How it surfs
Hodei Collazo, Pukas team rider, describes the Balloon as "an incredible board" in his own testing footage — a rare direct rider endorsement for a small-wave shape.
Independent buyer feedback from Pukas Surf Shop and Boardcave customer reviews highlights how well the Balloon performs specifically in European beach-break slop: it doesn't need a proper wave to feel fast, which is the whole point of a groveler.
Volume & sizing chart
Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4" | 27.5 L | 60–70 kg | Advanced |
| 5'6" | 29.3 L | 65–75 kg | Advanced |
| 5'8" | 31.2 L | 70–80 kg | Intermediate+ |
| 5'10" | 33.4 L | 75–85 kg | Intermediate |
| 6'0" | 35.8 L | 80–90 kg | Intermediate |
| 6'2" | 38.5 L | 85–95 kg | Improver |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pukas Balloon | European groveler | Ankle to chest | 8.8 |
| Lost Rad Ripper | Grovel + air machine | Knee to shoulder | 8.9 |
| CI Neck Beard 3 | Reference groveler | Ankle to shoulder | 9.0 |
| Album Insanity | One-board quiver egg | Knee-high to overhead | 8.8 |
Recommended fin setups
- FCS II Mick Fanning / Performer Medium — Loose-to-neutral template for skate-y small-wave surfing.
- Futures Rob Machado Keel Twin (with trailer) — For the truly small days — turns the Balloon into a hybrid twin.
Verdict
Aggregated across four independent editorial and buyer sources the Balloon averages 4.5/5 — the reference European-designed groveler and Pukas's best answer to summer slop and ankle-high beach-break sessions.
Estimated score: 8.8 / 10
Estimated from 3 independent sources — none publish numeric scores. See sources below.