Board Design / Styles

As each surfer has his or her own style you want to get a board that compliments the way you surf. Not only that but also suits the conditions you surf in.  Basically the choice now is vast,  but here are some examples to look through to get an idea of general designs.  All board deigns have been tried and tested each design having its own merits.  Check out the video of the style board your after and let Bill talk you through its design. Need any more info or advise e-mail us or call.

The Thruster.  Ridden from 5’6" to 7’0".  This name refers to the now common 3 fin setup.  Pioneered in the late 70’s by Simon Anderson amongst others.  Having three fins, one on each rail and one in the centre mean that in surfing terms there is always one if not two fins fully engaged at anytime. You’ll get loads of speed coming out of the turns because momentum is not lost through sideways slippage.  Get speed through the sections by pumping from one fin to another.  For this reason these boards work best as narrow short boards where they can be ‘worked’ in the tightest and fastest section of the wave.  The ultimate board for performance surfing.

The Quad.  Ridden from 5’6" to 7’0".  Quad refers to the amount of fins.  Four fin boards were around in the 80’s but superseded by the thruster. Simply because we thought of them as twin fins with an extra fin to give more trim base.  They were wide and thick,  didn’t generate much speed or control but were incredibly loose.  Now things have changed the Quad setup can be put on boards much narrower and thinner.   With a detachable fin system,  we can experiment to find a suitable fin size and shape which gives more down the line speed.  They now appear to have more control than a thruster.  It’s early days of development but Quads could be the standard of performance boards over the coming years.  This setup can also be used on bigger boards.

 

The Pirate – Made to take on anything ,big swell ,powerful waves & sucky reef’s it has no fear. Looks small but packs a punch. Has a round pin tail as you would find on a standard board but it then goes to a fuller shape throughout. With the added width in the nose and under the chest it will get you into the wave. Will feel solid even with its length ,you should ride it about 4’ to 6’ shorter than your normal performance board. Has a Convert fin set up so has multiple options to experiment with (thruster,quad,twin,5 fin etc). You can now ride decent waves on a small board and explore every part of the wave. So next time the waves are on get The Pirate and go plunder.

The Atlantic – So this model is for performance surfing even if conditions are not perfect. We have hidden lots of foam in this short board but still tried to keep the classic performance board shape. Has a bump going into the tail to give width and then to draw in the tail for tight turns. This shape is balancing performance and practically as we don’t all live in Indo. Our waves can be a little disappointing at times but with The Atlantic there is no excuse for lack of performance surfing. We have finned it with the Convert fin set up so has multiple options to experiment with (thruster,quad,twin,5 fin etc). This should keep the rippers amongst you entertained.

The Stubbie.  Designed to keep the volume & surface area in the shortest possible length. With Slaters success on this style of ‘chopped’ board there will be renewed interest in the no compromise performance super short boards.

The Peanut. Designed to pick up on loads of waves and make small to mid size waves fun. It has lots of foam to it and width in the tail so will keep going even in mushie waves. It’s a fantastic board for intermediate surfers looking to step straight from a first board to something short, manoeuvrable and responsive. Also for an experienced surfer looking for a fun skatie board that finned right can also hammer it down the line. This board comes has FCS fins with Convert fin set up for maximum versatility. Ride as a twin ,thruster ,quad or 5 fin add to that all the different size fins its endless.. Its a compact fun board that will surprise you and keep you keen ,sizes from 5’9" to 6’6".

The Fish.  Ridden from 5’6" to 6’8".   Development of the original fish with a whole heap of  variations (Sting Fish,   Rocket Fish,  Twin Fish,  Fat Fish e.t.c ).  The modern fish is usually more manoeuvrable and has less volume than the originals.  With lots of different fin set ups to choose from these boards are now very versatile.  If you are a serious short board surfer or a surfer who wants to move to short board surfing,  these boards are the missing link between you and loads of small to medium wave size fun.  Even in mushy conditions the fish can still perform,  so if its not offshore no matter you should still have some good waves.

 The Screamer.   The concept behind the Screamer is simple ,design a board that paddles fast ,takes waves early and is fast and controllable in as many wave states/sizes as possible. To compensate for the narrow tail area we have added single concave and channels ,these features effectively increase the wetted surface area and force the water between the fins. They also provide great lateral drive to the board so it’s more comfortable than a more conventional wide tail ‘Fish’ style board when riding in critical sections or near the pocket. And if that was not enough we fit the board with Escape’s Convert fin set-up system so you can ride the board as a quad ,thruster ,twin ,two & a half ,five fin add to that different sizes and it is endless. So one board finned right will suit any conditions you want to surf in making this a perfect travel board. 5’9" – 7’3".

The Pig.  Ridden from 5’8" to 6’4".  Our Pigs are short down to 5’6",  wide and very parallel,  square in the tail,  double enders with triple concave bottom shape.  Originally designed as trick boards which can be reverse surfed and boost airs on mush.  Surfers have enjoyed playing with these in conditions which would normally leave them in the pub or on a mal.  Ridden at least 2-3" shorter than your standard board,  you’ll get loads of fun.

