TWENTY THIRTEENSURFBOARD GUIDE

facebook: facebook.com/WavelengthSurfMag twitter: @wavelengthmag instagram: wavelengthsurfmag web: wavelengthmag.co.uk

SURFBOARD GUIDE

084 WAVELENGTHMAG.CO.UK

WAVELENGTHMAG.CO.UK 085

Photo: Greg Martin

TWENTY THIRTEEN SURFboaRd gUideWhether you are looking for a pro model that will give you more time in the tube, or your first proper board to take you down the line. Whether you’re after a custom surfboard, skillfully crafted to your bespoke needs, or a shape that comes recommended from a friend. Whatever you decide will be your magic ride, choose wisely, and your next board could change your life.

086 WL SURFMAGAZINE

Alder: Alder’s flagship and highly successful ‘Cortez’ range of epoxy surfboards give you amazing performance to suit all budgets. Available in progressive shortboard, mini-mal and longboard shapes to suit all riders and tastes.The Hawaiian Soul performance range has been developed with care, fine tuning the established beliefs surrounding board shapes, giving the boards a competitive edge when it comes to performance and smile factor. web: aldersportswear.comfacebook: facebook.com/AlderSportswearemail: info@aldersportswear.comtel: +44(0)1566 783444

“a competitive edge when it comes to performance and

smile factor”

Hawaiian Soul Player: 5’6 - 6 RRP: See your local Alder Authorised dealer. High performance super fun board built specifically for UK waves. Generous volume and width from nose to tail and 5 fin set up makes this board a versatile wave catching machine. Stepped tail makes for a loose feel with great response in all conditions.

Hawaiian Soul Cat: 5’9 - 6’5 RRP: See your local Alder Authorised dealer. An affordable, super fun high performance shortboard which is perfect for UK waves. Plenty of volume and width ensures great paddling and wave catching ability, yet the drawn in rounded pin tail allows this board to turn on a sixpence!

Cortez Epoxy Mini MaI: 7’0 – 8’0 (Thruster) / 8’6 – 9’2 (Single Skeg w Side Bites) RRP: See your local Alder Authorised dealer. Extremely stable and light, giving great control and buoyancy. Perfect for surfers of all levels; beginners/intermediate surfers can enjoy these boards and they’re great to learn on, thanks to their mini mal shape and maneuverability. A great performing board for all surfers.

E-Comp 9’4 Nose Rider: 9’4 x 22.75 x 2.75 RRP: From £519. Considered by many as the best longboard surf shape ever produced this legendary Nose Rider combines super smooth wave entry, speed and manoeuvrability. A light concave with conventional rocker through the nose flows into a flattened area and then into a rolled V, pronounced under foot to provide easy rail to rail transition.

ACS 7’3 Hype 2: 7’3 x 21.25 x 2.5 RRP: From £199. The unique BIC ACS construction is legendary, manufacturing the most affordable and robust boards available on the market. Great shapes that produce a stable and versatile board - your ultimate first board purchase! The new Hype 2 delivers enhanced board control with an integrated tail pad for progressional riders wanting to rip up the lip!

Kids Twin Fin 5’6 G-Board: 5’6 x 19.4 x 3.5 RRP: From £249. Stable and safe yet built to perform. Thick EVA bumper rails and anti-slip deck give the G-Board ultimate protection and comfort; yet remaining manouverable and fast on the wave face. No soft board can match the G boards performance and strength. FACT!

BIC Surfboards: BIC is the biggest single brand manufacturer in the world and is responsible for bringing surf to the masses, using it’s revolutionary manufacturing techniques available only to BIC. Despite their powerful industrial manufacturing capacity their surfing roots stem from core surf pioneers in the board shaping world, such as Gerard Dabbadie and Peter Pan. These guys are responsible for creating some of the best surf shapes in the world, which, combined with legendary riders like Nat Young in the development of the boards, BIC has become the worlds leading surfboard manufacturer. Affordability, durability and sustainability are at the forefront of BIC design. web: ultrasporteu.comemail: info@ultrasporteu.comtel: 01332 813150

“affordability, durability and sustainability are at

the forefront of bic design“

WL SURFMAGAZINE 087

She Captain: Available from 8’0 to 9’1 RRP: From £499. The ‘She Captain’ is a female specifi c longboard. A direct descendant of the original ‘Captain’ We have adapted the design to suit a female surfer. The dimensions are slightly pulled in, making it lighter, easier to carry to the beach and more manoeuvrable in the water.

