The accessible Key — without compromising on performance 🏄🏻‍♂️

La Phase Five Key has been one of the most popular skimboard shapes in the Phase Five range for several years. In response to rider demand for this high-performance shape at a more accessible price, Phase Five developed the Key CL : exactly the same shape, the same outline, the same lines — but constructed in Composilite™, The brand's robust and lightweight molding technology, developed in the United States, results in fast tricks and precise combinations, all at a controlled budget.

📏 Size/weight chart — Which Key CL should I choose?

Use this chart to find the ideal board according to your body type.

The nub tail & nose: the key to quick rotations

The Key's defining characteristic is its truncated ends (nub nose and nub tail). This design reduces the surface area in contact with the water at the tip of the board, which frees up a lot of release during turns and tricks. In practical terms: rotations are faster, shuvits and 360s are easier to initiate, and the board transitions from one side to the other with remarkable fluidity. If you want to learn to link tricks cleanly, the Key CL is exactly what you need.

A thin, lively core for immediate pop

The continuous core 5/8″ (1.6 cm) The Key CL is one of the thinnest in the Phase Five range. This thinness, combined with a rigid Composilite construction, gives the board a lively and responsive character: the pop is immediate underfoot, the board responds to the slightest movement, and speed is maintained throughout the sequence of tricks.

Composilite™ construction: strong and lightweight

La Composilite™ construction with polyester resin is Phase Five's exclusive molding manufacturing technology. It offers excellent durability for an entry-level and mid-range board, and withstands repeated shocks and impacts while learning tricks—a significant advantage for riders who still fall frequently. The finish TuffCoat™ gloss It protects the hand-painted graphics and ensures the longevity of the board.

The 2" skim fin: the perfect balance of control and freedom

The Key CL comes with a thin skim style 2″ (also called a skim fin). This unique fin, shorter than on a surfboard, is designed for skim tricks: it offers enough grip for clean carving in the wave, while remaining free enough to initiate rotations and maneuvers without locking up. It's the perfect setup for progressing from intermediate to advanced.

Traction P5 Techno Grip™ v2

The traction pad P5 Techno Grip™ v2 covers the entire deck. Designed specifically for skim style, it guarantees maximum foot grip without adding unnecessary weight — a balance that skim riders particularly appreciate during rapid weight shifts in tricks.

Technical specifications

For what type of rider?

The Key CL is for you if:

• You're an intermediate rider and you want to take your skim style to the next level.
• Are you looking for a board designed for tricks, rotations, and linking maneuvers?
• You want the shape and feel of a pro board (the Key) within an affordable budget.
• You already ride and you want a board that's more responsive and livelier than the Avenger.

The Key CL is not ideal if:

• You're a complete beginner in wakesurfing — the Avenger will be easier to get the hang of to start with
• You prefer the stability and big airs of a surf-style shape
• If you want an ultra-light carbon competition board, check out the Key LTD or the Key with epoxy/Gatorskin construction.

What is the difference between Key CL and Key (epoxy version)?

8. FAQ

What is the Five Key CL Phase? The Phase Five Key CL is a skimboard-style wakesurf board, constructed from Composilite™ and designed for tricks. It offers the same popular shape as the high-end Key, in a more accessible version thanks to its molded polyester construction.

What size Phase Five Key CL should I choose based on my weight? The 50″ is suitable for riders up to approximately 75 kg, the 52″ up to 88 kg, and the 55″ up to 104 kg. Experienced riders often go down a size for more responsiveness.

What is the difference between the Phase Five Key CL and the Avenger? Both are skimboards, but the Key CL is more performance-oriented and technical, with its nub nose/tail that facilitates quick rotations. The Avenger is more versatile and beginner-friendly, with a more classic outline and a similar 2" fin.

Is a 2″ skim fin (skate) included with the Key CL? Yes, the Phase Five Key CL comes with a 2″ style skim fin already mounted, ready to be put in the water.

Can you ride the Key CL in switch (reverse direction)? Yes, the compact and symmetrical shape of the Key CL makes it very pleasant to ride in both directions, which is a real advantage for learning rotations and switch tricks.