If a board feels good in Cape Town, it usually says a lot.
Adam Crouch and Michaela have both been out properly testing the Lieuwe Shotgun Air in Cape Town, with big waves out the front and heavy chop out the back. Those are the sort of conditions that quickly show you whether a board really works or whether it just sounds good on paper.
What stood out straight away was how much extra speed and grip this board has, while still keeping that familiar Shotgun feel that so many riders already trust. It feels quicker through the water, more locked in when you load your edge, and more direct under your feet, but without becoming harsh or demanding.
The Next Step in Progression
The Shotgun Air builds on everything riders already love about the Shotgun and just gives you more of what matters. More speed. More grip. A more direct feel on the water. But it still keeps the comfort and smooth ride that make it easy to ride session after session.
That is what makes this board feel like a genuine progression board. It helps you ride more powered, hold your edge longer, and start pushing into bigger jumps with more confidence, without losing the forgiveness that helps you improve.
Adam’s take was that it still feels friendly, just with more performance behind it. Michaela said much the same. It is faster and more responsive, but not in a way that punishes you. That balance is what makes it so good.
Designed for Controlled Big Air
This is where the Shotgun Air really makes sense. It is clearly aimed at riders who want to go bigger, but do not want to jump onto something overly stiff or technical too early.
The refined outline and added channels help the board build speed more easily. The slightly stiffer flex gives it a more direct and responsive feel. The angled fins add grip, especially when you are really loading up for take-off or trying to keep things controlled on faster landings.
What we like is that Lieuwe have not chased performance at the expense of comfort. There is still enough forgiveness in the board to keep it smooth in messy water, which matters a lot for real-world riding in places like Cape Town and the UK.
How It Feels on the Water
- More speed, more height: the refined outline and channels help the board carry speed effortlessly, which gives you stronger take-offs and easier access to bigger jumps.
- Direct and responsive feel: the slightly stiffer flex reacts quickly to rider input, helping you feel more connected and more in control.
- Controlled take-offs and landings: the added grip from the angled fins helps you hold your edge longer and land with more confidence when powered.
- Comfort in choppy conditions: even with the performance upgrades, it still keeps that smooth and forgiving Shotgun feel that makes rough water easier to deal with.
Why We Rate It
For us, the best thing about the Shotgun Air is that it feels like a natural next step. It does not feel intimidating. It just gives you a bit more of everything you want as your riding progresses.
If you already like the regular Shotgun feel but want a board with more grip, more speed, and a bit more big air potential, this is a really easy board to recommend.
It is especially good for riders who want one board that can handle powered freeride sessions, choppy water, and proper progression into bigger jumps without feeling too full-on for everyday use.
Try the Demo Board
We have a Lieuwe Shotgun Air demo board in the shop, so if you want to see how it feels for yourself, you can come and try it rather than just guessing from specs.
If you want to chat through sizes, setup, or whether it is the right step up from your current board, just get in touch and we will talk you through it properly.
Shop the Lieuwe Shotgun Air here.
More Lieuwe Boards & Accessories
If you are looking at Lieuwe, it is also worth checking out the rest of the range depending on how and where you ride:
- Shop all Lieuwe kiteboards
- Lieuwe Falcon – for riders wanting a more premium carbon big air feel
- Lieuwe Oceana – for powerful riding and high-performance big air and freestyle
- Lieuwe Awesome – for a smoother, more forgiving ride and easier progression
- Lieuwe Pro Pads – for a comfortable, high-performance pad and strap setup
Final Thoughts
The Shotgun Air feels exactly how a progression board should feel. Faster. Grippier. More capable. But still comfortable and trustworthy underneath you.
After hearing Adam and Michaela’s feedback from Cape Town, and seeing how the board is positioned, it is easy to see why this one will appeal to riders who want to start going bigger without losing that everyday ease of use.
If that sounds like what you are after, this is a board well worth a look.
