Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs are excited to announce the release of the S BOSS, the most recent signature surfboard model by 11X World Champion, Kelly Slater, and world-class shaping talent, Dan Mann, available to order at authorised, premium retail locations and online stores globally as of today.
Kelly Slater says: “The S BOSS has been an ongoing process for a while now. From the beginning my vision was to incorporate a really aggressive v bottom throughout the entire hull of a performance board, and we took our time getting it right.”
The collaboration between Slater and Mann around the S BOSS spans over 4 years through many rounds of refinement, as well as input from team rider and R&D test pilot, Kevin Schulz.
Built in I-Bolic Technology and most notable for its application to a near universal cross-section of surfers and skill levels, the S BOSS is an intersection of Kelly Slater’s pursuit of high- performance progression and Dan Mann’s mission to make performance surfing accessible to all by design.
“It’s the most user-friendly pure performance shortboard I’ve ever worked on,” said Mann. “All of Kelly’s performance intentions were incorporated into the design at the beginning of the process. As we moved forward, I built them on top of the rocker and fin configuration from the Dominator II, a shortboard that has been considered the easiest-to-surf shortboard in Firewire’s line.”
Among test pilots and team riders, the results have been unanimous: The S BOSS is a true universal surfboard built to unlock progression across all conditions and skill levels.
“While riding the S BOSS, I’ve done the best airs I’m capable of,” stated Kevin Schulz. “But I can also recommend the S BOSS to my friends. I have a lot of friends who I can finally share my everyday shortboard with. Everyone has fun on it. It’s not like a hyper, rockered-out shortboard. The S BOSS is for everyone. But it’s also what’s advancing my surfing.”
Releasing today just ten weeks after Slater’s globally popular signature Great White Twin model, the S BOSS represents a specialized and versatile purpose in every surfer’s quiver.
The S BOSS is recommended to be paired with Slater Designs’ KS1 Endorfins template, and traction pad, which can also be found at authorised, premium retail locations around the world.
]]>Caroline entered her first Rip Curl WSL Finals as the No. 3 seed and left as the 2023 Surfing World Champion. She is the first person to win a World Tile for mainland USA since Lisa Andersen in 1997. This also marks the first women’s goofy-footed surfer to claim a World Title since Chelsea Georgenson (AUS) in 2005. The Floridian felt at home at Lower Trestles posting multiple excellent scores and near-perfection throughout the day en route to her maiden World Title. Today's brilliant performance also confirmed her provisional qualification for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Fellow FCS team mate Carissa Moore’s dominant run through the 2023 season culminated in clinching the No. 1 seed going into the Rip Curl WSL Finals for the third-straight year. The five-time World Champion started her season with a massive win at the Billabong Pro Pipeline. She then earned back-to-back wins at Margaret River and the WSL Surf Ranch. But, her redemption run toward a World Title was cut short by an in-form Caroline.
“It’s just so inspiring to have my name up on that list. This has just been a goal of mine. World Champion, it’s crazy. I went through a weird one last year, and I was doubting myself. This just feels so good. I really don’t know what to say, I’ve been really emotional this year. This feels like a lot of emotion.” — Caroline Marks
Filipe earned his second-consecutive World Title today, once again proving himself as the competitor to beat. He is now the first competitor to earn back-to-back World Titles since John John Florence (HAW) in 2016 and 2017. The Brazilian competitor was unstoppable in the 2023 CT season, accruing wins at Sunset Beach, El Salvador, and J-Bay.
“It’s so hard to put into words what it took for me to be here right now,” said Toledo. “So much sacrifice. A lot of sacrifice, to be honest. Seven years ago, I had my first kid. I wasn’t at home too much to be there with my wife. Neither was I there for Koa as well. I knew in the long run, this was going to pay off. This is a dream come true. I don’t think there’s ever been a Brazilian that won back-to-back. We like to make history. I’m super thankful to God. He blessed me all the way here. It was not easy.” — Filipe Toledo
Photo © WSL / Thiago Diz
]]>Caroline finished 5th here last year and today she demonstrated an increased level of confidence and dominance in waves of consequence at Teahupo'o, Tahiti.
After taking time away from the Tour at times in 2021 and 2022, this is Caroline's first full season back and her most successful to date with two CT victories from three Finals in 2023.
“I’m stoked – this is like a dream event to win so I’m super pumped. The waves got a little weird with that wind and after I fell on that barrel I had to go to turns on my second to last wave. It was good to be able to change the plan and see it work out. To win this event as a goofy footer is a real feather in your cap.”