Retro Fish: Available from 5’6” to 6’6” RRP: From £399. The ‘Retro Fish’ is still one of the most popular templates available. Traditional in it’s design with a wide 18” tail, Twin Keel fi n set-up and fl at rocker, it will be the board that you fi nd yourself reaching for time after time. Performs in all waves and conditions.

The Shimmons: Available from 4’8 to 6’6 RRP: £449. The ‘Shimmons’ is the Watershed version of the popular mini simmons. What makes our board unique is the versatile fi n set-up. This board has been designed to be ridden as the Original Simmons twin fi n, quad, 5 fi n set up, Single fi n or even fi nless.

TD5: 5’4 to 6’6 RRP: From £429. A diamond tail with 3, 4 or 5 fi n setup for those who prefer the quad option. Perfect in waves 1 to 5ft, this board fl ies like a Tonka but with extra performance edge. Order a few inches shorter than your shortboard.

Mini-Mal: 6’6 to 8’0 RRP: From £319. Whether you’re progressing from a learner board or are looking to maximise your wave count on the smaller days, the Adams Mini-Mal is the sensible choice. A quality hand-crafted, British made surfboard.

Little Donkey: 4’8 to 5’10 RRP: From £429. Specifi cally design to spice up those weak and boring waves, this board has more volume, a fl at deck and full rails to make it the ultimate summer toy. Order 6-8 inches shorter than your shortboard.

Adams Surfboards: Adams Surfboards have been producing high quality surfboards for over 18 years. Our fl agship store is ideally located between Newquay’s town beaches and Fistral Beach. We are always happy to help customers with custom orders, from discussing technical details of rockers and rails through to helping you decide on sprays, tints and graphics. With our expert advice you can make sure you get the right tool for the job - and exactly the board you want. Come and have a look around our store, where you’ll fi nd the full range of Adams surfboards and surf accessories; including deck grip, wax, leashes, fi ns, wetsuits, clothing and much much more.web: adamssurfboards.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/Adamsboardsemail: info@adamssurfboards.co.uktel: Shop: 01637 850520, Factory: 01726 861091

Watershed: Although one of the newest board manufacturers in the UK, we have over 13 years in the industry and a vast knowledge of surfboard design. All Watershed boards are designed and shaped in Newquay, Cornwall. Each board gets the attention to detail that all handmade products should and we pride ourselves on using the best quality products and supplying the fi nest quality watercraft available in the UK. We hold our models in stock, but also offer custom designs to your specifi cation within 4 weeks. All models are available as demo models at the Watershed Newquay store.web: watershedshop.comfacebook: facebook.com/watershedshopemail: info@watershedshop.co.uktel: 01637 498121

“all watershed boards are designed and shaped in

newQuay, cornwall”

“producing high Quality surfboards for over

18 years”

088 WL SURFMAGAZINE

Funky Pig: 5’4 x 21¼ x 2½ RRP: £315. A contender for board of the summer, the 5’ 4” Pig’s full shape and volume make for easy paddling, take-off and a fun ride that will leave you grinning long after you’ve come out of the water. Double concave through to the tail for extra lift over fl at sections and will work well in chop.

Xpose: 6’4 x 20½ x 2¼ RRP: £334. Fast, responsive and lively short board that offers added stability and volume to help catch waves easily. Versatile 5-Fin set-up allows you to play with the set-up to suit your riding style and conditions. Choose thruster for control in the turn or quad for looser ride and speed. Full shape works well even in sloppy surf.

Funky Pig: 6’2 x 21¾ x 2 5/8 RRP: £317. Full template retro-swallow. Designed to catch waves easily and generate speed even in small conditions. Loads of volume, width through the nose and harder rail make for the perfect blend of stability and responsiveness.

Clear Bamboo 9’ 6” Longboard Nose Rider: 9’ 6 x 22½ x 2¾ RRP: £520. The daddy of the hugely popular bamboo range. The 9’ 6” is a real gem of a longboard. Whether you want to walk the board or carve from the tail, this board allows you to surf with confi dence, style and grace. You deserve to have this in your quiver.

