The Dust Up

In this episode we kick off our surfboard design element conversations starting with - Planshapes. Robbo and I talk about creating planshapes as well as some of the different planshape designs such as wings or flyers, side cuts and asymmetrical. We discuss our observations about what is currently under the feet of the world tour surfers. Last but not least, we tracked down shaper extraordinaire - Dusty Kochenbols to talk about the highs of shaping.

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In this episode we speak with Dan Thomson from Tomo Surfboards.
Dan is arguably the most creative surfboard designer of the last 20 years. The art of surfboard shaping and designing was handed down from his father, Mark Thomson. Dan and his father would discuss all aspects of hydrodynamic theory to improve their understanding of real surfboard design.
In the mid 2000's Dan moved to America after a chance encounter that led to him riding a selection of 'fish' boards from some of the industry's best. Around the same time Dan was thinking a lot about the 'Golden Rule' or Fibonacci sequence and how it could be applied it to his surfboard designs. It wasn't long before this way of designing boards made complete sense to him and the idea of what surfboards may look like in the future became clear.
The result was a series of boards such as the Vanguard, Deathstar and Vader. Dan's creativity over the next 10-15 years was some of the most prolific in surfboard history. If you look at his various model in his range, nearly every board is unique with its own purpose.
When Dan teamed up with Firewire the racks in surf shops seemed to change overnight and looked very different with an array of plan shapes, rockers, concaves and channels. I was really excited to speak with Dan as his unique board designs and creativity is an inspiration to me, as I am sure it is to others.

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In this episode we explore Technique vs. Equipment with Brad Gerlach from Wave Ki.
Brad competed at the highest level and reached number one in the world. His smooth Californian style did not all come naturally and with some advice from his Olympic diving father, they explored body dynamics in surfing. Fast forward a couple of decades, Brad has created Wave Ki to assist others improve their surfing.
We have all experienced riding boards that 'felt right' and improved our surfing as well as riding boards that 'felt wrong', like they were restricting our surfing. Were we just having a bad day, a bad surf or is it the first step in understanding our equipment?
Surfing is a combination of waves, equipment, fitness and technique.
If you improve your technique, you can evaluate your equipment so much better and begin to identify exactly what surfboard design aspects work best for your surfing. We all have different body shapes and fitness levels which dictate the dimensions of a surfboard, this is separate to the design.
Our chat with Brad is accompanied by highly talented surfer, Kyuss King as well as Jack Walchesson from Surf Body Rebuild. Kyuss recently started working with Brad to mount a campaign to compete on the world tour.
Jack was a successful ice hockey player with a passion for surfing. After a career in the high collision sport of ice hockey, Jack is sharing what he has learnt in his career as well as his studies in Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms) and a Kinstretch Instructor. Jack specializes in helping surfers eliminate pain, tightness and stiffness in their joints.
Enjoy...

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Speed Defies Gravity
We chat to master craftsman Stuart D'arcy about how he started shaping surfboards, what it was like shaping for world champions and the rise of hand shaping in the next generation. We discuss the importance of working with the right shaper to improve your surfing and never accept anything less than the best quality materials.
We introduce a segment called 'Surfboard Myths' and discuss the validity or abuse of the fourth dimension... Volume.
Hope you enjoy!

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In this episode Christian and I talk to Sam Griffiths.
Sam is a passionate surfer who pursued a career in the surf industry. He started his time in the industry at Rip Curl on the back of his love for surfboards and spent time developing their board program.
When the opportunity to be a team manager a Quiksilver presented itself, he jumped on it. It was a great career choice for a person who is very personable and has a desire to help others succeed. He held that role for many years before being promoted to a marketing manager role.
Professional surfing has taken many twists and turns since the middle of 2023. The value of professional surfing has been reevaluated and the value of professional surfers is also under the microscope. Many surfers have had their contracts terminated or reduced.
This was a great insight into what aspiring surfers should focus on, the support major brands can supply and is 'Force de majeure' still a part of athlete's contracts post 'COVID'?.

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Be sure to check out the stories on our instagram home page for photos to accompany each episode.
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