Innholdsfortegnelse for 2016 Annual i Tracks

“ THIS WAS THE BEST BOARD I SURFED ALL TRIP. IT MATCHED MY STYLE OF SURFING AND I FELT AT HOME ON IT FROM THE OUTSET.” - MONTY TAIT SHAPER'S COMMENTS This model was designed with quality waves in mind, hence the name Supercell. Primarily suited to the hollow point waves delivered in the SE QLD region, it is also suited to the groomed hollow waves of Indonesia. The rocker has been flattened a touch in the tail, increased slightly in the nose and thinned a little. A single concave has been shifted forward for more drive and speed down the line, flowing into a subtle double concave through the tail. It is suited to all round performance in a wide range of quality wave conditions. Surfers will notice…

“ AS A FUN BOARD, THE CREEPER WAS ONE OF THE BEST BOARDS I’VE RIDDEN.” - MONTY TAIT SHAPER'S COMMENTS Designed by pro surfer and ocean advocate Rob Machado, the Almond Butter surfboard just says Fun with a capital F. Rob has always been known as one to carve his own path in the surf world, which his designs express. The board is versatile enough to surf in small waves, up to overhead hollow conditions. The classic short board design with Rob's own special sauce makes this a fun board for any surfer. With a 5-fin setup the possibilities are endless. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Almond Butter is a really alternate shape. Its point of difference in my eyes in comparison to a regular fishy style board is its rails.…

“ NO MATTER THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE WAVE, YOU KNOW IT WILL GENERATE SPEED AND FLOW THROUGH SECTIONS WITHOUT ANY STICKINESS.” - BRETT BURCHER SHAPER'S COMMENTS With all my work I try to merge practical design elements of the past with aspects of contemporary design. With this blend I try to create boards with a natural speed of their own that don't require check turns to link manoeuvres. Boards that enter early into waves, and have some extra glide speed are a beautiful thing to watch, and they enhance the overall experience. Torren and I have spent the last two years developing this range of Twinnys. We started with the standard Tracks Twinny, which has the greater amount of design elements from earlier twins. We have since…

“ IT HOLDS ITS OWN IN BARRELS AND OPEN WATER WAVES, YET HAS THE FLARE OF A SMALL WAVE BOARD TOO.” - CLAY MARZO SHAPER'S COMMENTS We’ve had this board in our catalogue for quite a while as a standard performance shortboard. It’s not one of our most popular models but it fit the bill for Clay, as it’s designed for a power surfer in reasonable surf. We’ve mixed it up a bit with some alternative polyester construction techniques and materials. The end result should be positive as our feedback has always been good on this model. We are a proud Australian-made brand produced on the Central Coast of NSW, and we make quality boards in polyester or Epoxy. FIRST IMPRESSIONS Feels like an insane all round board this…

“ IT HAD AMAZING TAIL RELEASE THROUGH REOS AND AT THE END OF DRAWN OUT CARVES.” - BRETT BURCHER SHAPER'S COMMENTS Built for speed and maximum levels of fun in small surf, the Spam is the latest and greatest creation between Dion Agius and the Superbrand Shapers’ Collective. A wide outline combined with low rocker and single to double concave with vee off the tail provides the jets, while the winged swallowtail allows for a super tight turning radius. Can be ridden as a thruster or twin fin with trailer in smaller conditions. “Mate, it’s the fastest board I’ve ever ridden,” raves Dion. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Super ‘Spam’ looks like so much fun. The feature of this board that I’m most psyched on is that it has loads…

“ FROM AN INTERMEDIATE TO ELITE SURFER, THEY ARE GUARANTEED TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN ON THE 7S DD IN SUMMER SANDBANK TYPE OF WAVES.” - CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS The 7S Double Down is a high volume groveller, made for head-high waves and under; think typical summer beach breaks and softer point waves. With size & volume options from 5’2” - 6’4”, this model targets the novice-to-intermediate surfer who wants to increase their wave count and surf better in crappy waves (which most of us do). Its also a good option for more progressive surfers wanting a shorter hybrid board with extra floatation. Fast and stable with an injection of performance, this model is best surfed from the tail, and the rider shouldn't feel the…

“ THE BOURTON SLICK MODEL STOOD OUT AS THE BOARD IN MY QUIVER THAT FELT CAPABLE OF PERFORMING IN DOUBLE OVERHEAD CONDITIONS, AND IT DID JUST THAT.” - MONTY TAIT SHAPER'S COMMENTS The Slick model is perhaps my best foot forward in the high performance thruster category favoured by the competitive fraternity. I have such a diverse range and because I do not entertain sponsorship these days I do not need a whole bunch of similar models like this in my range. The Slick has a pretty deep concave through the guts and flows into a shallower single and double around the fin area. The tail flip is slightly accelerated at the last 12” and the concave trickles out the end - but is still there. This gives the…