Photo © WSL / Matt Dunbar
]]>The reigning World Champion and current rankings leader continued to demonstrate his superiority with a near-perfect display of progressive, technical surfing in the Final against defending event winner Ethan Ewing. Today’s result marks the Brazilian’s 15th CT win and the third at the famed South African point break after back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018.
“J-Bay sure has a big place in my heart, I love the vibes here and love the people. I couldn’t have done it without the help from my team, those in my corner so thanks to all of them. This is definitely a big confidence boost, knowing I clinched the Final 5, now going to Tahiti with the Yellow jersey is extra special.”
Filipe's third win in 2023 further cemented his spot atop the rankings as the tour heads to the last event of the season before the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Impeccable on the long rights of J-Bay where he surfed to an incredible 18.76 heat total (out of a possible 20) in the Final, nothing could stop the Brazilian as he peaked right at the perfect time when it mattered most.
Through his ranking on the WSL CT, Filipe has provisionally qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“I feel like now this is the top of the top that we can reach for in our sport. Winning a World Title there’s no words for that, but to compete as an Olympian is just extra special. I’ll do my best to go there and represent my country, my family and win another medal for Brazil.”
Photo © Beatriz Ryder / World Surf League
]]>After having made two Finals appearances this season, Caroline finally went all the way to the top of the podium. The rising star had to overcome two World Champions on her way to victory, Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Semifinals and Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Final. She now has four CT event wins to her name and sits at World No. 3 on the rankings. The 21-year-old is now in a promising position for both the WSL Final 5 and provisional Olympic qualification.
“This time last year was my first event back after one of the hardest times of my life, so I’m emotional. I’ve been super inspired by the younger girls and all the new energy on Tour. It’s been really cool. I haven’t won a CT since 2021, so I’m just super stoked. This is the best feeling ever.” — Caroline Marks
Reigning World Champion Filipe earned his 14th CT event win of his career and second event win of the season today. He now moves up to World No. 2 on the rankings, right behind Griffin Colapinto (USA). The road ahead looks promising for Filipe as he has won three events in Brazil and two events in J-Bay, the next two stops on the 2023 CT season.
“We’ve been meeting every Final. It’s been fun. I was just super focused. I was concentrating on what I was doing and what I wanted to do. I woke up yesterday and my back was feeling kind of weird. I tried to surf and it was bothering me, so I took a break in the afternoon yesterday. This morning I woke up even worse. I could barely walk. But I’m grateful for the whole team that I have. And shout out to my mom. It’s her birthday today. That’s for you, mom. That’s your present. Love you.” — Filipe Toledo
Photo © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
]]>Carissa has had an exceptional year, adding a second Surf Ranch Pro win and third CT event win of the season today, to her long list of accomplishments. As the No. 1 surfer on the rankings, she is now well on her way to qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and securing a place in the WSL Final 5.
“You can’t wipe the smile off my face right now and to be sharing the podium with these amazing humans is an honor,” said Carissa. “I think all of us as athletes just want to perform to the best of our potential and I definitely think there was more for me to give out here. But, I felt happy and present, and that’s what matters most to me. I didn't really imagine it would go quite this good and I'm just really happy. I have a lot of family and friends here, and watching all over the world, so I really appreciate all the love. It's a perfect wave, but it's really difficult to ride. It took a couple surfs to figure out the timing again and get to calm the nerves, but I just felt really good.”
Photo © Pat Nolan / WSL
]]>Less than a month after falling short of the Mid-season Cut and losing her spot on the Championship Tour (CT), Isabella has bounced back with a win here. After a slow start to her requalification campaign on the Gold Coast, she is well and truly back on track to regain her position at the elite level with her impressive win today.
“This is not what I expected at the beginning of this week. In all honesty, I was considering not coming to this event because I just wasn’t in a great headspace. It’s been a really tough year for me and my confidence has been really low so it’s crazy to be here now having won the event. I just surrounded myself with great people and with plenty of positivity and it’s made such a difference.”
Similarly to Isabella, Sally Fitzgibbons lost her spot on the CT after the Mid-season Cut and has returned to the Challenger Series and set a high standard immediately, finishing third and second in back-to-back events. Sally's result today has locked her in at second place on the rankings and well on her way back to the elite level, battling for World Titles once again.
“This trophy is so special – it’s a tough journey to get to the podium these days,” Sally said. “The women’s tour is in such a good place and there are a lot of women who deserve to be up here today. I love the support we get here from the locals; there’s been such good energy getting sent out way all week.”
