Channel Islands "Ultra Joe" Surfboard Review by Noel Salas Ep.81 

Nice review! Great for San Diego summer grov. Haha, I'm one of those ding dongs that compares apples and oranges. Good correction....but at my age I'm still trying to decide whether to surf like I'm 25 (neck beard 2) or come to terms with being 55 ( ultra joe). This looks really fun no matter wut doh!

So awesome hearing about your back foot movements. Really useful explaination! More please!

Noel, I bet if you put some fins on a burrito, you'd rip on it. Great review BTW. PodMod or Sampler or Ultra Joe?

Thanks Noel! your channel is helpful and educating. It'd be nice to see a review about the Hypto Krypto.

Epic review! Thanks mate. I was looking for a small wave board and a board for fatter point waves. Only have surfed it in 1 to 3 ft below par waves but it has been unreal. Pulls nicely through cut backs, still is sensitive and even though I went a couple litres more it doesn't feel like a boat at all, except for its paddle power. Went to 5 different surf shops, and slowly narrowed it down between the dhd phoenix and the ultra joe. Very happy with my decision because I've heard this can handle a bit bigger too! Off on a two week road trip down the east coast of Oz next week, can't wait for some nice waves!

Noel, that's a SOLID review and breakdown of the characteristics! Keep up the good work! Now if only CI could keep up with the demand for the 4/5 fin Ultra Joe!

Ultra joe or mash up for small surf?

Great intro super dramatic like a summer movie trailer...epic review !!..my purchase this summer for a groveler will be solely based on your super informative and well researched reviews...we spend 800 bux + when all is said and done and worst feeling is getting a board your just not happy with..really appreciate all your hard work you put into these reviews they are second to none Mahalo Noel.

Great review!! The ultra joe would be the perfect board for Italy's conditions 🤙🏼😍

Love the board comparison idea. How does this board compare to the seaside in terms of performance surfing?

Hi Noel, very professional and complete review. After watching a lot of your videos, I feel the UJ could be a good option for me. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sizing though. I'm 65kg (143 lbs) for 1m73 (5'6). My level being inter/beg and surfing max. 4ft waves, which height would you recommend? Below 6'0? Thank you so much.

I got this ultra joe in a quad with rastavich fins im an above average joe im 190-200 lb i got a stock almost 35 litre board it catches everything !!! only have to stroke maybe twice max and board drops and transitions effortlessly !!!!. due to this review and honestly its my magic board im not a great short board surfer but this board makes me look like i am so 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤙🏻

Your explanation of litres vs rocker makes perfect sense. Thank you!

Hi Noel, Nice surfing! I'm having issues doing round house cut backs as my rail stops digging in and the board flattens out and i fall off, i have tried bigger fins and smaller fins but the same issue happens. Is my surfboard tail too wide or are my rails too thick for my weight. i'm 63kg and ride a pocket rocket 5,8 18 1/4 2 1/4 thanks

Great idea with the different color wetsuits!🤙

Hey Noel. Any advise for begginer/intermediate girl?. She has 6'4" cheap funboard 40l dominated but need a shorter board to duck dive and catch more summer waves 1-3'. She is 5'4" height and 125 lbs. Maybe ultrajoe, RW, PJ or Tomo evo? any recommended size? Thank you and great work!

You open the vid...like "marvell studio"😁 Noal great video.legend

This board looks like Channel Islands answer to the Lost Puddle Jumper. Groveler with a bit of rail rocker to surf small waves in the pocket.

Absolutely love my average Joe been my go to groveller but also surfed it in solid waves. However really tempted by the ultra Joe especially the performance side of it over the average Joe

Great Review Noel! Couple of questions: - does the ultraJoe have a more performance outline than the Biscuit? I mean...more entry and mid rocker? - Do you use your iwatch while surfing? If so, What’s app u use to track waves/speed/etc? Thanks mate

Really great review!! Thanks a lot! It would be cool if you could add some clips, surfing this board in real grovel waves. Like a mushy beach break whatever. To see how it goes there 👍👍

Great review Noel as always. Love the tunes too!!

Love the reviews as always. So, ultra joe or gremlin?

Noel knows board and fin design. Would love to see a segment on 6 to 10 ft equipment.

