Review: Catch Surf Odysea Stump Thruster
Summary: The Catch Surf Odysea Stump is a great beginner to intermediate river shortboard. Continue reading for the full review…
The Stump is a great board for beginner to intermediate river surfers. It is easy to surf, nearly indestructible, has interchangeable fins, and performs well for a foam board.
The Stump is best suited for shortboard specific river waves like those found in Boise, Bend, and Denver. At five-foot long, it fits great on those steep waves where a longer board would easily perl. It will also surf big river waves such as Lunch Counter, Springdale, and Glenwood, but often is not the best choice. Often bigger waves are better suited for a longer board. The Stump is not good for small, slow and/or foamy waves where more volume is required.
If you are an advanced to expert river surfer, the Stump can still have a place in your quiver. At 36 liters of volume, I’ve found it is easier than other boards when learning how to catch and surf a new wave. The durable construction is also perfect for dialing in a wave, where falling and losing control of your board and having it shoot into a concrete barrier or rock is common.
Like all foam boards, wax can be used on the deck of the Stump. However the board has enough grip to be surfed without wax, especially when wearing sticky booties. It would be nice to add a traction pad with a kicktail, but unfortunately pads do not stick to the foam material very well. Catch Surf does make a version of this board with a traction pad, but it does not come with a leash plug.
When compared to high performance hard boards, the Stump feels a bit sluggish. It’s still fun to ride, but it’s not as snappy and quick when compared to boards like the Puddle Jumper, or other lower volume hardboards.
I like the Stump as a board to dial in new waves, but it’s not a must have board for advanced/expert river surfers. For beginners looking to learn how to surf steep, fast, shortboard waves, the Stump is often my first recommendation. If you’re looking to get into river surfing and have a high quality shortboard wave nearby, definitely consider the Stump.