Nautilus Quick Facts
Christenson Nautilus quick facts
| Brand / shaper | Christenson Surfboards, shaped by Chris Christenson in San Diego County, California; made in America |
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| Board type | Swallow-tail mid-length thruster designed to fill the missing link between mid-lengths and shorter performance and alternative designs; “a timeless blend of performance, function, and aesthetics” |
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| Best waves | A large variety of conditions, from crumbly knee-high surf to solid overhead waves |
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| Skill level | All skill levels; enjoyed most by fans of longer swallow-tail shapes |
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| Tail | Swallow |
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| Design | Classic low rails with complex bottom contours that let the design sync with the wave of your choice; based on the popular swallow-tail step-up shapes |
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| Fins | Thruster (FCS II or Futures boxes); Chris will build it as a quad if preferred. Best template: the Christenson x FCS II Tri-Quad set or the Christenson x Futures 5-Fin, ridden as a thruster. |
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| Stock sizes | 6’6 to 7’0 (37.97 L to 45.64 L) |
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| Sizing | Chris recommends 6’6 to 7’0; ride it 6" to 12" longer than your shortboard with a lot more volume |
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| Constructions we stock | PU (poly); every Christenson we have carried is a polyurethane board, made in America by Christenson Surfboards |
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Nautilus Q&A
What size Nautilus should I get?
Chris Christenson’s recommended size range is 6’6 to 7’0, which is also the stock range: 6’6 (20 1/2" x 2 9/16", 37.97 L), 6’8 (20 3/4" x 2 5/8", 40.42 L), 6’10 (21" x 2 11/16", 42.99 L) and 7’0 (21 1/4" x 2 3/4", 45.64 L). As a mid-length it is ridden 6" to 12" longer than your shortboard with a lot more volume, so a 5’11 shortboard rider usually looks at the 6’6 or 6’8 and goes longer for more glide and paddle power. Our shop staff can help you pick a size.
What fins does the Nautilus use?
Chris suggests the Nautilus as a thruster, and that is how it comes, with FCS II or Futures boxes; he will build it as a quad if preferred. Chris’s own fin sets cover it: the Christenson x FCS II Tri-Quad set (Medium, Large) or the Christenson x Futures 5-Fin, a pivot-style template for quick, in-the-pocket surfing, ridden as a thruster. FCS sizes the Christenson Tri-Quad set as Medium and Large; the Futures Christenson 5-Fin Medium suits riders of about 125 to 175 lbs.
What is the Nautilus?
A timeless blend of performance, function and aesthetics. The Nautilus is designed to fill the missing link between mid-lengths and shorter performance and alternative designs: a swallow-tail mid-length based on the popular swallow-tail step-up shapes, with classic low rails and complex bottom contours that let it sync with the wave of your choice.
What waves is the Nautilus for?
A large variety of conditions, from crumbly knee-high surf to solid overhead waves. The length and low rails give it paddle power and trim, while the swallow tail and thruster set-up keep it turning like a shorter board when the surf has some push.
Who is the Nautilus for?
All skill levels can ride it, and it is enjoyed most by surfers who want mid-length glide with the control of a thruster, especially fans of longer swallow-tail shapes. If you want the same board as a looser twin fin, look at the Wolverine.
What construction does the Nautilus come in?
We stock the Nautilus in PU (poly). Every Christenson board we have carried has been a traditional polyurethane/polyester build, made in America at Christenson’s factory. Each in-stock board on this page lists its construction and fin set-up.