Photo © Matt Dunbar / WSL
]]>The five-time World Champion now has a third Margaret River win to her name after taking down two-time World Champion Tyler Wright in the Finals. Now, Carissa hopes to overtake Tyler, who currently holds the World No. 1 position.
“It was a crazy week and a crazy month being away from home, it’s a roller coaster,” said Carissa. “Coming here, the doubts were starting to creep in. But, I really felt the love and the joy from this community and I want to say thank you because I couldn’t have done it without that good energy. I didn’t see Tyler's (Wright) wave so I thought I might have wasted my opportunity, but I just thought it’s up to the universe at this point.”
With Margaret River determining who made the Mid-season Cut, the remaining CT competitors will now prepare for the back half of the season, beginning with the Surf Ranch Pro, which will run on May 27 and May 28, 2023.
Photos © Aaron Hughes / WSL
]]>This win marks Kauli's first career victory. Turning 21 years old today, the Tahitian has already received many distinctions, among which his runner-up finish as a wildcard in last year’s Championship Tour (CT) event at Teahupoo shines brightest. Today he adds a QS win to an impressive resume, set to continue to grow over the coming years.
“I’m super focused this year. I really want to give it my all and qualify. Winning this QS is just extra motivation for me, and to do it on my birthday is just special.”
Photo © WSL / Damien Poullenot
]]>“I’m grateful to be here and in the position I am. It is special to share cool moments with all these surfers. Hawaii is always one of those places where you want to get better, evolve, and win events, and this means a lot to me.”
Photo © Tony Heff / WSL
]]>“I’m so happy, and there are just so many emotions just to get this win. For the women, it’s been so many years in the making, and having us out at a crazy wave like Pipeline and just trying to spend more time has been such a process. After finishing the season like I did last year, it’s nice to come away with a win and wipe that slate clean. To win an event that’s in honor of Andy Irons is so special. He’s one of my favorite surfers of all time, and I always appreciated the time he took for me.”
The five-time WSL Champion now returns to No. 1 after falling just short of her sixth World Title in 2022. She will have the yellow jersey and plenty of momentum going into stop No. 2 on the CT, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach.
Photo © Tony Heff / WSL
]]>This is Soleil's second World Title and she had the opportunity to celebrate it alongside family and friends at the wave that helped shape her as a surfer.
“I’ve been visualizing this for the last three months, winning on my home turf couldn’t be any better and I’m just so happy that all the dedication and sacrifice I’ve put into this paid off. I’m so thankful for the friends and family I have, my dad, my mom, CJ Nelson. I’m just so thankful for everyone who has supported me through the last couple days, and I'm just so happy.”
Congratulations, Soleil!
Photo © Aaron Hughes / WSL
]]>Limited Futures compatible fins available as a 5 Fin Set, giving you the option of running a quad in addition to a thruster setup, and a Twin + 2, Kelly's latest addition to the Endorfins range.
]]>Filipe Toledo realised his dream today with his maiden World Title win at the Rip Curl WSL Finals.
Filipe has spent the previous nine years among the world’s best, qualifying for the CT in 2013. his career has accounted for some of the sport’s wildest highlights from his Perfect 10s across the globe to 13-career CT event victories, and now adding the prestigious World Title to his belt.
“It doesn’t get much better than this,” Filipe commented. “This is for Brazil, for my family, and for you all here. First of all I want to thank Jesus. What he did for all my life and the last week, and the entire year. I kept calm and collected with help from the guy up there. Last night we had a moment with Pastor John, Terry, my wife and whole family and two words that he gave to us were peace and power. That’s what I had all day.”
The Brazilian’s commitment to his family and his craft is more apparent than ever. Traveling with them to each event and dominating the 2022 CT season with five Final appearances, including two wins, and flourishing in his Title Match against compatriot Ferreira.
“Whoever is chasing your dreams, it does pay off,” added Filipe. “It’s hard, you get tired, there’s a lot of ups and downs, and bad thoughts, but we did it. We did it.”
Photo © Thiago Diz / WSL
]]>Amuro Tsuzuki came up against Nanaho Tsuzuki, in the Final, who had been in great form all week. It was a busy heat with 23 waves surfed between the two but in the end it was the experience of former Championship Tour competitor Amuro that prevailed as she cruised to Victory.
“The waves were changing a lot in both my heats today, I was happy I was able to adjust my performance to suit the waves and I was able to take the win. I would like to say thank you to Omaezaki. This event raised my motivation to compete in the rest of the Challenger Series for the rest of the year to qualify for the Championship Tour next year.”