Funky Pig: 7’2 x 21¾ x 2½ RRP: £325. The ideal progression for those coming off larger mini-mals or for just maximising your wave count. Plenty of volume and forgiving width making it the perfect all-rounder to excel in all conditions. Single concave to V in the tail and pulled-in tail for a smoother turn.

Southern Swell 7’ 6” Min-Mal: 7’6 x 22½ x 2¾ RRP: £294.00. Perfect fi rst-time or family board. Designed with plenty of volume and thickness through to the nose and tail for added fl otation. Easy to paddle and with pulled in tail for a performance edge this board will really grow with you as you progress your surfi ng.

Circle One: Circle One shaper and founder, Jeff Townsley, has been shaping boards for over 40 years and remains as progressive and fresh-thinking as he was in those early days. The team at Circle One work closely with Jeff to create innovative new ranges and shapes whilst utilising premium quality raw materials in the manufacture of our boards. From the new Funky Pig range to the stunning bamboo range, you are sure to fi nd a board to suit your ability and taste and know you are buying into a proud heritage of board-building expertise.

Funky Pig Surfboard Range – NEW for 2013: An exciting, progressive range of boards with a touch of retro, the Funky Pig range is all about having fun. Suitable for both a grom or experienced rider there is a Pig shape for everyone. Shaped for plenty of fl otation and stability, the pigs offer the perfect blend of speed and manouverability and due to their width and full shape, are ideal for even small or choppy days. Double concave to 6’ 2” and single 6’6” upwards, wide planing area, subtle rocker and generous thickness to boost performance and speed and help push through the fl at spots. All Funky pigs feature our sandwich ‘Bamboo Laminate Technology’ and CrosslinkTM reinforcement material on the deck.

What fi n systems do Circle One use? All Circle One boards come with Surfi nZ fi nboxes and Surfi nZ fi ns. Surfi nZ are an Australian based fi n system manufacturer. We choose Surfi nZ fi n systems because of their superior build construction, quality materials and attention to detail. We work closely with the Surfi nZ founder and are always at the fore-front of innovations and use the latest technologies in our boards.

web: circle-one.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/circleonesurfcoemail: sales@circle-one.co.uktel: 01363 773005

“Jeff townsley, has been shaping boards for over 40 years and remains as progressive and fresh-

thinKing as he was in those early days“

WL SURFMAGAZINE 089

Waterlog: 10’ RRP: £695. 10’ classic log. Catch anything and have fun doing it. Designed with extra rocker in the tail and combined with a Pivot fi n, is surprisingly manouvrable for its size. Gets into waves early, carries it’s speed down the line.

Root: 9’ RRP: £650. Our most popular board. Classic semi-performance 9’ noserider; everyone needs one in their quiver. The Root features a moderate rocker, slight hollow in the nose and softer rails throughout. Smooth and fast.

Channel Islands Biscuit: 5’6, 5’8 & 6’2 RRP: £675. Developed with Rob Machado. Al designed this board for surfers of any skill level, surfi ng in the knee-to-head-high range. Short and full-volume; catches waves like boards a foot longer.

Grain Wooden Surfboard Kits: Wood Is Good: Surfi ng a true wooden board (there are impostors!) is an experience you won’t forget… most people love the lively performance of a Grain Surfboard and the knowledge they may never have to replace it. Grain’s boards blend traditional construction style with boat building craftsmanship. Add in advanced materials technology, performance-oriented designs, environmentally-friendly components and a dedication to continuing the evolution of this seminal branch of construction.web: fyneboatkits.comfacebook: facebook.com/fyneboatkitsemail: info@fyneboatkits.comtel: 01539 721 770

“wave after wave you’ll find new ways to praise

its Qualities”

Fugly: 5’2 x 21¼ x 2¾, 27.8ltr RRP: From £505. Possibly the most fun you can have in Summer. Easy wave pick-up, effortless trim and super loose snaps combine to make the most out of any conditions. Available in 5’2 – 5’11, Quad

Sumo 2: 5’8 – 6’6 RRP: From £325. Featuring the low rockered, high volume aspects of a fi sh, this board has stability and paddle strength. The pulled-in double winged tail allows this board to perform in a much wider range of conditions.

