking to progress their shortboard performance.
Will the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi help me improve my surfing?
Yes, by combining easy wave entry with responsive turning, the Salt Gypsy Chi Chi helps surfers build confidence and develop performance skills on a shorter board.