“ A BOARD NEEDS TO HAVE THAT BLEND WHERE IT PERFORMS JUST AS WELL IN QUALITY WAVES AS IT DOES IN SOFTER WAVES, AND THE DP HAD THAT.” - CLAY MARZO SHAPER'S COMMENTS The Scout is our newest model and was designed as an all round modern shortbard, slightly geared toward the shorter and wider concept that seems to be working in most conditions. The Scout’s relaxed rocker planes through dead sections with ease, while being curvy enough to handle bigger waves and tighter pockets. The design of the tail features a minor hip coupled with the perfect amount of tail area to create a well balanced level of hold and release, and a slight vee through the last few inches will let you sit on rail and maintain…

“ I WAS MORE THAN IMPRESSED BY ITS PERFORMANCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT CAME TO SETTING A LINE IN A HIGH-RISK SITUATION. ”- CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS This is a performance shape for progressive surfing, the board has natural speed, drive and whip incorporated with good release when needed, should work well behind, below and above the lip, will have ample acceleration yet still be responsive in situations where required. The board has forward volume and the rocker has easy paddle/nose entry with an extra tail kick for increased manoeuvrability. The softer forward rails allow for better tube control and forgiveness in critical situations. The thumbtail is a good middle ground between a rounded pin and squaretail incorporating the best of both shapes. This is a good travel board due…

“ WE WERE GREETED WITH LONG, RUNNING GLASSY A-FRAMES AND THE BOARD ALLOWED ME TO OPEN UP ON A RANGE OF COMBOS.” - MONTY TAIT SHAPER'S COMMENTS Focused concave, parallel outline, low rocker and forward volume makes the Chizler one of the fastest boards in the range. These boards come a bit thinner at stringer for comparative volumes. This thinness combined with a slightly fuller rail and “Ghost Tree” composite construction make for a tough and lively everyday shortboard. FIRST IMPRESSIONS From a visual perspective, the PB looks like a standard grovel board, but once you pick it up it actually feels more refined than any grovel board I’ve ever seen. It’s super flat and has carbon strips through the middle, which obviously provide strength, but I’m hoping it…

“ IF I HAD TO RACE AROUND A SECTION, IT WOULD DO SO WITH EASE AND GIVE ME AMPLE TIME TO CHOOSE MY LINE AND EXECUTE MY TURNS.” - BRETT BURCHER SHAPER'S COMMENTS This is our revised model for 2016. This design was created with Filipe’s input. He envisioned a design that could generate maximum speed in order to enhance his aerial repertoire. We started from the Game Changer design which he already liked a lot, and modified the last half of the outline making it narrower and pulling in the tail. We then increased the tail rocker and added a pronounced single concave under the back foot. The thickness was increased in the nose and under the chest area while the rails were lowered. The results were…

“ IT FELT GREAT NOT HAVING TO NURSE A BOARD, JUST SURFING IT HOW I WANTED AND KNOWING IT WILL GIVE ME RESULTS.” - CLAY MARZO SHAPER'S COMMENTS The TNT model is pretty much our original performance shape with a few adjustments over the years this is a good all-round board that has been a favourite for many years. Goes well in smaller waves but can hold its own in juice. FIRST IMPRESSIONS I can see the Warner being a really fast, high performance board. It feels nice and light and has super smooth rails. I reckon it will go mental in fun, rippable waves. It’s a little thinner and lighter than my usual boards but is has a thick tail. I like the look of its curvy,…

“ WHILE IT PADDLED LIKE A LONG BOARD, IT SURFED SMALL. IT HAD GOOD AMOUNTS OF SPEED AND WAS STABLE YET LOOSE.” - CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS We were the first to use slick top decks bottom deck combinations for superior stiffness. A low impact surfboard with truly high performance features! The first ever soft board shaped with single concave to double and uses a high performance fin set. Fin configurations can be changed to suit the rider and conditions. Go the tri fin set for drive to make mushy conditions fun, try the twinnie on glassy small days for some crazy loose action and set up the quad for those racy fast sections. The Eps core is ridiculously buoyant so you’ll get your wave count up. We’ve…

There’s a tempo that plays out when a surfer passes away. Commemoration of his or her connection to the ocean is dutifully performed by their circle of surfing comrades. Brothers and sisters in-arms swap tall tales and true about the departed. There’s laughter. There’s tears. There’s the moving tradition of the Paddle-Out Ceremony. We promise our friend and each other, that they’ll be remembered in every surf. And we mean it solemnly. There’s the obligatory bullshit that there are positives to be found. Which rolls off an outsider’s tongue a lot easier than it’s felt deep down by the nearest and dearest. Protocol demands that what used to be called a ‘funeral’, must be a ‘celebration of life’. Fair enough. Then there’s the bit that spouses, partners, siblings, children, best…

