ARENAL

Photo

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:35:21 -0800

Photo

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:02:28 -0800

7′1 B68

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 09:38:24 -0800

7′1 B68

DOUBLE HOTCURLThe “double hotcurl” shape was from a few years...

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 09:30:25 -0800

Photo: Filippo Maffei

Photo: Ryan Baine

Photo: Ryan Baine

Photo: Ryan Baine

Photo: Ryan Baine

DOUBLE HOTCURL

The “double hotcurl” shape was from a few years ago, but I feel its story is worth telling because it taught me so much about design and surfing philosophy. The idea was fueled by those around me. I was spending a lot of time with Donald Brink, and talking with Josh Martin a little bit. Both of them were pretty into the “hotcurl” which stemmed from Terry Martin. They were both making boards for themselves and working with Jeff Quam on designs. The boards were so extreme and different from anything I’d seen and they intrigued me. Donny let me borrow one of his designs and I took it to Old Mans. Then I surfed again with him on a more experimental design that was made with eps, super light, and had a bit of rocker. This was totally contrary to the traditional design of flat and heavy. Hotcurl boards have a way of humbling you and putting you in your place. Unlike modern boards of today, with down rails where you are in control, these boards tend to have big up rails which gives them a mind of their own. That first session opened my mind. The board searches and finds the most energetic part of the wave by itself, and you are very much so just along for the ride. In my experience, when you get a wave on a hotcurl where you aren’t fighting with it, and you are simply experiencing the ride and the wave. That is when it all clicks.

I was at the Hobie warehouse one day and there happened to be two half shaped blanks. Outlines cut out and planed to thickness, but no work on the rails, rocker, or bottom contours. Much to my surprise I was offered the old blanks because they apparently had just been sitting there for sometime. Getting free blanks is probably one of the best things that can happen, it was my lucky day. I used one of them for the double hotcurl.

I didn’t really have a specific reason behind the design other than to try something different. The inspiration from Donny and Josh was flowing, the idea popped into my head and I just ran with it. I figured maybe I could bottom turn somewhat with the two hotcurl tails engaging in the water easier. Maybe I would have more control. Maybe I could do mid face spins. No doubt, it surprised me. With the crazy up rails the board just suctions to the water, so all ideas of spinning went out the window. I was able to do this side slip fade into waves, but whenever I tried to spin the board just suctioned and tracked straight on the two tails. The tail did engage a little better, and I could do these drawn out bottom turns. The board locked in and would scream down the line without and fear of sliding out. Like the original hotcurls, the board worked best when I stopped trying to force things and let the board take control. This type of surfing seems to be so beneficial and important to keep us stoked, and maybe even sane. To let go, trust, and simply enjoy the feeling of a wave.

Photos by Filippo Maffei and Ryan Baine

Photo

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 10:59:30 -0800

Filippo Maffei in Encinitas

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 10:55:42 -0800

Filippo Maffei in Encinitas

Going Straight

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 23:20:08 -0700

The other day surfing I was given a pleasant reminder.
It was a typical summer session; riding a nose rider with a good friend and enjoying the warm water, sunny weather, wearing a jacket and trunks. After catching a number of waves doing the longboard dance, I got on a wave that peaked up with a nice face on it. There was something special about it compared to the waves before, and I decided to do nothing. Just stand there, go straight down the line, and enjoy the wave’s energy and speed. And out of how many waves I caught that day this was no doubt the best one. It just took such a simple moment to remind me of the purpose of surfing and why we do it.
So next time you feel your surfing is in a rut, may I suggest going straight. Grab an old heavy log, maybe a handplane, or board you don’t usually ride, and enjoy the effortless speed and energy we get to enjoy from riding waves. Reconnect with that feeling. The feeling that got you hooked in the first place. The reason you started surfing.

Christian PottsPhoto by Jake Schrier

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:22:18 -0700

Christian Potts

Photo by Jake Schrier

B68The idea for the B68 was inspired and brought to life by my...

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:12:38 -0700

B68

The idea for the B68 was inspired and brought to life by my good friend Andy Cowell. As a regular enthusiast for single fins, and boards that drive and perform, he came to me with this shape in mind. I continually get feedback from him saying how great the board is working, whether its over head surf or small little runners. There’s certainly something special about this board. It seems to gather all the energy from the wave and do things I’m not quite prepared for, yet with the utmost fluidity. Being in positions on the wave where I am thinking, “I can’t make this.” or “I’m going to dig the nose.” The B68 seems to pull through with total style and grace. Featuring moderately foiled rails, flat entry, into spiral vee, and a foiled hard edge off the tail. A midrange single fin that performs, and certainly makes the most of every wave.

Wave Range: Knee to Over Head

Recommended Length: 7’-7’8

Average… Nose: 15.75’’ Width: 21.5 Tail: 14.5” Thickness: 2 3/4″ - 3″

EquatorA midrange cruiser. Designed with low rocker to enter...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 13:13:59 -0700

Equator

A midrange cruiser. Designed with low rocker to enter waves early and effortlessly glide through sections. I first designed this board for a trip to the east coast of Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed the down the line trim of this board in all the point breaks at hand, and also loved the early entry and set up it offers in beach breaks. A great all around board that has something to offer in most conditions and all quivers.

