Since its release, the SUB-DRIVER has been the most successful competition board for WQS competitors. Competitors around the world request the SUB-DRIVER as their quiver (weapon) for the diverse and unpredictable waves of the WQS (World Qualifying Series).

The first development was for Kolohe Andino in 2010. In 2011, Kolohe rode the SUB-DRIVER model during the WCT qualifying season, winning all five WQS events on the SUB-DRIVER model.

That same year, in 2011, Mick Fanning noticed. It's now a well-known story that Kolohe brought his old, discarded Sub-Driver model from LOST and won many heats in the lower pro competition. Mick Fanning later said, "It completely changed my perception of what a small wave competition board should be." He used the Sub-Driver multiple times on the World Tour as he won the World Title in 2013. Since then, not only has the design gained more attention around the world, but more and more surfers have been riding it and achieving great results in competitions, including on teams and with other surfers.

We still make a lot of the SUB-DRIVER model to meet their needs. Originally, it was a "DRIVER" model that had its nose and tail hand-cut by about 1 inch, redrawing the outline and shaping it. As a result, the SUB-DRIVER model has a wider outline and less rocker than the DRIVER model. The most noticeable features are the slightly wider than average nose, the spiral vee that extends from the fin to the tail, and the wide hip tail block.

The Sub-Driver's wide nose and tail provide stability when landing in the air. The wide hip at the front of the fin creates a more parallel outline with less curvature for driving. The prominent hip (bump) at the fin provides a pivot point for the surfer when turning tight and powerfully.

The wide tail block provides stability even in small waves at slow speeds. The design has evolved to allow for shorter boards than originally intended. The rail rocker transitions from a modest single concave at the front of the board underfoot to a double concave at the rear fin, continuing into a spiraling vee at the tail. The double concave extends to the tail in sufficient volume to provide lift and help maintain speed and flow, even in underpowered waves. Expert surfers will tell you that the board "bushbacks" even in small waves.

The SUB-DRIVER model isn't just for pros, it's also the perfect design for the average surfer, with the longer, slightly larger "BRO" dimensions. Even in small waves, the short, rounded outline design provides plenty of drive, making it easy to catch waves and build speed.

The SUB-DRIVER model in the Performance Series is designed for small wave beach breaks and comes in two sizes: PRO Dimension for competitions and BRO Dimension for general surfers.

In addition to the squash tails available with our stock boards, round and swallow tail designs can also be made to order.