“ ONCE YOU FIND THE SWEET SPOT WITH YOUR FEET PLACEMENT, THE BOARD HAS SO MUCH DRIVE AND IS ULTRA-SENSITIVE AND RESPONSIVE.” - MONTY TAIT SHAPER'S COMMENTS This board is a good all-rounder made for performance surfing. It has a full rocker that allows the board to surf tight in the pocket and access a lot more areas on the wave face. The rails are a little harder through the tail so it can grovel easily on smaller waves and the new bottom contours help make it go fast and maintain the drive. It went a bit different with the new adjustments and I developed this board based on feedback more from customers than team riders. I’ve then passed it on to team riders who have noticed the board…

“ ONCE IT HITS THE LIP IT JUST ACCELERATES, SO IT'S REALLY GOOD FOR BLASTING BIG TURNS.” - CLAY MARZO SHAPER'S COMMENTS The Omni takes modern functional aesthetics to new places with a clean and minimalistic meeting of Kelly’s performance round tails and Tomo's modern planing hull designs. The Omni will revel in smaller waves up to 5ft with smooth and extremely radical performance capability. Suited to intermediate to advanced riders. 5-fin option. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Slater Designs Omni looks like a speedy mullet. Really fast and racy. It has an intriguing wide nose with a little hip in it. I feel like it is going to do some crazy wraps and punts on the right waves. I haven’t ridden it yet and I already want to keep it.…

“ A REALLY RESPONSIVE, LIGHTWEIGHT BOARD THAT I WAS ABLE TO PUSH WHERE I WANTED AND IT DID THE REST FOR ME.” - CLAY MARZO SHAPER'S COMMENTS The Pocket Rocket is the culmination of our work with many WSL surfers, primarily Kolohe Andino. The board features a moderate continuous rocker, with no discernible flip or break, and more curve in the center of the board (with less in the tips) than usual. The deep concave and curvy rail rocker work well to provide lift and pop in even smallish, sloppy surf. The conservative overall rocker and outline lends itself to a feeling of confidence to push hard in good, powerful sections as well. It's fun in small snappy beach breaks and excels in chest high to 1.5x overhead. Matt…

“ IT’S GOT SO MUCH RUN AND CARRY THROUGH ITS TURNS THAT IT WANTED TO GO FROM ONE MAJOR TURN INTO ANOTHER.” - CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS Our most popular shorty and the board that John John Florence rides in most conditions and comps. This is obviously a very versatile board. It has a touch more rocker than the Flash for a snappier feel, but still keeps its drive and speed through flatter sections. Single concave throughout adds to the speed and the subtle hip in the tail makes it easy to redirect. The tail is a touch more pulled in, giving bite and drive through turns, and we flattened out the deck to re-position the volume for a lively feel. This board works great for big carves in…

“ THE STRENGTH COMPONENTS OF THE BOARD (DECK CHANNELS, STRINGERLESS CARBON) GAVE ME EXTRA CONFIDENCE TO PUT THE BOARD IN HEAVY SITUATIONS.” - CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS With boards that are a little more chunky we needed to add some flex to the design without getting the corky polystyrene epoxy design involved (which gets a bit hard to control if surface conditions aren't perfect or wave energy overpowering those materials). We took out the stringer, added the XR-RAP on the bottom for strength then deck channel on the rail for a "parabolic" flex combining with the extra flex from the removal of the wooden stringer to give the board extra coil and spring out of your turns. By sticking to PU construction it is easier to drive on…

“ I RODE THE VIPER IN FUN BEACHBREAKS THROUGH TO PUMPING TUBES, AND AT ALL LEVELS I FORGOT I WAS RIDING IT, WHICH TO ME IS A HUGE SIGN OF TRUST.” - CAHILL BELL-WARREN SHAPER'S COMMENTS The Viper, a new model for 2016, is a surfboard made for your intermediate to high performance surfer who wants to excel in waves waist to head high. Like the X21, this board was designed to be a mid-wave performance surfboard for good waves at home, on the W.Q.S, and on the W.C.T. A major difference the Viper offers in comparison to the X21 is easier entry into waves, and more drive. Same as the X21, the Viper has heaps of single concave mixed with volume under the front foot. Xanadu dialled…

It was an incident that could’ve so easily had a negative impact on Jed Garkut’s life. Back in 2008, tackling a rarely surfed local reef with a couple of school mates, he and one of his friends paper/scissor/rocked for the first wave of the next set. Jed threw down scissors, his mate threw down rock, a set rolled through and Jed watched his friend stroke into the first one before taking off on the wave behind. Grabbing his rail as he set a line into the tube, he watched the barrel race away as the foam ball engulfed him. In the seconds that followed, the fin of his board was driven into his face. When he resurfaced, there was blood all around him and a sudden realisation that he couldn’t…