Torq Art Series: 6’3 x 20½ x 2½ RRP: £279. Excelling in chest to overhead high waves, it performs on those hollow, glassy days, yet enjoys mushy, sloppy and less than perfect conditions too. Set it up as Quad Thruster.

Tiki: Tiki founder, Tim Heyland, shaped his fi rst surfboard in 1963 making this our 50th anniversary this year. Tiki is still wholly owned and run by Tim and co-founder Dave Aldrich-Smith. That makes us the oldest, original surf company in the world – no shareholders, buy-outs or holding companies here. Pretty surprising for a British surf company. We take pride in that. And we take pride in British surfi ng: we sponsor XXL nominated Andrew Cotton, we continue to push the envelope in technologies: check out the Feather Foil, Carbon/Bamboo/Epoxy combo, and we continue to supply the whole surfi ng population with quality products, regardless of ability or budget constraints, check out the Torq range that we distribute in the UK. We always have been and always will be a surfers’ surf company.web: tikisurf.co.ukfacebook: Tiki-Surf-Companyemail: tiki@tikisurf.co.uktel: 01271 812442

“a surfers’ surf company“

090 WL SURFMAGAZINE

Apache: 5’8 - 6’8 RRP: From £425. This board has a lower entry nose rocker and is a fuller template all round. Concaves or vee bottoms. You can ride this board 2’’ shorter than your normall board but ¼’’ to ½’’ wider.

The Bullet: 5’4 – 6’6 RRP: From £445. Designed especially for UK waves with the UK’s most successful surfer Russell Winter, The Bullet has a single to double concave and a fuller outline with relaxed rocker line, giving you a performance surfboard whilst maximising your wave count.

Crunchie: 5’4 - 6’4 RRP: From £425. Incredibly fast a loose this short board will go any where your imagination can think of. Easy wave catching combined with incredible manoevrability. This is a great all round summer board.

NS Surfboards: NS Surfboards are focussed on producing the highest performing custom shortboards available. Ex-European Champion, Nigel Semmens has personally developed each of these shapes using his extensive experience and natural surfi ng ability. All our range of models are refi ned by our team riders and the crew at the factory. Most of the UKs most successful surfers have had a custom Ocean Magic or NS Surfboard at some stage in their competitive career. From Nigel Semmens himself to Spencer Hargreaves and Grishka Roberts, right up to today’s Russell Winter. Why not order a custom surfboard and feel the difference for yourself. web: nsboards.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/NSBoardsemail: info@nsboards.co.uktel: 01637 880421

“all our range of models are refined by our

team riders“

Pro Air: 5’4 x 18 ½ - 6’6 x 21 RRP: From £410. State of the art, performance board. Low rocker, deep concaves, hidden volume. Non-stop speed, drive, acceleration, cutbacks, airs, tail slides, instant turns, full on performance. Suits abilities from progressing intermediate upwards and waves to 3’ overhead.

Speed Egg: 5’8 x 20 - 8’2 x 22 ½ RRP: From £410. This continually evolving yet timeless design is a dream. Amazing do-it-all board. Different dimensions - different capabilities and combinations. Pro performance, complete beginner, one board travel quiver, progressing intermediate, every day, odd weekends, everything, everyone.

Ultimate Longboard: 7’4 x 21½ - 9’6 x 23½ RRP: From £495. Super easy wave catching, stability, dreamy trim speed, smooth turns, noserides, cutbacks, everything. All abilities, all surf conditions. A longboard you’ll never tire of and it doesn’t have to be nine foot long.

Fluid Juice: We love surfi ng and love making surfboards! With over 30 years’ experience surfi ng and shaping, Fluid Juice are in demand to make surfboards for everyone; from complete beginners to top professionals competing worldwide. We know the difference it makes to have the right board and are driven to spread that level of stoke to everyone we can! When you have your ideal board under your feet, you will have loads of fun right now and maximum scope for progress into the future. We are always happy to talk boards and we have a full range of demo boards available to try free of charge which can be booked out in advance. Experience the difference! All enquiries are welcome. Fluid Juice Surfboards, The Old Airfi eld, St Merryn, Padstow, Cornwall. PL28 8PUweb: fl uidjuice.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/FluidJuiceSurfboardsemail: adrian@fl uidjuice.co.uktel: 01841 520928

“the best board i’ve ever ridden, ever!”

