A question we often get is what the differences and similarities are between our two top selling Step-Ups; the Blackbird and the New Traveler. We created this breakdown and comparison to help you figure out which is the best Step-Up surfboard for you.
6'10 Blackbird and 7'0 New Traveler.
Let's start with the conditions and waves you plan to ride your Step-Up... This will help determine which model you're after.
If you're traveling somewhere with shallow reefs, steep drops, and hollow barrels, your best bet is the New Traveler. If you're going somewhere with open water and racey waves, the Blackbird will best suit you.
New Traveler
The New Traveler is our updated version of the original Traveler. It's knifey, thin, and has a lot of rocker. All of these combined allow you to handle late, steep drops and navigate through tubes that pass over shallow reef. To put it in more simple terms, this is our step up with the highest performance. There's not a lot of volume in this board, so it suits more advanced surfers.
Jonathan Gubbins on his New Traveler. Photo: Renato Tinoco
Blackbird
The Blackbird is a more full Step-Up with less entry rocker rocker and a single concave starting under the nose to maximize paddle power and speed while adding a little more overall volume to the board. It's a fast board that's meant to battle currents and chase down peaks. It holds on rail really well, and still performs well top to bottom. This is most people's go-to step up for all skill levels and all conditions. Simply put, this is Rusty's version of an all-around step up.
Letty Mortensen on his Blackbird. Photo: Guy Williment
Whether you're headed to cold water slabs or warm water reef passes, we've got you covered. The New Traveler and Blackbird are some of our best sellers during Winter and for people who prefer to travel to warmer waters. Order one now or check with your local shop to make sure you're prepared for the next swell.
A COMPARISON
The Best Step Up Surfboards: Blackbird vs New Traveler
| NAME | Blackbird | New Traveler |
| WAVE SIZE | Head high to double overhead+ | Head high to double overhead+ |
| CONDITIONS | Mushy-Steep | Perfect |
| APPROACH | Cruisy-High performance surfing | High performance surfing |
| SKILL LEVEL | Intermediate-Advanced | Advanced |
| ROCKER | Moderate | Aggressive |
| CONCAVE | Single to double to vee | Single to double to vee |
