Lieuwe Shotgun Air

After seeing Lieuwe’s boards around for years – and passing their huge billboard every day on our way to the spot here in Tarifa – we finally got the chance to test the Shotgun Air. Available in sizes ranging from 133 to 144, the lineup is designed to suit virtually every rider. For our test, we went with the 138.

What always caught our eye with the Shotgun and now the Shotgun Air is their characteristic wooden look. The Shotgun Air is handcrafted using a CNC-machined 3D Paulownia wood core, premium multi-layer fiberglass and durable ABS rails. The first thing we noticed when picking it up was its weight as it felt a touch lighter than many other boards in the same category. When we flipped it over, the bottom shape caught our attention. The Shotgun Air features angled fins, aggressive channels in the tips, combined with a single concave through the center, giving it a fast, technical look while also hinting at the performance characteristics we would later experience on the water.

Our test board came equipped with Lieuwe’s Pro Pads, which offer plenty of adjustment options to achieve a precise fit. They’re comfortable, provide excellent grip and inspire confidence whether you’re cruising or pushing hard. Based on our own long-term experience with similar binding setups, we can confidently say they’re incredibly durable, built to withstand years of riding, abuse and everything in between.

Our first session on the Shotgun Air took place in strong winds and heavy chop, conditions we initially feared would ruin the test. As it turned out, the exact opposite happened. What began as a session full of doubts quickly became an enjoyable ride. The board’s flex, combined with what we can only assume is some kind of wizardry, allows the Shotgun Air to absorb rough water remarkably well. If there’s one area where this board truly stands out, it’s comfort in the harshest chop. Getting upwind is effortless. Once you settle into your stance, the rails lock in naturally, allowing you to focus entirely on your riding instead of constantly managing your edge. The Shotgun Air also shines when it comes to jumping. It loves speed, making it easy to maintain a solid edge right up until takeoff and generate a powerful, predictable pop. Landings are forgiving, and thanks to a great grip, even slightly overpowered or off-balance touchdowns are surprisingly easy to ride away from. It was only when we really loaded the edge as hard as possible for our biggest boosts that we felt the board could have used a touch more grip. Outside of that very specific scenario, however, the Shotgun Air performed beautifully in every situation we threw at it.

We managed to squeeze in a few more sessions, although unfortunately all of them were in flat water or choppy conditions, so we weren’t able to test the board in proper waves or stormy seas. The last one in particular stood out: a fading 15m late afternoon session when the wind was barely hanging on. Even in those marginal conditions, the Shotgun Air never felt like a limitation. Its speed and excellent upwind performance kept us riding, proving that it performs consistently across an impressively wide wind range.

Before testing the Shotgun Air, we also spent a few sessions riding the regular Shotgun as we were curious to compare the two. For anyone wondering about the differences, we can confidently say that the Shotgun Air is essentially an evolution of the Shotgun. It offers more grip while retaining the same comfort and the core riding characteristics that made the original so popular. Think of it as an upgraded Shotgun, refined and adapted to follow Big Air trends.

Who is this board for? The first group of riders that comes to mind is anyone who regularly deals with choppy water. The Shotgun Air has an uncanny ability to smooth out rough conditions, turning what would normally be a demanding session into a genuinely enjoyable one. Even if chop isn’t part of the equation, the Shotgun Air remains a fantastic all-round freeride board with accessible Big Air capabilities. It’s exceptionally comfortable, lively under your feet, and simply fun to ride in almost any conditions. The only riders who may find themselves wanting more are those focused exclusively on maximum grip for extreme Big Air riding or the most overpowered, stormy conditions. For everyone else, however, the Shotgun Air is a great choice. If you’re looking for a board that’s comfortable, fast, durable and capable of putting a smile on your face in almost any conditions, the Lieuwe Shotgun Air is one you should definitely put on your shortlist.