- Toby Donachie, Pro surfer

Tom Good, France Photo: Tony Good

Fluid Juice Team Rider, Toby Donachie Photo: Jason Feast

WL SURFMAGAZINE 091

Hullster: 5’11 x 21 x 2 7/8 RRP: £495 (excluding resin tint and gloss polish). A modern take on the 70’s ‘ Displacement Hull’ style of board, 50/50 rails, ‘s’ deck and two plus one set up including all glass hull fl ex fi n. Recommended to any retro enthusiast or anyone fancying some summer fun.

Luke Young Shapes: At LY Surfboards we appreciate that no two surfers are the same, that’s why we have such a diverse range of models to cater for any style or ability- from beginners boards right through to big guns and tow boards. Even though we use models we are still a ‘custom surfboards’ business, We tailor every board to each individual customers requirements- also if a customer has an idea of their own we’re more than happy to build it for them.With the combination of only the most premium quality materials, second to none craftsmanship and the best possible customer care, we strive for the ultimate service.web: lukeyoungshapes.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/luke.young.56481email: wetcoldsalty@hotmail.comtel: 07789663693

“ultra versatile hybrid, drivey, dynamic and

dependable”- Barney Willimas on the Supercharger

Epoxy 2013 Robot: 5’7 x 19½ x 2 7/8 RRP: £475 (excluding spray and 5 fi n set up). Small wave groveller, now available in EPS/Epoxy. Flat with deep single concave, wide nose and tail and increased fi n size give the robot heaps of lift and speed in the weakest conditions.

Supercharger: 5’8 x 18½ x 2¼ RRP: £435. Half groveller, half ‘step-up’, the wide point of this board is two inches forward so wave catching is easy and riding bigger waves on a much smaller board is possible. The Supercharger can also be used as an allrounder if ordered slightly shorter and wider.

Luke Young at work Photo: James Ianou/Rapanui

Happy Shovel: 5’4 x 19.5 x 2.31 RRP: £465. Ideal for knee to shoulder high surf. Think low volume but high surface area. Paddles and planes with ease. Double-barrel concave and short board rails allow you to whip it around on a dime. Designed with the fi ve fi n setup for even more versatility, a super fun board.

The Neil Diamond: 5’10 x 19.5 x 2.45 RRP: £465. Designed for knee high to head high surf. A moderately full template with a wider nose and added volume for easy paddling. The Neilâs bottom contour has a deep single concave with a subtle vee off the tail that generates drive and speed quickly.

T-Dwart: 5’6 x 20 x 2.25 RRP: £465. The T-Dwart is a narrower thinner version of the original Dwart, coupling a performance rail and slightly more rocker. In addition, the double wing round tail produces a quicker more agile surfboard. Most ride the T-Dwart 3-6 inches shorter then their short board.

Rusty Surfboards: LA-born Rusty Preisendorfer (b.1953) moved to La Jolla, San Diego, as a thirteen year old, got turned onto one of California’s best waves, got good, got sponsored and learned to shape. Having shaped for legends such as Shaun Thomson and Peter Townend, Preisendorfer created the R-Dot insignia in 1984 and shaped boards for a certain Mark Occhilupo. For a year, Occy travelled the world with one six-foot Rusty and fi nished third in the world without breaking a sweat. Occy would roll up to check-in, dump his Rusty on the luggage belt, and walk off. Rusty Surfboards are built with the same passion and commitment that inspired the brand all those years ago.web: rustysurf.comfacebook: facebook.com/rustyemail: info@holysport.co.uktel: 01726 861347

“built on passion and commitment”

Rusty team rider Josh Kerr Photo: Rusty

092 WL SURFMAGAZINE

Fat Bastard: 5’6 to 6’2 (5’10 x 19¾ x 25/16) RRP: £449. Designed by world class shaper Felix Dickson. The FB makes surfi ng in smaller waves fun. Shortened length with curvy outline fi ts in the wave well. This is a fast, down the line grovel board that turns and performs more like a shortboard with the benefi ts of a fi sh.

