Surfing is at a critical juncture that could uproot its foundations. Daniel “Tomo” Thomson of Firewire Surfboards and Daniel ‘Tomo” Thomson are at the helm of this innovative change, spearheading their design of Modern Planing Hull (MPH) boards as they transform surfing.
This partnership, reinforced by Kelly Slater’s involvement as co-owner of Firewire Surfboards, seeks to break with tradition by producing their revolutionary surfboard creation – Evo.
But are surfers ready for such a change? With its promise of unparalleled speed and responsiveness, can the Evo bring about an EVO-lution Revolution?
Searching for the ideal wave has always been about more than simply surfing; it involves an intimate relationship between surfer and board, too. Now this dynamic is about to undergo major change with the launch of Evo: a Modern Planing Hull surfboard which defies traditional design norms.
The Evo is a testament to what can be accomplished when creativity meets passion, developed by Tomo Surfboards using Firewire’s innovative Linear Flex Technology (LFT).
But to fully grasp this revolution, we must first delve into the intricate tapestry of surfboard design history and trace its development over time – specifically that of planning hull technology.
Contents
- 1 Exploration into the Past: Bob Simmons and Lindsay Lord’s Legacy
- 2 Bob Simmons: A Surfer Who Looked Beyond the Waves
- 3 Modern Planing Hull Renaissance
- 4 The Evo: A Breakthrough in Surfboard Design
- 5 Continue the Dialogue:
- 6 Conclusion:
- 7 FAQs
- 7.1 1. What is an MPH Surfboard?
- 7.2 2. What sets apart the Evo Surfboard designed by Tomo and Firewire from other MPH designs?
- 7.3 3. Who is Daniel “Tomo” Thomson, and why does he play such an integral part in surfboard design?
- 7.4 4. What role has Kelly Slater played in shaping the development of MPH design?
- 7.5 5. Which historical figure influenced the design and development of MPH surfboards?
- 7.6 6. What are the key benefits of an MPH surfboard?
Exploration into the Past: Bob Simmons and Lindsay Lord’s Legacy
Prohibition America brought Professor Lindsay Lord of MIT and the Mafia together. Lord’s expertise in planing hull design enabled illicit cargoes to outwit authorities during Prohibition.
However, with Prohibition ending and WWII beginning, Lord was soon using his talents for more noble causes, designing swift naval craft for U.S. Navy service. At this time, his planning hull concept took shape, setting the foundation for surfboard applications to come later on.
Bob Simmons: A Surfer Who Looked Beyond the Waves
Bob Simmons was an engineer-surfer with an avid interest in hydrodynamics who was drawn to Lord’s work. Inspired by him, Simmons set off on his quest to redesign surfboards.
Simmons built his first modern planing hull surfboards armed with Lord’s “The Naval Architecture of Planing Hulls” and with a desire to improve wave riding in mind.
These boards were significantly lighter, faster, and more maneuverable than anything seen before – marking a landmark moment in surfboard design evolution.
Modern Planing Hull Renaissance
By the mid 2000s, surfboard design had reached a point of stagnation. That was when an innovative group of surfers and shapers, inspired by Simmons’ work and Lord’s principles for shaping boards, began experimenting with new board designs.
Daniel Thomson-Tomo stood out among them by his willingness to challenge the status quo. Utilizing modern technologies and materials, together with Firewire Surfboards he brought forward the concept of contemporary planning hull surfing boards.
The Evo: A Breakthrough in Surfboard Design
The Evo is the embodiment of this renewal: a board that captures the essence of modern planning hull design.
Its design nods back to Simmons’ original concepts while remaining grounded in modern technologies – a hallmark of progressive surfboard design that will help ushered in an entirely new era in surfboarding. The Evo marks an evolution in design and opens the way to a whole new surfing paradigm.
Continue the Dialogue:
As we near a potential surfboard revolution, it’s vitally important to keep in mind that surfboard design development is an ongoing dialogue involving shapers, surfers, and the sea itself.
With its unconventional design and performance capabilities, the Evo invites us all to participate in its ongoing dialogue, push its limits, and imagine what’s possible.
Conclusion:
The Evolution Revolution transcends any single surfboard design; it represents the spirit of innovation driving surfing forward. Whether the Evo becomes an integral part of surf cultures worldwide or serves as a springboard to further incredible advances is yet to be seen.
What is evident, however, is that the modern planing hull’s evolution from its startlingly unusual beginnings to its present-day form reflects an ever-evolving quest for perfection between wave and rider.
As we consider our future, let us not overlook the words of those who have helped shape it; their words could provide the impetus for another great leap forward.
No matter your level of experience or excitement level, one thing is clear: revolution is here and now is the time to ride it out.
FAQs
1. What is an MPH Surfboard?
Modern Planing Hull (MPH) surfboards emphasize speed and responsiveness by featuring wider, shorter and more buoyant structures than traditional boards. This design allows the board to glide more efficiently across the water’s surface, helping surfers catch waves more easily while performing maneuvers more precisely.
2. What sets apart the Evo Surfboard designed by Tomo and Firewire from other MPH designs?
The Evo surfboard represents the pinnacle of MPH design with its exceptional combination of Tomo’s innovative shaping and Firewire’s revolutionary Linear Flex Technology (LFT). It stands out in this category due to its highly efficient hydrodynamic shape, responsive responsiveness, durability and flex. In short, its unique combination sets it apart. Ultimately it stands as one of the greatest designs ever seen at MPH level. Initially introduced at Surf Expo 2011, this surfboard now stands alone as an award-winning masterpiece!
3. Who is Daniel “Tomo” Thomson, and why does he play such an integral part in surfboard design?
Daniel “Tomo” Thomson is an award-winning surfboard shaper and designer known for his innovative approach. His significance lies in his willingness to challenge conventional designs while successfully incorporating principles of hydrodynamics into modern boards – producing faster, more maneuverable boards which have expanded what was thought possible in surfing.
4. What role has Kelly Slater played in shaping the development of MPH design?
Kelly Slater has played an essential part in shaping and expanding Firewire Surfboards’ MPH design concept. Not only has his involvement lent credibility to it but his feedback as an elite surfer also contributed to further innovations such as Evo boards.
5. Which historical figure influenced the design and development of MPH surfboards?
Professor Lindsay Lord was a naval architect whose work on planning hulls during and after Prohibition had an enormous impact on the development of MPH surfboards. His theories and designs laid out a framework for understanding how objects move efficiently over water surfaces; pioneers like Bob Simmons would later apply these understandings when creating surfboards.
6. What are the key benefits of an MPH surfboard?
Key benefits of an MPH surfboard include increased speed due to its efficient planning on the water, improved maneuverability that enables tighter turns and dynamic surfing, and greater ease in catching waves due to its buoyancy and shape.
