Similar to what we have achieved with the SUPER_HERO D/LAB sails our goal was to create real game changers with our new wave board range.
What we had learned from the SUPER_HERO D/LAB development is that you need to work on all aspects to really make a decisive improvement.
Switching our board technology from the industry-standard semi custom technology to our exclusive FULL CUSTOM PRODUCTION marked the foundation for all the rest to come (see TECH AND SHAPE DETAILS below for details). Because this technology lifted our weight vs. strength ratio to a whole new level. And it finally allowed us to make every single prototype in the factory like we are doing with our sails since over 30 years. Because the best prototype is worth nothing if it can't be reproduced or feels different due to different materials, processes or weight.
To achieve a similar step up in the 3D design we decided to get our own CAD program written. Compared to the industry-standard Shape3D software our DT_BOARD_3D program is much more accurate and lets us perform even super complex shaping tasks like the brand-new SYNCED CURVES CONCEPT.
DESIGN GOALS >> SHAPE DETAILS
Our main goals were to create designs which have a maximum range of use and are easier (less exhausting) plus more radical on the wave.
Basically we wanted to create a more stable platform which is great for getting going and going over the white water. But at the same time the boards should turn even more radical when going down the line, which are opposing features you usually can't combine.
Here are the 3 major shape details our team has developed over the last 2,5 years (see TECH AND SHAPE DETAILS below for all other details):
STABLE YET RADICAL CONCEPT
Our wave boards are 1-2cm wider than most other boards.
- The increased width results in a more stable platform. This makes our wave boards as stable and energy-saving as a 5 liter bigger board while drifting/floating and going over white water.
- Most importantly the additional width leads to an increased outline curve. This improves the maneuverability which makes the board turn as radical as a 5 liter smaller board.
The result is an unbeatable broad range of use.
3-STAGE ROCKER
Unlike the usual continuous rocker curve, our entire shape concept is based on a segmented rocker line. This accounts for the fact that the top- and bottom turn are two entirely different maneuvers. While you initiate the bottom turn more over your front foot (depending on the size of the wave) the top turn is only sailed over the back foot. This change in posture is the biggest challenge, especially when learning to wave ride - which becomes much easier with our 3-STAGE ROCKER.
- The straight rocker section in-between the front- and back straps creates a super stable sailing stance/platform so that you’re in perfect sync with your board going out or on the wave when switching between bottom- and top turn.
- The nose rocker starts just in front of the front straps which helps to engage the front part of the rail when leaning forward on the bottom turn.
- KICKSTARTER TAIL: The tail rocker behind the back strap remains very moderate until the last 4-5cm from the tail where it transforms into a progressive tail-kick. This tail-kick generates a perfect water release and in combination with the flat rocker line results in a kickstarter-like acceleration as soon as you push a bit with your back-foot. Plus the tail-kick obviously allows for super tight top turns when snapping back the board with your back-foot.
SYNCED CURVES CONCEPT (rocker><outline><rail)
Outline, rocker and rail shape are the 3 key elements that determine how a board feels and performs. In every rocker- and outline there are spots with more or less curvature. The same applies to the degree of rail curvature which changes considerably. To prevent the 3 curves from working "against" each other, the highest priority is to synchronize these curves. Means that in zones with an increased rocker curve, the outline curve is also increased plus the rails have an increased curvature and vice versa.
- Increased outline curve, nose rocker and rail curvature around the mast track makes it easier to initiate the bottom turn (front foot initiated)
- Increased outline curve, tail rocker and rail curvature behind the back strap for more radical top turns (back foot initiated)
To our knowledge this complex 3D task can only be performed by our own AI_BOARD_3D software.
We started testing this concept on existing boards and the improvements to each board were so overwhelming that we incorporated this design feature into all 2026 boards.
Both GRIP 3 and ULTRA GRIP are designed as World Cup Wave boards to satisfy the best of the best on all kind of conditions and spots around the globe. Here are the differences:
A. GRIP
Focus Euro waves >< logo-high ground swell
Ideal for Klitmøller, Canarias, North Sea, Kanaha
B. ULTRA GRIP
Focus ground swell >< windy Euro waves (not for onshore conditions)
Ideal for Maui, Capetown, Brittany, Cabo Verde, Ireland, Chile, Mauritius
YOUR NEW GRIP (TRI) SLS DREAM MACHINES ARE READY AND WAITING FOR YOU TO TAKE YOUR RIDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