Fony: 4’8 to 6’0 (5’6 x 21¾ x 2¾) RRP: £489. Designed by world class shaper Felix Dickson. Your ultimate summer ride with 5 fi n set up as standard. Super fast, fl ies past sections like there’s no tomorrow. Short and wide with thickness throughout, great for a range of abilities. Ride 7-10” shorter than your shortboard.

Frequent Flyer: 5’7 to 6’4 (5’10 x 19½ x 23/8) RRP: £495. The Frequent Flyer is our custom model by world class Australian shaper Stuart D’Arcy. The link between a fi sh and the performance short board. The Frequent Flyer is ridden 2-3 inches shorter and a little wider in the nose and tail than your normal short-board.

Wanda: 5’6 to 6’2 (5’9 x 20 x 23/8) RRP: £425. One of Quivers latest releases from world class, UK based shaper Phil Hodge. The ultimate performance fi sh. Short and fl at, fast and fun down the line, responsive off the rails with a refi ned body and foiled rails for performing in small waves. Ride 3-4” shorter than your shortboard.

Spud: 5’2 to 6’4 (5’8 x 205/8 x 25/8) RRP: £425. One of Quivers latest releases from world class, UK based shaper Phil Hodge. A short, wide, stubby board that can be ridden by surfers of all abilities and is ideal in surf 4ft and under. The double concave makes the Spud an easy paddler, so you can get into the wave earlier.

Ugly Betty: 5’6 to 6’4 (5’8 x 205/16 x 23/8) RRP: £495. Our custom model by world class Australian shaper Stuart D’Arcy. Big volume with chimed rails and a fl at deck line, with vee barrel bottom and snub nose outline. Designed for surfers who like an easy paddler and a fast and smooth ride. Great for small waves up to 4 feet.

Quiver Surfboards: Quiver represents a modern innovative approach to surfboard design and construction using only the highest quality materials. The team working for Quiver have been working in the surfboard industry for many years and their knowledge and experience is a big part of the success of Quiver. Created in the small town of Newquay, Cornwall, Quiver has grown into an international surf brand known for its high standards and producing top quality boards. It goes without saying, all of our shapers are fi rst and foremost surfers. This means they infuse invaluable years of experience and deep understanding of their craft into ever board. Here at Quiver we think that core value is worth celebrating, so we’ve decided to take it one step further. With selected international shapers let loose with our technology, combining knowledge and skill base, we have created a range of rather special equipment.web: quiversurfboards.co.ukfacebook: facebook.com/QuiverSurfemail: info@seabase.eutel: +44 (0)1637 875 811

“Quiver represents a modern innovative

approach to surfboard design and construction

using only the highest Quality materials”

WL SURFMAGAZINE 093

The Ageing Rocker: 7’8 x 21½ x 2¾ RRP: £445. Built for serious surfers who want to surf a shorter board style but with some extra length and thickness. Shaped with modern rails and bottom contours for good rail to rail performance. Designed and tested with the great man himself, Eric Davies, the Ageing Rocker is an easy swap from a longboard, no loss of paddle power and it duck dives as well.

Flash Harry: 5’8 x 20 x 25/16 RRP: £435. An alternative performance shortboard. Progressive rocker with a single into double concave, extra vee right on the tail. A positive skatey feel in small waves but holds well in bigger surf. Built with a 5 fi n set up, riding as a quad can help the extra wide tail hold in on the rail for great control.

The Mig: 5’11 x 185/8 x 25/16 RRP: £430. Team rider Marcus Lascelles says “The Mig is my go to board for when the waves get above 4ft and barreling. As a quad it gets you through tricky sections quickly, yet as a thruster you have a great all round shortboard, smooth off the bottom and controlled off the top”

Beach Beat Surfboards: Beach Beat has been one of the top UK surfboard brands since the early 1980’s and is highly respected for being a no gimmick, no bullsh*t surfboard label. Their shapes are created using state of the art shaping machines and design programs ran by Beach Beat’s head shaper Mr Peter (Chops) Lascelles himself. They have a strong team of shapers who help bring new design ideas and keep the board shapes progressing. Beach beat surfboards are still 100% UK made using one of the top European surfboard factories right here in the UK.web: laminations.co.ukfacebook: tinyurl.com/d2fap3jemail: beachbeat@laminations.co.uktel: 01872 553918

