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What kind of boards will be popular in the 2010s?
Excerpt from an interview with MAYHEM from USA-SIMA (surfing industry information). FEATURED SHAPER: MATT BIOLOS A passionate conversation with the King of Summer We recently ran a feature excerpt from an article about Matt Biolos, who was US Surfing magazine's Shaper of the Year a few years ago, and we delved into the history of Mayhem (...lost surfboards) and Biolos's approach to surfboard design. What we don't feature is Matt Biolos' unquestioned dominance of summer (aka small wave) surfboards. At a time when everyone else was blindly following Kelly's lead, Biolos was honing his designs, exemplified by an aggressive young surfer named Chris Ward. The end result of his experiments with Ward was the Round Nose Fish (RNF), a board that replaced traditional board designs and offered surfers a more realistic, fun, and trajectory-changing experience. The resurgence of the Fish sparked a renaissance in shortboard design that is currently underway. Now we're here talking to Matt, the King of Summer, about his legacy - old tech and specs that can't be completely abandoned, even as new ones emerge. Of course, we also talked about his latest crop of notable surfers, from Kolohe to Carissa and Taj. This group is once again taking LOST to new heights... now year-round, not just in the summer. Since you led the Phish resurgence in the late '90s, surfers are always looking to your latest catalog lineup every summer. Do you still see yourself as a leading pioneer of small wave boards? MATT BIOLOS: That's a very leading question, and I think someone else would probably give you a better answer than me. But I'm passionate about coming up with new ideas to make surfing even more fun on small waves. Because, 1) There are more times when the waves are very small (lacking power) than when they are good. 2) When the waves are small, it's not too crowded. That's why if you have a good board, it's easier to surf in smaller, more crowded waves. You've been shaping an incredible number of world touring surfers lately. Tell us how working with them influences your overall product line philosophy. MATT BIOLOS: Well, traditionally our most popular models have been inspired and inspired by working with them. The first RNF was created when 15-year-old Chris Ward was asked to create a "fish." The first basic version of Rocket is Schoenbeschen. The Scorcher, Sub Scorcher, and Sub Driver were all original designs by Kolohe (Andino) (and Dino [his dad]). Of all the pro surfers you've worked with, can you name your favorites? At least two. MATT BIOLOS: That's fine. It's no secret that I am who I am today because of Chris Ward and Corey Lopez. Without them and Xie (Lopez), I would probably be less known than hundreds of other shapers. I was fortunate to take advantage of opportunities I could address and put capital into them that many others never finish, even after years. Over the years, Schoenbeschen has given me feedback—the good, the bad, the harsh reality—helping me learn and become more confident. Kolohe is my favorite surfer of all time. Working with him and Dino over the last few years has been the most rewarding experience of my career. Honestly, he influences my high performance surfboard designs more than anyone else right now. Since creating the boards for Kolohe, Taj, Carissa, and Coco, Have you noticed that the trends in customer orders are influenced by the board types these surfers are using? MATT BIOLOS: Kolohe: Of course. As I said above, it has had a significant impact on the LOST model lineup and sales. It depends on the board I worked on with Andino sometimes, and this is the best. But in fact, Carissa was the first female surfer to create a personal board that attracted the interest of male surfers. Since my relationship with Taj became public again and he won at Snapper Rock, I've been getting a lot of questions from other pros, surf shops and everyday surfers saying, "I want something Taj made for me." What's your favorite small wave board from the 2012 LOST model lineup? MATT BIOLOS: V2 - Rocket. This is not a special model for tiny waves. For true high performance in small to medium waves, the V2-Rocket is my favorite. If fish defined the 1990s and quads the 2000s, what boards will be popular in the 2010s? MATT BIOLOS: Not only professional surfers and young surfers, This is a high performance tri-fin shortboard that is perfect for casual surfers! Apparently so!!!
Learn moreKolohe's used board "5'11" SUB-DRIVER" is now in stock!