Outstanding review Noel as usual. Thanks for the in depth fin explanations along with the attributes of the boards. Been riding my PJHP as a 2+1 MR FCS and loving it. Cheers

I was under the impression that you were going to do a review on the Spine Tech construction but I can’t find it. I’m hoping to get your opinion on it’s characteristics (ride, flex , durability, stability in bigger waves) before making a purchase. Great review on the Ultra Joe. Looking forward to seeing a review on the new CI Happy. I demo’d it and loved it. Keep up the good work, Low tide

Great review again Noel! I can't decide between the Ultra joe and Astro pop as a Groveller. Which is more high performance, which one would you chose? Cheers

Hi i love your channel and was wondering what booties you use in this vid? I know that you don’t like booties that much and that feeling is something I have struggled with ice cold toes. If you would let me know what booties you use I would really appreciate it! Keep making vid there amazing!!!

Nice work Once again. Surf Wars and Categories. Volume Is only used for Paddling Ease at Advanced Levels. Board Either Planes or it Bogs. J.M.O

Just snagged a stock 5’9, running it as a thruster and it works perfectly on my steep little break. Thanks for the review, it helped with my purchase! 🤙🏼

Looking sick on that thing! That was some of your smoothest surfing imo!

I mostly stick to thrusters because I seem to get much more speed/drive off my bottom turns with them than I do with quads, but damn that board looks so much better as a quad. It's got me thinking that maybe I need to experiment with some different quad sets. Any FCS2 quad sets you can recommend for a 74Kg (165lbs?) guy that would make the transition from thrusters to quads easier?

Hey Noel! Another epic review! Are you planning on reviewing the Js black baron twin? It looks amazing and am just about to pull the trigger on it but would love to hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Would be awesome to have a review for the Firewire Chumlee, in comparison with the Ultra Joe.

I agree with Noel about not riding grovelers with extra volume. Unfortunately the stock dims are higher from what I normally ride, I guess I would have to make a special order if I wanted a volume closer to all my boards. I wish they would have a wider range of dims.

If you could only have one board out of the ultra joe and pod mod in 1-4ft surf what would you pick?

Thanks Noel, your review of the Ultra Joe got me over the line and just ordered a custom one here in Sydney. I am really focused on progression and want to improve and it looks like this is the one for me in a segment of boards where there is so many to choose from. Thanks for the fin options as well, this will give some great starting points for me

Hey Noel, How would you compare the ultra joe for paddle power and maneuverability when comparing to the CI mini?

Noel you're killing it man. The Average Joe was the first short board I ever surfed. It was a favorite of mine. Im tough on boards and the Ultra Light construction was too thin for me. Do you think the spine tek is more durable and strong enough for some one that is tough on boards? Still feel like the Average Joe is one of the best boards at creating that feeling of fun while surfing.

Hi Noel I am considering buying ultra joe but am very uncertain about length and volume. I have a seaside 5.10 39.4 liter and a rocket wide 6.1 38 liter in spintek. The standard dims it stands for are 5.11 21 2/8 37.2 lier or 6.1 21 1/4 2 3/4 40 liter. Or should I order custom? I weigh 95 kg and am 1.90 cm and surf in norway.

Amazing review! How would you compare the ULTRA JOE to the POD MOD? Mahalo in advance~

Sick review! Looks like a fantastic board for SoCal summers in SD. Are you planning reviewing the new CI Happy anytime?

your channel should have more subscribers, great reviews.

Yet another fantastic review. Since JS stopped making the Flying Pony & the new Flaming Pony you have to get 2” longertnis could be a great alternative. Good work mate.

Hey Noel, Great review what’s you pick - PJHP or Ultra Joe in PU? Thanks mate

Hello noel, how does this compare to the puddle jumper ? They look similar.

Gremlin VS Ultra Joe? Which is the better groveller?

Another epic one and really flowy surf, boards looks like so much fun

So bottom Lone would u prefer the Pod Pod 2020 or the Ultra Joe? Thanks man-love all you do

Hi Noel, if given the option, would you ride the Ultra Joe with a concave deck or would the concave aspect contradict the board's design/performance? Asking because CI offers the option to add a Black Flag Concave Deck but I've never surfed a concave board before!

Noel do you think this and the Bobby Quad share genes? I’m very interested in the BQ and a good friend whose had lots of cI’s and said it’s the same. Thoughts? I know you have a bq edit coming. Thanks.

