DRIB VS FUNGZETTI

The next installment of our Autumn/ Winter model profiles to make surfboard shopping a little easier for you around this coming change of season.

To date we have explored the crossover, the middle ground, the alternate approach to surfing across Autumn/ Winter months. Today we venture toward the "conventional shortboard" realm (in fact, from here we will really just profile some step up or longer line models), with our two premiere shortys, that just so happen to be signature models of two of our greatest shortboarders.

DRIB

Sunshine Coast's son KAI HING is the newest to join the ranks of signature model recipients, and his step-down model is him to a tee. It's as fast, free, and fun as they come, so fittingly we called it 'DRIB' (BIRD backwards).

Now it bears all the features you want in your all-out shorty but packed into a shorter/ wider outline designed to be ridden circa 2" shorter than what was once your conventional short-board.

An accented forward-placed wide point and lower entry rocker means you're in and on your feet early with instant speed and acceleration. This curvy and shorter outline also positions beautifully in steeper faces and the tub, which longer boards can sometimes feel more difficult to manoeuvre.

Subtle vee combined with softer bottom rails in the entry also enables a more forgiving approach to steeper sections and helps initiate smoother transitions between rails. From there, the bottom shape is a combination of subtle single to double concave that results in a stable yet super responsive board that loves to be pushed hard. This all draws into a tighter round tail with slight lift in the exit rocker that allows explosive release and incredible directional control.

Where this shape is truly unique is its range; it's incredibly fun on mid to head-high days, but she's a darn guided missile in juicier conditions, which makes this model the ultimate travel companion and versatile daily driver that suits almost all surfers, in almost all conditions.

For those who like graphics, or a bit of colour. the model is available with or without the GIANT bird graphic on the bottom.

The DRIB is available in traditional PU and PE, plus PRIMITEK EPS/ EPOXY from 2024.

View full bio HERE.

FUNGZETTI

It took nearly 18 months of development to work on MITCH COLEBORN'S first M/SF/T signature model ~ FUNGZETTI. 

This board is high-end European luxury supercar energy in surfboard form. The plan-shape inspiration came from our previous team favoured shorty & performance workhorse, the BULL DOVE. Where this board differs is in design qualities that Mitch has fine-tuned over his career. Most notably the distribution or disguising of foam. Mitch wanted the board to maintain volume, but without a full or boxy rail. So, we blended the volume that modern surfers are accustomed to with sensitive or hyper responsive rails, which resulted in a more domed deck than any of our shortboards. That thickness along the stringer means retained volume for paddle power and a more forgiving ride, but the rails are medium to low for sensitivity and reactive rail feel.

The other notable update from the bull dove, and one that Mitch has become synonymous for, is shortboards with slightly wider outlines. And we need to stress, it’s only slight, this board is amped up performance machinery. So, let’s refer to this width as “curve”, which is continuous from nose to tail, with slightly more width up front, which aids in paddle and forward momentum. This is then blended into what is our proven team mainstay round square tail, and given seasonal relevance of this release, a swallow tail option.

This is the first time we have released one model with two tail shapes from the get-go. And to help those who may be confused, the round square is your every dayer, the swallow is going to excel in grovel. And we have designed the swallow to be ridden 1” shorter and 1/8 wider for that reason.

To the bottom, and no surprises, this baby is a single concave from nose to tail cause she is all about wearing speedos. This concave is accented between the feet, which works to flatten the rocker for more controlled drive. Fin placements are also adjusted to offset drive and lift, enabling incredible release and projection out the tail.

The last but all-important design feature is the rocker, which is a medium to continuous rocker with the apex close to the fin area for early and fast acceleration, which is great for generating speed quickly as well as improved carry over fatter sections.

This is a board that has been designed by one of the best free surfers of our generation, but it actually transitions perfectly and accommodates your everyday surfer. She’s a beautifully balanced board, offset in all the right areas to give maximum performance and forgiveness.

The FUNGZETTI is available in traditional PU and PE, plus PRIMITEK EPS/ EPOXY from May '23.

View full bio HERE.