The 5'11" SUB-DRIVER model used by Kolohe Andino. We are pleased to announce that we have received some used Polyester boards. Kolohe himself has played a few rounds on this board, which seems to be in good condition. The board is lightweight with a WT specification, is in good condition and is a beautiful board that can still be ridden without any problems. If you want to try Kolohe's personal board, a PRO specification board that is rarely available, This is also a great value collector's board for those who are the right size for it. There are some foot marks on the deck like this, but they become unnoticeable after applying wax. There are no major repair marks. The bottom is also in excellent condition. There is no damage to the fin cup, so it's first come, first served. LOST『SUB-DRIVER』POLYESTER/ SQAUSH TAIL/ 3 FINS/FCS ￥94,500 tax included Condition AA #LOSTKA 5'11" x 18.88" x 2.25 " (180 x 47.9 x 5.7cm) 65-75kg 26.88cl Click here to see other great deals on used boards with photos. http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/board/used_stock.html To purchase, please visit our store or call us at 03-3732-5532 if you would like to order online. Payment by cash on delivery or credit card is also available.
Learn moreSURF TRIP magazine featuring TEAM Love Surf is now on sale!
SURF TRIP JOURNAL magazine featuring TEAM LOVE SURF is now on sale! An article about last month's trip from LA to Mexico has been published. There are 12 pages in total. Those of you who regularly follow my blog will know about this trip, The articles in the magazine are interesting, so please take a look. It was just released on the 24th, so it's available at convenience stores and bookstores. Also see Luvsurf's two-page spread ad: There were lots of boards and other things lying around, making for an interesting advertisement. Photographer Masuda showed us about 900 carefully selected photos from the trip. He and his editor selected the photos to be published in SURF TRIP JOURNAL magazine. Since this is a surf trip book, it is made up of photos that convey the atmosphere of the waves and the spots, rather than surf photos that show the amazing actions and techniques. The photos below were not published in SURF TRIP JOURNAL. Please take a look. Kei Kobayashi SHAW Kobayashi MASATO Yukawa We won't be able to post all 900 photos, but we'd like to post as many as possible so that you can enjoy them on blogs and other platforms.
Learn moreIntroducing the lightest stringerless board, the XTR V-FLEX!
Introducing the lightest stringerless board, the XTR V-FLEX! The waterproof and durable XTR White Blanks are equipped with Memory Black Foam in the center, which allows them to return to their original shape more quickly. This material is the lightest in XTR history, providing incredible flexibility, maneuverability, and light control! Nishii proposed the idea to XTR owner Javier about a year ago, and secretly asked Mayhem to shape a prototype board, which he then test-rode and developed.The release of XTR's high-performance material has finally been announced. Nishii has ridden the XTR V-FLEX, XTR's lightest stringerless board, not only in Japan but also in California and Mexico, and he loves it.He can confidently recommend it to core Japanese board users who prefer light boards. XTR's owner, Mr. Habiyar, also tried out the prototype himself. This is a photo of the board from the early days when the center line was not yet made of black memory foam. The bottom has no carbon attached yet, and there is also a center line foam. This is the early version of the "XTR V-FLEX" in blue wide high density foam. I've posted about riding this board on the 24'S blog before, so you've probably seen it, right? In fact, the FQ2 model, which was said to be an improved version of the FISHQUEST, was also the ``XTR V-FLEX.'' In March, STJ magazine covered my trip to Mexico, and things were going well, so I left Japan for California. I even took it with me from California to Mexico. This is Vectran before it has been laminated with XTR resin. Sho is seen restoring the black "memory foam" in the XTR factory. This is a photo from when it was first unveiled in Japan at the Interstyle Trade Show held in Yokohama in February 2012. The board deck looked like it had a colorful design, and there were two of them on display here as well. The "V" in V-FLEX stands for Vectran, the material used to bond the deck. Developed by NASA, this high-strength fiber has extremely strong molecular bonds and is resistant to tearing even when pulled. Like XTR foam, it also offers features not found in other high-strength fibers, such as low moisture absorption, low stretch (dimensional stability), and abrasion resistance. The Vectran parts that are glassed into the actual board are gold, with the clear Vectran visible between the black carbon lines. It's lighter than XTR's super high-end board material, XTR 3D CARBOLIC, and is characterized by its superior maneuverability and performance. However, the rail strength of XTR 3D CARBOLIC, which is wrapped in Kevlar carbon, is superior. The XTR V-FLEX board is as light as a professional ultralight board, but with the added durability and waterproofness of XTR. It's a great match for your favorite high-performance model that you want to last as long as possible! ■To compare XTR V-FLEX with other materials or to learn more, please visit our board material comparison page. http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/board/material.html#xtr-Vflex ■For the prices of each model of ``XTR V-FLEX'' board, please see the ``Model Introduction'' page. http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/board/lost_model.html A limited number of "SUB-DRIVER" and "F1-STUB" stock boards have arrived in store!!! We put them on the surfboard rack in the store today, so customers who come to the store from April 3rd will be able to see them in person. For those who live further away, the item will be added to the stock board list on the website soon, so stay tuned!
