
This Christenson Osprey Surfboard review is actually part 2 of a series where I try out two mid length models to see which one I like best. The first installment dove into the Long Phish 2.0 (here). This review we take a look at its more refined, pintail cousin. The Osprey comes in five different fin setup options: thruster, quad, twin, 3 fin bonzer, and single fin. To keep things clean, the board in this Osprey review was a twin fin – same as the Long Phish mid length. Dimensions are 6’4’’ x 19 ¾’’ x 2 9/16’’ (33.61L). For reference, my normal performance shortboard is around 5’10’’ x 19 ¼’’ x 2 ½’’ (30L).
To make things even dreamier, I opted for the channel bottom option. Don’t know if channel bottoms actually do anything, but they sure do look epic and that’s enough for me to make a glasser/sander’s life harder for a day.
Christenson says about the Osprey:
“I love riding this model when I am too lazy to ride a shortboard but I’m not in the mood to deal with a log.”

SHAPE
This is a streamlined mid-length surfboard from tail to tip. With a tight rounded pin, plenty of volume under the chest and subtle nose beak, it’s something you can throw around while still enjoying plenty of paddle power. A relaxed, continual rocker throughout the bottom curve allows for down-the-line speed, ease of control and enough lift for sucky take offs.
Low to mid rails throughout the board let it cut through the water like a sashimi-grade sushi blade. The channeled bottom directs water flow to the back, reducing drag and improving speed. It also ‘grips’ more to the wave face for extra control, which is amazing when you’re rolling a twin fin. Basically, you’re getting extra stability and speed, without making it too much stiffer.
Put it against the wall and admire that all round surf weapon. Eye candy for the salt addicted.
WAVE TYPE
The Onboard Store in Australia (who distro Christenson’s here) puts the wave range for this board from knee-high to double overhead. They aren’t far wrong. It goes in just about anything. I tested it in waist high rights and lefts, head high Balian in Indo, as well as double-overhead Yalls Main Break in West Oz, which has plenty of grunt. The Osprey lapped it all up. It wouldn’t be my first choice for anything under shoulder high. Head high and bigger though, it sings more beautifully than a fat man at the opera.
Incredibly, the Christenson Osprey goes just as well backhand as it does on the forehand, maybe even better. Perhaps it’s a function of the channels, but you can push as hard as you like and it won’t skip out. Some kind of twin fin black voodoo wizardry right there.
Overall Best Conditions:
Head high and bigger, long, walling waves where the order of the day is arcing turns

PERFORMANCE
Loose, fast, easy to paddle. I mean, what more could you want in a board? The Christenson Osprey was really surprising at how well it turns, letting you spin on a dime and jam your back foot for extra change. There’s also this crazy sensation after you get halfway through your bottom turn when it picks up speed and surges at the lip. It’s like it’s whispering excitedly in your ear the whole time ‘let’s see how vert we can go!’.
The Osprey is something I’d feel comfortable on in hollow waves, waves where you need to slip over flat sections, backhand, forehand, or just taking a drop on a close out. Where it doesn’t shine ultra bright is when the waves get smaller. Sure, you can ride it in grovelly waves, but there are much better options out there for that. I’d rather class it as the ultimate step-up twin fin. Something to pull out in good head high waves or bigger, that still has retro style points in spades.
WHAT FINS TO USE?
Just like with the Christenson Long Phish 2.0 review, I tried 4 different types of fins in the Osprey too. The Christenson FCS Signature Twin, the Brit Merrick Keel, the MF Twin, and the FCS Power Twin all got a good run (reviews on these fins here).
For me, the MF Twin was the best. It offered the best balance of drive and pizazz. The keels went a little bit too far and it lost a bit of zap, while the FCS Power fin felt too skatey. If I were to pick twin fins that went well across both boards without having to fork out for multiple sets, just go with the Christenson Signature Twin Fins. A great all-rounder option.
VERDICT
Hands down one of the best boards I’ve ever owned. If you could marry an inanimate object, my wife may have some competition as the world’s greatest partner. Sometimes when I’m walking past my board rack in the garage, I reach out and give it a loving tickle, just to let it know it’s appreciated. The Christenson Osprey surprised me during almost every surf for its versatility and ability to lap up semi-high performance moves. No, I didn’t do any airs on it. I have the ankle strength of a centenarian. But, I did do snaps I’d be stoked to pull off on a shortboard. Cut downs galore too. It does lose a bit of spark when the swell drops to dribble levels, but if I had to choose a single board to take on a surf trip, this would be it. Fun plus it won’t replace your shortboard for pure performance, but it’s definitely something that offers some alt-board inspiration, while still allowing you to let loose.
As an aside, when I ordered two different mid length twin fins from Christenson, I thought I’d sell one of them and keep the other. Nope. The bastard now has me hooked to try more of his models. The Long Phish II is great for when you’re wanting to cruise. The Osprey is insane when you’re wanting to maintain some performance while still getting steezy trim credits. It’s like unlocking some kind of surfing cheat code. Get on the game. I might just try the Nautilus next.
The Wins:
- Fast, loose, easy to paddle
- Goes amazing in head high and bigger
- It just looks plain epic
The Challenges:
- Loses some zap in small waves
- Will challenge you bank account because you’ll want more
The Christenson Osprey is widely available globally, anywhere that stocks Christenson surfboards are going to have one of these to run your hands over. Need to know the closest? Hit up their retailer page for more info.
Alternatively, you can get order direct from a few spots, including direct from Onboard. Stores, in Australia, to check include:
Dessa
Aloha Manly
Board Store
Strapper
Price wise you’re looking at around $1200 AUD, which ain’t too bad considering this is a board that’s got a wildly strong glass job (mine has been ridden non-stop for two weeks and it’s held up really well) and will no doubt last you a long time. If you are getting one, make sure you spare enough cash to grab a set of the Christenson Twins as well – they make a big difference to the performance of the board, and they look amazing.
6’4 x 19 3/4” x 2 9/16” 33.61L
6’6 x 20” x 2 5/8” 35.85L
6’8 x 20 1/4” x 2 11/16” 37.79L
6’10 x 20 1/2” x 2 3/4” 40.54L
7’0 x 20 3/4” x 2 7/8” 43.83L