Hi Noel, great review as always sir and pretty much 100% sold but just a quick question if I may. I'm 210 Lbs and 6'3" tall and I recently on your advice purchased the Rocket Wide SpineTek, the CS website board selector recommend a 6’0, 20 1/2, 2 3/4, 37.0L however I went with 5’11, 20 1/4, 2 5/8 and 34.4L and had no issues in 2 (shoulder) to 3.5ft surf (just over head high), it performed so well! So now I look at the Ultra Joe to replace my Pod Mod for soft to medium punch beach break 1ft (waist) to 2.5ft surf range and the CS board selector is saying 6’1, 21 1/4, 2 3/4, and 40.0L. My Pod Mod is PU 6’0, 21 1/8, 2 3/4 and 39.1L and for me it yes has good speed but has to much length and foam to get the board moving in such a small wave pocket. So I would like to get the right volume for the Ultra Joe and feel the CS board selector stock dimensions are again to much in having a board with 40.L give my Rocket Wide SpineTek 5’11, 20 1/4, 2 5/8 and 34.4L that has performed so well in even 2ft surf that has a decent bowl. I have two options I feel for the Ultra Joe in a spine-tek, a 5’11, 21, 2 5/8 and 37.2L or a 5'10 version that has 35.4L. Which do you think would best suit for the wave size I am after given my height and weight to match the same type of smaller less bowly surf that you are ridding in your review Many thanks, Frank.

Great review! Very detailed oriented on all explanations. Keep up the good work!

Hey Noel! Im a stocky guy at 5'7 and 185 lbs... i normally ride 32.5... i surf pretty good after 30 years... i get frustrated at CI and other bc they almost always have a huge gap in liters in mu range... the average joe in Spine Tek is 31 to 34... im hesitant to go 34... prob best to find another model? thoughts?

Hi Noel, I ride mainly small beach in Syd Australia, I have a 6’3 rocket wide 41.8 lt, love it but all swallow tails I’ve had have been easily damaged from rail saver, looking for a round / squash tail, what can I get that will be same as rocket wide eg ultra Joe ? I have found my good length volume combo. 6.3 / 42 lt my age is 57yrs. Any advice would be valuable, love the show. Thanks Steve

Thanks for the great review Noel- for an intermediate surfer (5'10, 185 pounds) what board would you recommend for everyday beach breaks 1-5 foot? Was thinking of Ultra Joe, Astro Pop or RNF 96. Would you recommend keeping the board short say under 6 foot or if needed go to 6'2 to get enough volume say for a BV2. Any other boards you'd recommend?

Nothing s coming on Stretch surfboard ? Cft tech shoud be interesting to compare with others eps tech you ve already tested !

Hi Noel! Big fan of the reviews, I think I've watched almost all of them already! I have the opportunity to get this board for a little over half the price. The board is a stock 5'5 so 28.6L, PU. I'm still fairly new to shortboarding and currently working on getting more consistent with my wave count. I'm 5'7, 130 lbs and surf mostly SoCal beach breaks. Do you think it would be worth it for me to snag this deal or is the board not a good fit for me?

Noel , I have watched most of your reviews and I have to say they are all perfect . Having surfed for 30 years all over the globe , you learn a lot about surfing . Not only are you ripping , but your ability to explain the approach to surfing a wave at high level and how the shape/fins work is second to none . Thanks mate from Sydney Australia . Yew .

Noel, how would compare it to the Gremlin? Thanks 🤙

How does it compared to the hydra?

Best board review show on the internet. I’d love to see some POV GoPro footage Noel!

Noel, question i have been surfing for 59 years and have only surfed a longboard 9-0 and longer and only single fins what would you recommend for me i am 180 lbs and i am 6ft 1 in tall and i am 69 yrs old . I would like to go shortboard for traveling to costa rica and i go there two to three times a year .

Very thorough! How does it compare to the puddle jumper?

Noel's ripping getting me keen to go out this morning. Epic review yet again Noel!

How does it compare to the sharpeye disco cheater?

Hey, I’m 6,3 and 85kg what height and litres would you recommend? Thanks for another great review

Unreal! Twinny with Fangs Hooked It. Beauty Shredder.

What size twin plus one in futures did you ride? Im 5'10 145lbs and am deciding between medium or large. What do you recommend?

What an epic production of surfboards war preview ...... something out of motion picture theater preview! Well made.

Hi Noel, thanks for this review. I'm looking to grab this board and I'm stoked. I'm the same dimensions as you: 5'9" 160 pounds. Would the 5’3” x 19 ½ x 2 ¼ Liters 26.3 be a good fit for me if I'm an intermediate - advanced surfer looking to maximize performance? I have strong athletic ability and know how to "work" the board if you know what I mean. It looks like you fit the board well at those dimensions.