Learn moreLearn more about the new Powerbase FIN System.
Power Base Fin System Regarding the new Power Base FIN system that I wrote about in yesterday's blog, We have received many inquiries, so we would like to explain in detail again. The legs of the Power Base FIN itself are shaped like this, When attaching the fin, turning and screwing in the fin pushes the fin downwards, making it stick tightly to the board body. *This is important. The fins that come with boards equipped with the Power Base FIN system are: In this way, it can be attached to boards with FCS plugs and used. Conversely, for the Power Base FIN System plug, This means you can still use the FCS fins you've been using up until now. The price of a board equipped with the Power Base FIN system is The 3-fin version costs 5,250 yen more than the FCS plug board, and the 5-fin version costs 8,400 yen more. The Power Base fin system is also available for Poly boards. Of course, it can also be installed on XTR boards. He also has a track record on the World Tour. The first place prize was $300,000 (approximately 25 million yen). This is the fin used by Owen Wright, who moved from FCS to POWER BASE, to defeat Kelly at the WT event in New York.
Learn moreThis is a flex test video of the evolved "FLEXLITE-TURBO".
Placebo has a great flex and the turns are extended. I'd like to ask someone who actually rides a board, how much does it bend? Also, the board is said to be strong, but is it really that strong? This will instantly clear up any doubts you may have. Check out this flex test video. Nishii can stand on the bottom of the board with his shoes and it doesn't get dented. Even if you put your entire weight on the board, it will not break. Imagine doing the same thing on a Poly board. Placebo was just evolved from "FLEXLITE" to "FLEXLITE-TURBO" material in March last year. Experience the performance and durability of the wildly popular FLEX-LITETURBO. FLEXLITE-TURBO Flex Test from Luvsurf TV on Vimeo .
Learn moreNew resin color glass lamination video posted on Facebook page!
Today's waves are slightly bigger than yesterday. The forecast is for it to get bigger over the weekend. When the tide is out you can see the shape of the bottom very well. During high tide you can paddle over these rocks. Lost Surfboards' new color resin glass laminated boards are lined up. This was the process of installing the leash cup. Take a look under the stand where the surfboard is placed. Resin has fallen and hardened, creating this pattern. The special color resin glass laminated board The person sanding is "Tristian" from France Paul, who also came to San Clemente from France, is laminating glass. This is the LOST Japan-exclusive model "ORCA" designed for the super small waves, super crowded Shonan area. http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/camp/orca.html Here's a video of Paul glass laminating this board. It has been posted on Luvsurf's Facebook page, so please take a look. https://www.facebook.com/luvsurf.jp If you haven't registered with Facebook yet, you can view the Luvsurf Facebook page by registering and clicking the "Like" button.
Learn moreThe leash cup is also made of colored resin, ``Paul.''
The road to LOWERS, We will pass through places like this. The point guide map includes detailed information on recommended boards to use and wave quality. Today's LOWERS. The waves are very small, so 2-5 people can ride as much as they want. Although it is small, the set is from waist to chest and is of good quality. To the LOST factory I went to see the new Lost Color Board that had been completed as an addition. The new Lost Color Board that was posted on the blog yesterday received a great response, so here are some more photos. The leash cup is also made of colored resin. Glassing only the mark to make it shiny This person has a technique that I have never seen before. This is Paul from France.
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