Photo © WSL / Yamamoto
]]>The first woman, Carissa Moore, is a multiple World Champion and is the current benchmark for which elite level surfing is measured. The other woman, Sky Brown, is re-writing how the future of our sport will look by integrating a world-class skateboarding approach and transitioning it into the ocean.
“I'm so excited to be joining the FCS family, and for the opportunity to work with the team to design my own signature pad and fin. FCS is renowned for making innovative products, I’ve loved riding the fins over the years, and I'm pumped to dig deeper into the product offering.” – Carissa Moore
For years now both Carissa and Sky’s surfing has been powered by the FCS II system and fins, and under these new agreements, their hardware assortment expands to include traction pads, leashes, covers and other surf related accessories.
“These are two poignant signings for FCS as we continue to support the growth of female participation. Carissa’s at the top of her game and Sky is arguably a future World Champ. But more importantly, they both inspire girls and women to connect with surfing and follow their dreams.” Richie Lovett (FCS Brand Ambassador)
Both athletes will be working closely with the Product Development team on a new range of signature fins and traction pads, and Sky will also have a signature Softech softboard hitting the market aimed at younger surfers looking to start out.
Over the past decade surfing has experienced and exponential growth in female participation. As a result, FCS is focussed on supporting our female athletes as they pursue their surfing aspirations, while offering products that are designed by women specifically for this sector of the market.
“FCS make the best hardware, and I can't wait to really fine tune my equipment so I can keep chasing my surfing dreams. And I hope these signature products get little rippers psyched to get in the water and experience the joys of surfing.” – Sky Brown
These two new signings further represent the brands commitment to women’s participation in the sport, at all levels. They join a strong group of female athletes championing the FCS brand including Sally Fitzgibbons, Caroline Marks, Isabella Nichols, Gabriella Bryan, Kelia Moniz, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Tully White, Sierra Lerback and rising star and Sierra Kerr.
]]>A critical win for Bettylou at the halfway mark of the Challenger Series season in her mission to rejoin the Championship Tour (CT).
“It’s been a long week here at Huntington, but I have all the support and everything I need, I’m healthy, I’ve been training for this, I’m super fortunate to take the win. It gives me a ton of confidence (winning the event). This is one of the biggest events we have on the Challenger Series, everyone is here watching. I’ve always wanted to win a comp out here and I'm super stoked I was able to do it today.”
Congrats Bettylou!
Photo © Beatriz Ryder / WSL
]]>The three-time WSL World Longboard champion is now tied with Harrison Roach going into Malibu at No. 1 as he searches for a historic fourth World Title.
“I tried to pick clean rights, make sure I got the reform, finish strong and put it all together. These are all the best surfers in the world. I’ve had a couple bad results so to get a win here close to home sets me up for going to Malibu and I’m happy with where I am.”
Congratulations TJ!
Photo © Beatriz Ryder / WSL
]]>The third stop on the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill has been navigating a challenging forecast but nonetheless provided epic action from some of the world’s best surfers battling to qualify for the elite Championship Tour.
“It’s crazy to think I just won back-to-back CS events, I’m just speechless. Ballito is a very beautiful place and people are super nice. Today is crazy with everyone out, it’s actually hard to get to the beach. I’m really grateful for the support of everyone and I hope I get to come back and do this again.”
Photo © Alan van Gysen / WSL
]]>The competition finished off in spectacular fashion in front of a huge crowd at Praia de Itaúna in Saquarema.
With the win, Filipe is now being referred to as the “King of Saquarema” with a total of four victories at the Oi Rio Pro to date.
“I feel completely blessed for being in this position and sharing this moment with my family, friends and this amazing crowd. I want to congratulate Samuel (Pupo), Yago (Dora) and Italo (Ferreira) who all made it to the Semifinals. It was a historic moment for us Brazilian athletes and the crowd was a class act, showed love to everyone on Tour and made this one of the most magical events ever.”
The next stop on the WSL 2022 CT will be the Corona Open J-Bay, which opens on July 12 and holds a competition waiting period through July 21, 2022.
Photo © Thiago Diz / WSL
]]>Rio Waida has taken out the biggest win of any Indonesian in world surfing today, claiming his maiden Challenger Series win at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Earlier in the week, Rio was named the Wildcard for the upcoming Quiksilver Pro G-Land Championship Tour event, but his focus never moved from the task at hand, and it showed, as the Olympian put down the standout performances of the event to eventually find himself in the Final against Ryan Callinan of Australia.
The Final was the true representation of the best performers of the event, with both surfers going toe-to-toe in epic beach-break conditions at Manly. Rio eventually came out on top with a two wave combination of 17.53 which included a near perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10).
