Firewire FRK + Plus Surfboard - Ibolic - Slater Designs

The Firewire FRK+ I-Bolic Slater Designs is a high-performance shortboard created to offer speed, precision, and versatility in everyday conditions. Developed by Dan Mann in collaboration with Kelly Slater, it combines a classic outline, squash tail, and I-Bolic construction to deliver quick response, control, and excellent projection during maneuvers.

Overview

The Firewire FRK+ is an evolution of the original FRK, a model developed by Dan Mann based on a design created specifically for Kelly Slater. Its purpose is to maintain the precision and responsiveness of a competition shortboard, but with adjustments that make the board more versatile and functional in a wider variety of conditions.

The squash tail increases the planning area in the back and provides quicker release during turns. This helps the board accelerate easily, maintain speed through transitions, and respond quickly under the back foot.

The FRK+ is suitable for surfers looking for a performance board for daily use, capable of executing powerful turns, vertical maneuvers, and quick changes of direction without requiring perfect waves.

Design and Performance

The traditional shortboard outline offers a familiar and predictable feel, while the medium entry and exit rocker balances speed, control, and the ability to attack critical parts of the wave.

The medium-to-low profile rails increase sensitivity and help the board penetrate the water better during turns, providing more precision and confidence when applying pressure on the rail.

In the back half, the double concave directs water flow between the fins, contributing to speed generation, easy rail-to-rail transitions, and quick response during maneuvers.

The squash tail adds versatility to the model, offering a balance between lift, control, and release. This feature allows for powerful turns, quick snaps, and lip maneuvers with greater ease.

I-Bolic Technology

I-Bolic technology uses an internal structure inspired by an I-beam, designed to control the board's flex and distribute energy efficiently.

Higher density foams positioned in the rails help control flex during turns, offering a responsive, stable, and predictable feel. When the surfer applies pressure, the board stores energy and releases it at the exit of the maneuver, contributing to speed generation and projection.

This construction results in a lightweight, durable board with a lively feel underfoot, maintaining control even during maneuvers performed with significant pressure.

Features

• High-performance shortboard

• Model developed by Dan Mann and Kelly Slater

• Evolution of the original FRK

• Constructed with I-Bolic technology

• I-beam type internal structure for flex control

• Rails with high-density foam

• Traditional shortboard outline

• Squash tail for lift and release during turns

• Medium entry and exit rocker

• Performance rails with medium-to-low profile

• Double concave in the back half

• Excellent speed and projection

• Quick response to directional changes

• Suitable for vertical maneuvers and high-performance turns

• Designed to perform well in everyday conditions

Recommended Use

The Firewire FRK+ I-Bolic Slater Designs is suitable for intermediate-to-advanced to professional surfers looking for speed, precision, and response in a modern shortboard.

Its performance excels in well-formed waves, but the adjustments made to the FRK+ also allow it to be used in everyday conditions, making the model more versatile than a board developed exclusively for competition.

It is an excellent choice for those looking to attack critical parts of the wave, execute powerful turns, and maintain control during fast and vertical maneuvers.

Care Instructions

• Avoid leaving the board exposed to the sun for prolonged periods

• Do not store inside very hot vehicles

• Use an appropriate board bag for transport and storage

• Avoid impacts and falls on hard surfaces

• Regularly check for cracks or damage to the laminate

• In case of any damage, keep the board out of the water until repairs are made