Lost Puddle Jumper 6'2 review: flat-rocker fun that outgrew itself

Updated 2026-09-19

The Lost Puddle Jumper is a 6'2 custom groveller, a flat-rockered, five-slot board that was one of the most-used boards in the entire sold register, before its size caught up with it.

What it is and why I bought it

I ordered the Puddle Jumper from Lost in January 2015, a board with a medium rocker and hard rails, running a single-to-double-to-vee bottom, finished with a round square tail and five fin slots. At 22 1/2 inches wide and 46.35 litres over 6'2, it out-drove a stablemate Lay Z Boy of similar intent thanks to its flatter, more direct bottom contour.

It came in a yellow colourway.

How it surfed

Its best wave came at Jails, and it proved to be a genuine standout groveller, more driven than the belly-heavy Lay Z Boy it effectively replaced. Eventually, though, its flat rocker and generous outline started to feel too big, with a Bing Dharma or a McCallum-style board noted as the direction that would replace it. The logged wave range is 1 to 4 ft, ideal at 1.5 ft.

Who it suits and who it does not

A flat-rockered, five-slot groveller like this suits someone chasing genuine drive and speed in the smallest, softest surf. It becomes a weaker fit once a rider's preferences shift toward a smaller, more compact groveller shape, which is exactly the direction this board's own retirement pointed toward.

What happened to it

It sold on 12 December 2016 for $400, against an $1,150 build cost.

Questions people ask

How did the Puddle Jumper compare to the Lost Lay Z Boy?

It out-drove the Lay Z Boy thanks to a flatter, more direct bottom contour, which is part of why the Lay Z Boy sold first.

What is the verdict on the Puddle Jumper?

One of the most-used boards anywhere in the sold register, reflecting how often it was reached for as a small-wave option.

Why did the Puddle Jumper eventually sell too?

Its size and flat rocker eventually felt too big, with a smaller, more compact groveller noted as the preferred direction afterward.

For the full spec sheet, see the sold boards list. For the board it replaced, see the Lost Lay Z Boy. For more on small-wave board choices, see surfboard for small waves.