kelly slater just bought firewire surfboard company

I like the idea that Kelly is raising awareness for the impact we all have on the environment as surfers. He says he is giving us choices, (hopefully like Patagonia), that marry performance and conservation. If it doesn't work as advertised, his status as a surfing and pop culture icon will still goose the next surfboard manufacturer to take a look at greener technology.

Personally I prefer the feel of a poly board on good waves, but for crappy waves, EPS is fine. I like the extra float to gain speed over flat sections. On good waves this becomes a control problem. Different gear for different conditions. So I have polys, and epoxys. I would like to have a good board for good waves that was not so harmful to the environment. I don't feel too guilty. Maybe I should, but I try to mitigate my dirty footprints by doing/organizing water testing programs, beach cleanups, etc.

Can't we all get along?

 

I would like to remind you that neither you or I are immune to marketing. I dislike it as much as you do, but, if you are aware of brands, as you apparently am (me too), you have been "marketed", "branded". We all have, unfortunately.

 

Kookie, what if I didn't need the advice?

Brands aside, I'd want Slater's input on construction and hydrodynamics over anyone else. His surfing speaks for itself, and his intellectual insight on board design is likely second to none.

I feel like Merricks are so fun to ride because of Slater's many years of input. I wouldn't buy another one because they're expensive pieces of sh!t though (construction wise).

Kooks will always think riding pro model boards will make them magically better, while failing to see they have to do it themselves.

I've ridden a wide variety of boards over the coarse of many years, and I'm currently partial to Lost. Not for the name, but for the fun factor, without a doubt. I am open, however, to trying new things.

 

I never been on a fire wire but they put out some wacky shapes for a pop out company. And they demo boards like you can demo skis. Thats pretty cool.
Have you checked out the cornice? I'd try that thing in a second! I wonder how it paddles. or works in a weaker wave.

 

also, don't know if nev still involved or not.....he sure tried long and hard enough to make a suite stick.

 

Yeah, I had a Sharp Eye fish that I'm pretty sure he shaped, and it was sick. He shaped for them right? I'm not sure.

 

i'm pretty sure f/w's were his baby at one point; the man has been fully immersed in multiple board
technologies since the early 70's....in OZ he seemed to go in and out of style. i visited his small shaping
room/roadside biz/tourist trap gig in may '79......through the years he has been one surfy dude.

 

Maybe Marcio Zouvi (sharp eye) shaped for Nev?

 

dk but i think his last name hyman (?)

 

I could be wrong but I think the FWs and the Merricks that the Pros are riding are not the same "mass produced" models hitting the rack at the shops???

Also, on the income side. The Pros (top earners) are picking up most of their sponsorship doe from Apparel/clothing/accessory companies not board manufacturers (for the most part with exceptions)

I think some of what Cep and Kookie are saying is right on. No need to go out and spend 600-700 per board. Talk to your local shaper and get what you want, build a relationship, and surf (I especially liked the comments about the guys who sit there talking themselves out of it Kookie...just go already!!!)

Who wouldn't want Slater's advice...totally agree. He and Merrick have done wonders in board design...I am still not going out to buy a $650 board (not saying you would) when I can get a local to shape similar innovative designs for a price that makes us both happy (never try to ask your local for a deal or for it cheaper, that's weak!). With most shapers, you could buy three boards for the price of two name brands off the rack.

 

- Medina rides Pukas boards
- Julian rides JS
- Andy switched to JS from HIC (Arakawa not Tokoro)

 

bully.

 

I think Julian's off JS

 

And Barry Cuda rides Byrnes.
Who cares about the others!!!??!!
And drinks expensive Scotch Whiskey!!! <grin>

 

Your totally right about the apparel companies likely being the highest earning sponsorship wise. But if you look at the money Lost, Merrick, FCS, Future, etc. have for "endorsement/sponsorship" budget you would understand why their boards are so expensive. Yes Kelly Slater can make an awesome board for Teahupoo and high precision waves for high precision surfing. But I am sure you local guy can make you a board that better suits your conditions.

And yes I know those companies make small wave boards too, but I don't think they have much of an advantage on a good local guy. Just by default he surfs your swells, he knows if your waves break top to bottom, and maybe most important he knows your skill level. Not what you tell some guy in an e-mail, but how you actually surf.

 

Andy rode Chili's too. I think I may have one of them. I bought it from Liam. The board rides great in bigger stuff.