Orion Surfboards 2+1
Pickup currently unavailable at BSS
Orion Surfboards 2+1: A Florida-Shaped Small Wave Performer
Since 1985, Orion Surfboards shaper Greg Geiselman has been crafting high-performance shortboards out of Florida, refined through decades of feedback from team riders, everyday surfers, and his own travels to surf destinations around the world. The Orion 2+1 is a direct result of that research: a fun, forgiving, small-wave shortboard designed to make weaker surf genuinely enjoyable.
The 2+1 fin configuration sits at the heart of this board's character. A center single fin provides drive and directional hold down the line, while two side fins add pivot and response through turns. The result is a setup that rewards both drawn-out carves and tighter, more vertical lines, giving you flexibility in how you approach a wave without sacrificing feel in either direction.
Design and Shape
The outline is fuller than a standard shortboard, giving the board a wide, inviting template that paddles with authority in soft, mushy surf. The rocker is moderate, keeping the nose low for early entry and allowing the board to plane through sections that would bog out a higher-performance shape.
The bottom contour runs a concave into a vee through the tail, a combination that generates speed in the front half while releasing cleanly off the back for controlled pivot. The tail shape adds directional hold and keeps the board tracking smoothly on open-faced waves, complementing the 2+1 fin setup rather than fighting it.
Construction is available in PU or epoxy, and the build quality reflects Geiselman's 40-plus years of shaping experience. These boards are made to last and to feel right underfoot from the first session.
Who Rides the Orion 2+1
This board is designed for surfers who want to maximize fun in everyday small surf. It suits intermediate to advanced surfers looking for a second board that performs in the conditions a standard shortboard struggles with. If you spend time in South Florida surf, where chest-high beach break is the norm rather than the exception, this is a board purpose-built for those days.
It also works well as a step-down board for experienced shortboarders who want something that paddles and catches waves effortlessly when the swell drops. The fuller outline and 2+1 setup cover a wide skill range, but riders who already know how to draw a line on a wave will get the most out of its pivot and drive.
Orion Surfboards at Island Water Sports
Island Water Sports has carried Orion Surfboards for years, and the 2+1 is one of the shapes Greg shapes specifically for Florida surf conditions. Our staff rides and knows these boards. If you have questions about fit, fin selection, or how this shape compares to others in the Orion lineup, call or stop by the store at 954-427-4929. Check the variant selector on this page to see which lengths are available to order.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Orion Surfboards
- Model
- 2+1
- Shaper
- Greg Geiselman
- Shaping Since
- 1985
- Origin
- Florida, USA
- Fin Setup
- 2+1 (center single + two side fins)
- Bottom Contour
- Concave to vee
- Construction
- PU or Epoxy
- Category
- Shortboard / Small Wave
- Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | 19.75" | 2.25" | 25.8 L |
| 5'2" | 20.00" | 2.36" | 28.1 L |
| 5'4" | 20.25" | 2.46" | 29.1 L |
| 5'6" | 20.50" | 2.54" | 31.7 L |
| 5'8" | 20.85" | 2.60" | 33.9 L |
| 5'10" | 21.15" | 2.66" | 37.3 L |
| 6'0" | 21.58" | 2.75" | 40.2 L |
| 6'2" | 21.75" | 2.80" | 42.3 L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the 2+1 fin setup mean on this board?
- A 2+1 setup uses one center (single) fin for drive and trim, plus two smaller side fins for pivot and hold. It gives you elements of both a single fin and a thruster in one board, letting you draw long, sweeping lines or tighten up your turns depending on how you surf.
- What kind of waves is the Orion 2+1 designed for?
- This board is built for small, fun, mushy surf. It excels in waist-to-head-high beach break and point surf where the waves are soft and require a board that generates its own speed. It is not optimized for powerful, overhead-plus surf, where a more performance-oriented shape would be a better fit.
- Is the Orion 2+1 good for intermediate surfers?
- Yes. The fuller outline and added foam make it forgiving on paddle-in and catching waves, which benefits intermediate surfers. Advanced surfers will also enjoy it as a step-down option when the swell is small. Total beginners would typically be better served by a longer, softer board first.
- How does the Orion 2+1 compare to a standard shortboard?
- Compared to a typical shortboard, the 2+1 has a fuller outline, more foam through the nose, and a friendlier rocker. This makes it paddle better and catch waves earlier in weak surf. The trade-off is that it is less snappy and vertical in more powerful conditions. Most surfers ride it several inches shorter than their regular shortboard.
- What size Orion 2+1 should I ride?
- The right size depends on your weight, fitness level, and how much volume you prefer. The full size chart on this page shows the dimensions for every length Orion makes. As a general rule, most surfers ride this model a few inches shorter than their regular shortboard because of the extra width and foam. Check the variant selector on this page to see which lengths are currently available, or call us at 954-427-4929 for a personal recommendation.
- Is the Orion 2+1 made in the USA?
- Yes. Orion Surfboards are shaped by Greg Geiselman in Florida, where he has been crafting boards since 1985. These are custom-quality, Florida-made boards, not overseas production models.
- Can I get the Orion 2+1 in PU or epoxy?
- Orion offers this shape in both PU (polyurethane) and epoxy constructions. PU has a traditional flex and feel that many surfers prefer; epoxy is lighter and more durable. If you have a preference, call us at 954-427-4929 and we can help confirm which build is available for your size.