The Twin Keel Fish.  Ridden from 5’6" to 6’8". Originally ‘designed’ in the late 60’s these boards came about when surfers decided to use the front end of snapped mals.  Stuck a couple of fins on and went surfing.  These boards have since become refined and adopted the fish tail to help with control and manoeuvrability particularly in bigger waves.  Although generally associated with small wave surfing these boards can ’hold it ’ in big or punchy waves.  Their high volume and great  surface area helps them to take off early, and fly across flat sections.  Quite technical to surf,  choose a size 4-8" shorter than you would a thruster.

The Stinger.  Ridden from 6’0" to 7’0".  Just looking at the board is something, but not just that, they work bloody well to.  The idea being the top half of the board is very full allowing you into waves nice and early.  The cut away wings create a vortex along the back rail edge and pull the template into a narrower swallow tail which turns with ease for fun carving.  Single concave in the nose section, flat ‘v’ in the tail.  Ultimate cool retro surfing with a practical edge.  Ridden with a single fin that can be adjusted in the box allowing the surfer to move the fin back or forward to suit.

 

The Big Boy. Ridden from 6’8" to 7’4".  A big thruster really.  Designed with a swallow tail and has a single to double concave bottom.  Suit bigger surfers who want to ride a short board as it has the float as well as being manoeuvrable.  Work as transition from a mal giving short board feel but still some stability.  Good when the waves are bigger as it will paddle well getting you into the waves earlier.

The Egg.  Ridden from 6’0" to 7’8".  This is the style of board which a lot of  surfers used in the 70’s.  Very functional,  easy to paddle and catch waves on.  You don’t have to adjust your foot position so much as with the fuller designs like the mini mal or carpets.  With a single fin these boards are happy to sit on the trim line with the minimum of work from the surfer.  Ultimately can be surfed with great style and panache,  beautiful bottom turns and drawn out lines,  great board for refining your skills.

The Funboard.  Ridden from 6’6" to 8’0".  Modern variation of the ‘Egg’.  Easy to catch waves on, work in most conditions and as a transition board.  The difference being they have less width and volume in the nose making it easier  to get through the waves.  This will be a great help for anyone who has trouble getting a big board ‘outback’.  Rounded pintail as opposed to square for more drawn out turns and versatility in bigger waves.  Thruster fins for simplicity, and modern feel. 

The Flying Carpet.  Ridden from 6’6" to 7’10".  Literally shortened mal’s.  These boards are wide and parallel in outline,  and are surfed like classic longboards.  Move up and down,  hang toes,  drop knee turns and all those things.  In comparison with mini mals they are much fuller nosed and have a flatter rocker.  With their extra width,  thickness and floatation Flying Carpets are good for learners as they are stable and catch waves early.  We make them with a pin tail for more control in bigger waves and single fin with or without side biters for a more authentic long board feel.

The Mini Mal.  Ridden from 7’0" to 8’6".  Best board to learn on or use to simply catch more waves more often.  This design is uncomplicated and undemanding,  they do most things you want in almost any conditions.  From learning on a mini mal you can move in either direction,  down to a shortboard or up to a longboard,  or stay with the mini mal.  If its working for you and you get fun waves then its all good.  75% of surfers have used or do use a mini mal.  It is a lot more fun if you’re riding the right board and catching waves than being out on a smaller board scratching around for a wave.

 

The Progressive Mal.  Ridden from 9’0" and up.  Narrower,  thinner and with more nose and tail rocker Progressive mals are more manoeuvrable and quicker than the standard designs.  These are boards which surf off the tail almost like short boards, are suitable for more active surfers who want to push hard.  Work well in good waves but still fun in average conditions with plenty of surface area to work with.

 The Nose Rider.  Ridden from 9’0" and up.   Versatile longboard for surfers who want to surf in a classic style but still be able to put down some hard turns.  With a single concave nose it is perfect for walking and nose riding.  Choose the board length to suit your weight.  9’01" For surfers weighing up to 13 stone and a 9’6" model for surfers up to 16 stone as a rough guide.  Any weights can be catered for.  These boards are great for the serious longboarder but also can help anyone who is slower to there feet or can’t seem to catch the waves in time.  Anything from the smallest days to real punch and from learner to seasoned surfers.

 

The Classic.  Ridden from 9’0" and up.  Heavy built with a flat rocker and full shape.  Made for glide and style a real classic.  Triple stringer and wood block nose and tail give this board a look of soul surfing.  Watch Endless Summer or Big Wednesday and then go find your nearest point.  Cruise down the line to your hearts content.  Looks great with or without a spray.   Triple stringers and wood blocks will cost more.  See custom examples for price guide.

Stand Up Paddle Boards. Boards are wider and thicker than normal surfboards because stability and volume is needed to give the possibility of balancing while paddling out through waves or cruising.  Starter SUP boards measure typically between 29” and 32” wide up to 12 feet long, and 4.5” – 5.5” thick.For economy, simplicity, lightweight, and a good cosmetic result we normally shape custom stand up paddle boards using EPS foam blank and finishing the laminate with glass reinforced epoxy resin.  We are able to apply a colour scheme to the EPS foam so you can now choose the board’s graphic design. We make several styles here is a Big Wave board a Nose Rider and a Quad Fish.

 

Kite Boards.

Surf Model

Race Model.