“i’ve been using my mig as a Quad, especially when there

are barrels to be had”- Team rider Marcus Lascelles

Baked Potato (WRF): 5’3 x 21¼ x 23/8 RRP: £539. The same small wave performance as the Sweet Potato, but with a few design tweaks - such as a pulled in nose and more aggressive rails. The quad fi ns are set further back and closer to the rail than usual, allowing the board to hold without sliding, in larger surf.

Vanguard (WRF): 5’8 x 19 x 2½ RRP: £589. The Modern Planing Hull (MPH) represents a radical change in performance surfboard design. The Vanguard’s innovative ultra parallel lines allow it to be ridden smaller and narrower than anything before it. Geared as high performance, yet accessible to a range of abilities.

Unibrow (FST): 6’0 x 19¾ x 25/8 RRP: £549. Cross between a regular short board and the Dominator, Sweet Potato and Potato-Nator. With 5 fi n boxes this board can be ridden as a thruster or a quad, and is ideal for waist-head high waves. Outline curve is compressed from a regular shortboard without sacrifi cing paddling ability and planing speed.

Firewire Surfboards: Nev Hyman has a successful 35 plus year history in the surf industry and is recognised as one of the best shapers in the world. Nev has worked closely with Taj, Michel Bourez, Fillipe Toledo and a number of top pros over the past 5 years. “Firewire believes that refi nements to the shape of today’s modern surfboards can only produce incremental performance benefi ts. Exponential improvements in performance require the ongoing development of new materials and construction methods which, in turn, will fuel new design opportunities”. web: fi rewiresurfboards.comfacebook: facebook.com/fi rewiresurfboardspageemail: info@fi rewireeurope.comtel: 01243 670 999

“pushing the boundaries of performance surfing”

Firewire team rider Michel Bourez Photo: Firewire

Beach Beat team rider Shaun ‘Skippy’ Skilton Photo: Beach Beat

094 WL SURFMAGAZINE

Longboard: 9’1 x 22¾ x 3 RRP: £350. A versatile and classic longboard design. Whether going for high performance maneuvers, getting some toes over or just cruisin’, this is the perfect longboard to have in your quiver. A great board for relaxed summer surf sessions and for those mellower winter swells.

Minimal: 7’6 x 21½ x 2¾ RRP: £295. Mini-mals are ideal for fi rst time buyers, beginners and those who don’t surf very often. The extra length, width and thickness give good stability and make them easier to paddle. Great as a longer, fuller board for smaller surf or for longboarders moving to a shorter board.

TakeOff: Construction of TakeOff surfboards starts with a shaped expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam blank with a wooden stringer. The EPS foam core is then hand fi nished before one layer of 4oz and two layers of 6oz epoxy fi breglass fabric are laid on the top surface (deck) with two layers of 6oz epoxy fi bre glass on the underside. The whole surfboard is then saturated with epoxy resin and placed in a heat-curing oven, strengthening the epoxy. This construction method gives ‘seamless’ boards, unlike moulded or ‘pop-out’ surfboards, which can split along the seams. TakeOff Surfboards are built emphasizing quality, durability and value for money without compromising on style and performance. There’s a board in the range for everyone! Dedicated test centres are now available, for more information please visit the website.web: takeoffsurfboards.co.ukemail: info@cjbsurf.co.uktel: +44 (0)1208 78845

Rocket Fish: 7’0 x 22¼ x 27/8 RRP: £220. A high performance board matched with extra buoyancy that gives more paddle power and an easier, earlier takeoff. Low entry rocker that feeds into a full length concave helps the board get up and plane quickly. Fast and ultra smooth, ideal for intermediate to high level surfers.

Sam Smart

“Quality, durability and value for money”

Quad Fish: 7’0 x 22¼ x 2¾ RRP: £339.99. A high performance Fish complimented by extra buoyancy providing more paddle power and assisting in an easier and earlier takeoff. Super fast, but with the quad fi n set-up providing a positive feel that is loose but not too lively. Can be ridden as a quad or a thruster.

