About the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000
Designed with bigger people in mind we have set out to make the Wavemaster 5000 the best all round longboard in the world. Hands down this board will be the number 1 wave catching machine you have ever ridden. This is a High Volume Semi-Performance Longboard.
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With some slight concave under the nose to keep the nose up when paddling to the deep double concave with lots of Vee in the tail to give the board the ability to change direction quickly, these two bottom contours combine to provide you with the best chance of getting into the wave early and then making the most of what the wave offers up.
We have worked hard to hide all the volume through the board, with the nose and tail foiling nicely. It will feel and look like a big board, but it rides like a board of normal proportions.
Constructed in our proven SLX fabrication, this is an Epoxy Board made with Biaxial cloth on the deck for strength and a high-density EPS foam core to keep the board light to carry.
Specifications
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 | FINS SUPPLIED | APPROX WEIGHT RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8'0 | 23 5/8" | 3 11/16" | 78ltr | D: 1 x 220 biaxial + 1 x 6oz B: 1 x 6oz + 4oz fin patch | 8" center FCSII Performer quad rear | 85kg+ |
| 9'0 | 24" | 4" | 98ltr | D: 1 x 220 biaxial + 1 x 6oz B: 1 x 6oz + 4oz fin patch | 8" center FCSII Performer quad rear | 100kg+ |
| 9'6 | 24 1/8" | 4 1/16" | 106ltr | D: 1 x 220 biaxial + 1 x 6oz B: 1 x 6oz + 4oz fin patch | 8" center FCSII Performer quad rear | 120kg+ |
RECOMMENDED SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
Proficient
Advanced
WHAT SKILL LEVEL ARE YOU?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What type of waves is the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 best for?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 performs best in small to medium waves (around 0–6ft) but is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, making it a versatile all-round longboard.
Is the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 good for small waves?
Yes, Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is specifically designed as a high-volume “wave catching machine,” helping you get into waves early and surf weaker conditions with ease.
What skill level is the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 suitable for?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers, with sizing and performance recommendations based around intermediate rider ability.
Who is the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 designed for?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is designed with bigger surfers in mind, offering extra volume and paddle power without sacrificing manoeuvrability.
Will Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 help me catch more waves?
Yes, the high volume, nose concave, and efficient paddling design of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 help you catch waves earlier and more consistently.
What does the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 feel like to surf?
It feels stable, powerful, and surprisingly responsive, like a large board that still turns and performs like a smaller one.
How does the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 differ from a traditional longboard?
Compared to a traditional longboard, the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 combines extra volume and paddle power with semi-performance features, allowing for easier turning and more responsiveness.
What is the rocker and overall design of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 like?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is designed for easy paddling and speed, with bottom contours (concave and vee) that help with early wave entry and smoother direction changes.
What do the bottom contours of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 do?
The nose concave helps with lift and paddling, while the double concave and vee through the tail of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 improve manoeuvrability and turning control.
What fin setup does the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 use?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 comes as a 2 + 1 style setup. The centre fin and FCS II Performer Quad Rear fins offer a mix of stability and performance.
Does the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 come with fins?
Yes, the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 comes with an 8" centre fin and FCS II Performer Quad Rear fins
Is the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 good as a daily go-to board?
Yes, the versatility and wave-catching ability of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 make it a great everyday board, especially for surfers who want consistency across conditions.
Can the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 handle bigger waves?
Yes, while it excels in smaller surf, the added control from its shape and contours allows the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 to perform in larger, more powerful waves.
Will Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 help me improve my surfing?
Yes, the combination of easy wave entry and responsive turning of the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 helps build confidence and allows you to progress your surfing.
How does Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 handle for its size?
Despite its larger size and volume, the Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is designed to feel lighter and more responsive underfoot, making it easier to control than a traditional large longboard.
Who is Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 ideal for?
The Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 is ideal for surfers who want maximum wave count, need some extra paddle power, and a forgiving but responsive longboard, especially those needing more volume for riding in everyday conditions.
Coming back into surfing after 5 years off with covid, Injuries and Sydney crowds. Needed to re-equip to start again and get ready for a trip to Telos 101 (killer surf resort in Telos). At a solid 105 kgs/178cm but pretty fit and carrying a lot of muscle for a 60 year old ex front rower, I have always needed a lot of volume. My old fish and guns weren’t going to get me on. Purchased the Wavemaster 9.0 originally just to prepare, but ended up taking it on the trip as it was so good. This is proper performance long board that really does the job well. It was good up to 1.5-2.0 overhead on take offs and is fast across the face even in Indo waves. I was super impressed by the speed and usability. For sure you can’t duck dive it, but I avoided a lot of clean ups because you can paddle it fast to get out of trouble. Loved the board, will probably buy an 8.0 as well and see how it goes. Not sure I will ever get used to a board that doesn’t paddle on as well…the 9.0 will stay in my quiver for sure.
First of all I'd like to thank Kel & Scott for their attentive and professional correspondence throughout the purchasing process.
The board is more then I could have hoped for. I bought the 8' Critical Slide Wavemaster 5000 SLX which has a buoyancy of 78lt. I can catch a ripple or when the surf is bigger lets say 3ft, it has a performance of a short board. The Epoxy construction makes it light to carry and it's perfect for beginners and or people like me. :-) Love it!
Nice easy paddling, took it out for the first time on the weekend and had the best surf I'd had in a while. Very happy
Here is my honest review. I have surfed my new 8'0 Wavemaster a few times in very different conditions since buying it a approx month ago. I am 95kg and it paddles into waves really well, but the Epoxy construction and the 3 x11/16" thickness makes the board feel very floaty, and you have to really force it to go down the wave face and put a lot of weight forward. I haven't surfed in in anything over shoulder high yet so will see how it goes then. The construction is fantastic and there is not a single compression mark on it yet which I am very impressed with.
Paddles well but its far too thick so its hard to carry and handle in the surf. Need to try it in bigger waves yet so will reserve my final judgement until then.
Paddles well but its far too thick so its hard to carry and handle in the surf. Need to try it in bigger waves yet so will reserve my final judgement until then.
Sales and service and product fantastic
WOW. I’m not the best surfer but this big girl is a weapon. Picked it up on Saturday (thanks Kel) and surfed Manly in 1ft waves and had a blast, paddles onto everything. Went out today at Freshie in 5ft waves, steep drop ins and it just glides onto the wave and puts you in the right place. If anyone is looking for a longboard that can be used in all conditions, this is it. Note sure how you are going to make a better version of this board Kel?? I actually don’t think it’s possible.