The Ultimate Guide to Grovelers

When the surf is small and mushy, many surfers hang their heads and wait for better days. But the seasoned wave-rider knows that small waves don’t mean bad surf — not if you have the right board. Enter the groveler surfboard: a compact, volume-rich weapon built to turn poor conditions into playful, performance-packed sessions.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What grovelers are and why they matter

• Key design features that make a great groveler

• A breakdown of three stellar groveler models from Degree 33 Surfboards: the Bullet, Cloud, and Rocket Fish

• How to choose the right one for your style and local waves

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What Is a Groveler Surfboard?

A groveler is a surfboard specifically designed to perform in subpar conditions — think waist-high mush, crumbly peaks, and slow rollers. These boards are shorter, wider, and thicker than your standard shortboard, prioritizing speed, float, and quick paddling over big turns or barrels.

Grovelers are about fun. They plane early, catch waves easily, and generate speed on flat sections. They're often shaped with:

• Wide noses for easier paddling and planing

• Low rockers for speed and glide

• Fuller rails and higher volume for float

• Short lengths for maneuverability

Whether you’re a beginner trying to make the most of your local beach break or a seasoned ripper wanting to squeeze performance out of tiny waves, a groveler is your go-to.

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Why Ride a Groveler?

Most surf days aren’t perfect. Unless you live next to a world-class break, the average day might be small, soft, and inconsistent. That’s where grovelers shine:

• Catch more waves with ease

• Stay stoked even when conditions aren’t ideal

• Improve your flow and style on weaker waves

• Add versatility to your quiver

Owning a groveler means never having to miss a session just because it’s “not firing.”

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Degree 33 Surfboards: Craftsmanship Meets Everyday Stoke

Degree 33 Surfboards is known for high-quality, user-friendly shapes that appeal to all levels of surfers. Our groveler lineup stands out because it combines classic design wisdom with modern tweaks. Let’s take a closer look at three of our most popular grovelers: the Bullet, the Cloud, and the Rocket Fish.

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1. The Degree 33 Bullet – “The Swiss Army Knife of Surfboards”

Overview:

The Bullet is an ultra-versatile hybrid that borders on a groveler while still being performance-driven enough to ride in decent surf. Think of it as a do-it-all machine for surfers who want maximum wave count without sacrificing maneuverability.

Key Features:

• Full outline with a wide nose and rounded squash tail

• Low entry rocker for easy paddling and early wave entry

• Thicker rails and chest area for float and drive

• Single to double concave for lift and responsiveness

• 5-fin setup (quad or thruster)

Best For:

• Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Waist to overhead surf (surprisingly well in clean shoulder-high waves!)

• Riders who want one board to rule them all

Why It Works as a Groveler:

Though it's not the smallest or flattest in the lineup, the Bullet's volume distribution and smart rocker profile make it an ideal groveler if you're looking for something that doubles as a daily driver.

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2. The Degree 33 Cloud – “The Pure Groveler”

Overview:

The Cloud lives up to its name: it floats like a dream. This is Degree 33’s most groveler-specific shape, purpose-built for those chest-high-and-under, mushy, summer days when your shortboard feels dead in the water.

Key Features:

• Ultra-wide nose and tail for max planing surface

• Flat rocker for effortless glide and speed

• Full rails and generous thickness throughout

• Short length for tight arcs and easy snaps

• Twin + trailer or quad fin options

Best For:

• Beginners looking to transition off a longboard

• Intermediates wanting to dominate small surf

• Anyone looking to have a blast in 1-3ft conditions

Why It Works:

The Cloud is the epitome of groveling. It’s built to generate speed where there is none, turn on a dime, and bring out a playful, skatey feel even when the surf is weak. This is the board that makes the worst days fun again.

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3. The Degree 33 Rocket Fish – “Retro Vibes, Modern Performance”

Overview:

The Rocket Fish is a modern take on the classic retro fish, combining the timeless speed and glide of a twin-fin fish with updated features for tighter turns and responsiveness. It's fast, loose, and surprisingly versatile.

Key Features:

• Deep swallow tail and wide outline

• Low rocker with subtle nose lift

• Tapered rails for bite and control in turns

• Twin or quad fin setup for different feels

• Short length (ride it 4–6 inches shorter than your standard shortboard)

Best For:

• Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Small to shoulder-high surf

• Riders who love down-the-line speed, flowy turns, and a little retro flavor

Why It Works:

The Rocket Fish is a groveler with flair. It thrives on small waves thanks to its wide planing surface and minimal rocker, but unlike many grovelers, it maintains a carvy, rail-driven feel. It’s not just about pumping — it’s about drawing beautiful lines with speed and style.

Which One Works for You?

Choosing the right groveler depends on your surfing goals, local conditions, and personal style. If you're looking for a one-board quiver that can handle both mushy summer surf and punchier days, the Bullet is your best bet. It blends groveler traits with performance features, giving you the freedom to paddle into small waves effortlessly while still laying into turns when the waves get better. It's great for intermediate to advanced surfers who want a reliable daily driver with extra float and versatility.

If you're more focused on squeezing the most fun out of the tiniest days, the Cloud is the board for you. It's purpose-built for groveling — fat, flat, and floaty — and it absolutely excels in weak surf. Intermediate surfers transitioning off of longer boards will love its paddle power and stability, while intermediate surfers will appreciate how it turns sluggish surf into a skatepark. It's the board you grab when the waves are barely breaking but you still want to get wet and have a blast.

For surfers who love a bit of retro flair with their performance, the Rocket Fish is a great option. It's fast and flowy, built for trimming and carving stylish lines down the face of the wave. It still has the groveler DNA — width, low rocker, and short length — but it's geared more toward surfers who prioritize speed and style over aggressive maneuvers. If you enjoy quad glide or thruster performance, and want to spice up your small wave sessions with something unique, the Rocket Fish will keep you fit your needs. 

Each of these boards offers a different flavor of groveling. Whether you want all-around performance, effortless small wave fun, or stylish retro speed, there’s a groveler in Degree 33’s lineup that fits your vibe.

Having a groveler in your quiver is like having a secret weapon. You paddle out when others stay home, catch more waves, and leave the water smiling — even on the worst days. The Degree 33 Bullet, Cloud, and Rocket Fish each offer a unique take on what a groveler can be:

• The Bullet gives you a hybrid machine that can handle a wide range of conditions.

• The Cloud is your go-to for those tiny, gutless days when you just want to have fun.

• The Rocket Fish adds a stylish, fast, and loose ride that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

No matter your style or local wave conditions, one of these boards can transform your small-wave sessions into something worth looking forward to. So next time the forecast calls for knee-high slop, grab your groveler and go — because every day can be a good surf day with the right board under your feet. Give us an email at surf@degree33.com or call us at (800) 920 -2363 to find the right board for you.