Minimal: 7’6” x 21½ x 2¾ RRP: £349.99. Plenty of fl oat throughout the board, maximizing the boards stability. A great choice for beginners, intermediate surfers or experienced heavier surfers that like to throw their weight into turns and trim. Comes standard with FCS Thruster Fin set-up. Also available in 7’4 & 8’0.

Longboard: 9’1” x 22¾ x 3 RRP: £468.99. The Classic Longboard, gentle rocker, with width held through the nose and full bodied rails make this board paddle like a dream and catch even the smallest of summer waves. The 9’1 Longboard comes with a 2+1 Fin Confi gurations, although it does work well as a single fi n aswell.

Black and White: Black and White shaper Paul Waters has designed an exclusive range of boards, manufactured under license through surf equipment specialists CJB’s Surf Company. Specifi cally aimed from beginner to progressive intermediates, these boards will suit anyone who just wants to enjoy their surfi ng or to develop to the next level before moving to a more specialised board. These boards are particularly suited to UK waves, whether you go everyday or once or twice a year, these boards help you to make the most of every wave you catch.web: blackandwhitesurfcoltd.co.ukemail: info@cjbsurf.co.uktel: +44 (0) 1208 78845

“these boards help you to maKe the most of every

wave you catch”

WL SURFMAGAZINE 095

The Mosquito: 6’8 x 205/8 x 27/8 RRP: £549. A modern mid-length single fi n, with more bite than a standard egg. A great fl owing summertime board, a step down from a log, or a step up for a bit more soul.

Rt 2+1: 5’8 x 19 5/8 x 23/8 RRP: £499. Designed with glide and slide in mind, short and fl at is the recipe here. A wave catching machine, but no slouch, the addition of a winged round tail and 2 + 1 set-up give the ability to hook turns with confi dence in the pocket, but also draw fl owing high lines.

The Herman: 5’10 x 19½ x 23/8 RRP: £475. The one board quiver killer, designed with speed and performance in mind in everyday conditions, the Herman is SEED’s answer to the elusive all rounder. Low rockered, full bodied, and a refi ned rear end, make Herman your perfect summer partner. Excels in anything between 2-5’.

Seed Surf Co: We are do-ers, makers, tinkerers, painters, surfers, skaters and back yard builders. We tip our cap to what has gone whilst keeping fi rmly focused on the what could be. The contemporary, the postmodern. We are independent, we are hand crafted. We’ve been mowing foam and tinting boards since 2006, but opened the doors to the store in May 2009. Seed was born out of a passion for custom, for the creative. To cast aside the mundane, the mass produced, the over hyped and to solely focus on craftsmanship and quality.web: seedsurfco.comfacebook: facebook.com/seedsurfcoemail: sales@seedsurfco.comtel: 01208 895520

Surftech: Two feet to fi fteen feet we’re out there putting what we make to the test and loving it. Over the past 24 years, Surftech has grown from a one – man show in Santa Cruz, California to a world- wide leader in the surfboard market. Our shapers provide us with the latest shapes they’ve developed with their team riders. They trust us to build these shapes to last in one of our innovative constructions. Developing, testing and building the most cutting edge boards on the water is what we do. Because it’s what we love to do.web: surfcom.co.ukfacebook: tinyurl.com/cmqay5bemail: info@surfcommission.co.uktel: +44 (0)1205 722745

Owen Pro: 5’10 – 6’6 RRP: £595. Owen Wright, one of the most exciting young surfers on the world tour new signature range of surfboards. Made in Surftechs Ultrafl x technology, for yours addicted to airs. Super light and fast, with the fl ex where you need it.

Kassia Meador: 9’0” RRP: £895. Kassia’s board has fairly fl at overall rocker for clean long noserider while still having a moderate bit of tail rocker giving the rider the ability to step on the tail and really control the board.

Mctavish Original 9’1 RRP: £875. The Original introduced three-stage rocker and trim channels to the world. It’s strong pivoty hips aligned with forward-mounted fi ns make it the loosest most reactive longboard ever.

at surftech, we love to surf – everyday...

“it’s a one board Quiver Killer”

- JC, team rider