Wave Range: Up to a little over

Recommended Length: 6’10-8’0

Average… Nose: 17’’ Width: 21.5’’ Tail: 15’’

TranscenderA platform designed for nose riding and pivot...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:34:05 -0700

Transcender

A platform designed for nose riding and pivot oriented turns. With a combination of a full outline, parallel rails, and just the right amount of rocker, this board gives you a stable platform for dancing nose to tail. You will feel the board slow down and lock into the pocket. Putting you in the perfect spot for transcendent noserides.

Wave Range: Shin to Chest High

Recommended length: 9’-10’

Average… Nose: 18.5” Width: 23 Tail: 16.5″

Tub of FunCreated for small waves, the idea for this board came...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:11:24 -0700

Tub of Fun

Created for small waves, the idea for this board came about with summer approaching, and wanting to ride something smaller than “usual” and easier to carry for a day at the beach. Featuring wide point and bulk of the volume forward, it paddles better than imaginable. Single concave to spiral vee, in addition to the pulled in tail; the Tub of Fun will generate speed easily, yet is surprisingly maneuverable and skatey. Riding this board is a pleasant reminder of how fun surfing is suppose to be! Can be ridden as a twin or quad, with multiple tail options.

Wave Range: Ankle to Chest (Still fun in larger surf depending on the wave)

Recommended length: 4’10-5’6

Average… Nose: 18.5” Width: 21.5” Tail: 16.75” Thickness: 2.5”

TedA single fin short board, egg of sorts. I’ve always enjoyed...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:02:28 -0700

Ted

A single fin short board, egg of sorts. I’ve always enjoyed the fluid positive feeling attained by shorter single fins. They seem to be predictable, yet highly functional and progressive when put to the test. The predictability comes in the speed. With single fins, especially of the shorter variety, I find the speed is easily managed and controlled. With the wider nose and planing surface on this board it goes great in point style waves, and it is equally functional in beach breaks. I haven’t found the wide nose to be a negative in steeper waves because you are generally entering the wave early. Let the Ted subtly flow down the line as you become one with the wave.

Wave Range: Knee to a little over head

Recommended length: 5’6-6’8

Average… Nose: 17” Width: 21” Tail: 15.5”

Favorite FishI’ve ridden it from Santa Cruz to Baja, beach to...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:55:37 -0700

Favorite Fish

I’ve ridden it from Santa Cruz to Baja, beach to point breaks, knee to overhead. There’s something about California and fishes that just goes together. When I am looking to have fun, this is my go to board when it’s knee to shoulder high. Featuring wide point forward, beak nose, and flowing curve; this board will carry you when you need some help and perform when it’s time for business.

Wave Range: Knee to Shoulder

Recommended length: 5’2-5’10

Average… Nose: 17’’ Width: 21.5 Tail: 16.5’’

PigHighlighting feelings from the past, with updates from the...

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:44:37 -0700

Photo: Filippo Maffei

Pig

Highlighting feelings from the past, with updates from the future. This board has “flat” rocker through the nose for effortless glide and wave entry, two things I look for in a pig, but more functional off the tail than you might find with a traditional pig. Time-honored with a high density foam blank to cut through the wave face and glide like nobody’s business.

Wave Range: Ankle to Shoulder High

Recommended length: 9’2- 10’

Average… Nose 17.5’’ Width: 23.25’’ Tail: 16.5’’

ChupacabraThis board takes charge. Built with volume and wide...

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:34:21 -0700

Chupacabra

This board takes charge. Built with volume and wide point forward to paddle and catch waves easily. The key features of volume forward, tight pin tail, single fin, and channeled bottom keep this board projecting forward. Intended for flowing down the line surfing at points and tube hunting at beach breaks.

Wave Range: Thigh to over head

Recommended length: 7’4-8’0

Average… Nose: 17” Width: 22’’ Tail: 13’’

Jack Manoogian with his new 5′2 swallowed Tub of Fun, just in...

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 11:41:31 -0700

Jack Manoogian with his new 5′2 swallowed Tub of Fun, just in time for summer.

StandardThe “Standard” is my all around longboard shape intended...

Mon, 09 May 2016 19:32:59 -0700

Photo: Jake Schrier / Surfer: Tomas Germann

Standard

The “Standard” is my all around longboard shape intended for a wide range of surfing, from noserides to trimming to turns. Featuring moderate rocker, blended nose concave, 50/50 rails, and squash tail to keep things smooth and fluid through turns. Planned to be surfed with medium volume, but can be adjusted to riders specifications. Clean and simple are what the Standard is all about. Working together for an effective longboard shape.

Wave Range: Up to head high

Recommended length: 9′-9′10

Average - Nose: 18.25″ Width: 23′’ Tail: 16″

Twin Pin

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 14:42:18 -0800

Twin Pin

One at a time…

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 07:38:29 -0700

One at a time…