Nice work! Which one you prefer, LOST PUDDLE JUMPER or CI ULTRA JOE? Thanks!

great videos but honestly your music selection sounds like it’s for the baby boomers generation.

Noel great review as always. I'm getting a 2nd hand ultra joe. Loved surfing the AJ for years in a crazy amount of different conditions. I've surfed quads before and have a love hate relationship with them. Been in thrusters for a few years now. My questions therefore are did you surf the board as a twin plus trailer in small conditions? In the video only large fin what I saw? If so how did it go? I'm reluctant to splash out on quad find if the twin and trailer and thruster set up normally work for me. That said I can see the difference in your surfing a quad versus the thruster. Thanks in advance Jon.

Hi Sir Noel, Good Day to you & your crew.. can you amke an review of the new DHD sweetspot 3.0 and whata the advantage of the 3.0 compare to the 2.0 and what fins would suit on it. thanks

oh wow! A board review with actual surfing!

Hi Noel ! Great review. I bought a Holy-grail Haydenshape and a seaside after i ve seen yours videos... Now, i would to know which is the best groveler ? Seaside or UJ ?

Great Reviews Noel. Excuse my ignorance but could you specify the diference between a Groveler vs a small wave performer board ? Wave size wise....

Just ordered a custom ultra Joe because of your review. Nice work

one of the best videos so far

Great review man. I love the direction you’re taking it with the board category and comparison explanations

I need help!!!! I’m between the pod mod vs the ultra joe!! I’m getting back in the water after five years of living inland.. I’m a big guy but I used to be a pretty decent surfer for my size but I’m a bit outta shape and rusty from my time away from the beach!! I’m 6’3 and 230 lbs! If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated!! 🤙🏼 boards are so expensive I don’t wanna get the wrong stick! I have a 9’ cc rider longboard but I don’t like having all that length it’s too clunky! I was looking at a ci pod mod with 40.7 liters and it’s 6’2 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

Great review! I notice you often use larger size for the side fins then the rear fins or center fins. What is the benefit of that compared to let's say having all fins in a size medium?

Love this Noel you’re a legend

Great review as always Noel...

Hi Noel, love your videos! Btw I'm trying to decided between the Average Joe and a Rusty Dawrt, can they be considered in the same category as you said? I'm used to a mini simmons and first time going into a shortboard type in order to improve.

Yo Noel, love the show! Quick question: do you feel you have to adjust your stance a lot switching between the UJ and a regular (performance) shortboard? Best regards, Tom

Have you tried this board with your HP Twin fins?

I’d like to see a review of the super brand toy x

Hey Noel, how much would you say to drop in size on the UJ for an advanced surfer (30+ years)?

Nice intro, looks like a very fun and versatile board

Excellent review, as always! If you can get your hands on a 5’1” Evo in either LFT or Helium I think you’d be pretty stoked - would be a worthy addition to the groveler review category. I was a little skeptical of the Helium tech, and honestly think LFT has a little more spice right out of the gate, but Helium may have won me over. I know it’s not the new kid on the block, but the Evo really blows my mind in small surf and continues to perform in head high+ conditions - I’d love to see you blow the back out of a few on one!

Great review! I’m 5,8 with 147 as a beginner/intermediate more to the beginner side and deciding wether to get the ultra joe as a 5,11 (37Lts) or the 6,11(40Lts), could you advise? I’m afraid if the 5,11 will make me struggle and that the 6,1 will be impossible to manoeuvre

I'm 5,9 183 what would be the dimensions and volume I should get for a Groveler ?

I’m 5’ 9” 200LB will a 5’3” be able to hold me? Thnx

Hey Noel, love your reviews. I was kind of confused about your fin recommendations. I'm about to get this board and I used to have a High 5. I rode that mostly as a quad and thats what I was planning on doing with this board as well. However, I wasn't sure if you liked a quad setup over the 2 +1 setup. Which did you like better and what fins do you recommend? Thanks!

WOuld this board be a good choice to ride as a hybrid if I size up? I am 5'10 155 lb.

Cool I've been waiting for this :D

Great video! I would love to get a board/setup recommendation from you. I’m 5’7 140lb. Going to be surfing south bay LA beaches all summer. I’m not a great surfer but I can get down the line with a few small turns (More like carving than fins our snaps). Im really looking for a board that will help me catch more waves this summer and it would be a bonus if I can use this board to practice more technical turns.

Thanks, great review