“I’m really happy to win but the job is not finished yet for me. My goal this year is to qualify for the elite WSL Championship Tour and this is a great result but I must continue to get great results. I’m looking forward to the G-Land event at home in Indonesia which starts this weekend - My surfing ability is there to compete against the world’s best and be the best in the world. I've trained hard and I will continue to train and improve - It’s a great day for me and Indonesia.” – Rio Waida
Photo © Beatriz Ryder / WSL
]]>Coming into the Final Day of competition in 12th position on the rankings, her attempt to move above the cut and keep her spot on the Tour was no easy feat, but the Sunshine Coaster dug deep to overcome local hero Bronte Macaulay in the Semifinals and Hawaiian rookie Gabriela Bryan in the Final.
Isabella will now head to the Quiksilver Pro G-Land sitting in the fourth position on the rankings.
“... I’ve dreamt about this my whole life and I feel like this is going to take a while to sink in. There is no better feeling than this in the whole world. I just came to this event, and as corny as it sounds, I just had fun. It was just yesterday I was thinking about falling off Tour, and now, it’s all about the WSL Final 5, the goals have changed. I just want to thank friends, family, fans, and sponsors, this is just amazing.”
Photo © WSL / Matt Dunbar
]]>Finishing runner-up at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in 2019, the last time the event ran, Filipe Toledo came into this event with one thing in mind: to ring the iconic Bell. Whether it’s aerials at Rincon or carves on the Bowl, the eclectic Brazilian has it all and was in top form all week. In the Final, Filipe came up against 2022 CT rookie Callum Robson who was on a devastating run of form, but was no match for the perennial title threat. This win puts Filipe at the top spot on the world rankings ahead of the Margaret River Pro, an event where he is the defending winner.
“Finally we are back at Bells. The last few years we haven’t been able to come here because of everything that has been going on and we’ve missed you Bells. I’m really happy to be back here, it’s been an amazing week. I couldn’t be happier with this birthday present. After I beat John I had that extra confidence going into the next few heats which was exciting. It was cool to share a Final with Callum. I’ve been coming here for nine years trying to get a Bell and this guy is in the Final in his first year, which is crazy. Really impressive. This is hard, it’s hard to keep the momentum, and the rhythm going from contest to contest so hopefully we can keep it going.”
Photo © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
]]>Compared to aramid and carbon fibre, Basalt has a wider application temperature range (-269°C to +650°C) with higher resistance to oxidation and radiation. It also provides higher compression strength and shear strength. The higher elasticity characteristics of Basalt over traditional carbon fibre results in boards that have more flex for a natural feel under foot.
When combined with bio-resin, Basalt serves as a better degradable alternative over carbon fibre cloth.
Available exclusively in the USA through Firewire's website.
Rob Machado with the Seaside in Firewire's new Volcanic Technology
]]>Anon Matsuoka and Tenshi Iwami have taken out the Women's Pro Junior & Men's Pro Junior divisions respectively at the Asia Open presented by Parasol.
An exciting day of surfing unfolded in challenging conditions where rain and even snow fell on the sand at the World Surf League (WSL) QS1,000 event at Shiba Point, Chiba, Japan.
Surfing with style and speed to claim her maiden WSL victory, Anon's win on her dad's birthday made the occasion extra special.
"It's my Dad's birthday today so this is a very good present for him! I still cannot believe that I have won. I always try my best, but I wasn't thinking about winning today. I am having the best time here..." – Anon Matsuoka.
Chiba local surfer Tenshi Iwami claimed his victory in dramatic fashion being the standout performer from Day 1 of the Pro Junior. The final win was sealed with an impressive 8.25 score for a huge two-turn combo.
"This is amazing! My first Pro Junior win! I am so stoked! It was a long day, but it was so worth it. The 8.25 was my favourite wave I got all event, I am so happy that I got it in the Final. It was great to win at home, I need to enjoy it..." – Tenshi Iwami.
Photo © WSL
]]>The first men’s wildcard to win an event since 2008, Barron Mamiya took down CT Veterans at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Presented by SHISEIDO on route to his victory.
The Final unfolded in historic fashion featuring a battle for the yellow jersey between Barron and CT veteran Kanoa Igarashi. With just two minutes remaining, Barron dropped the hammer on a major, two-turn combination to earn an 8.83 and left Kanoa in need of two new waves.
“I can’t believe it, I literally can’t believe it. I thought Pipe was going to be the event I was going to do really well in. I’m so comfortable at Pipe and I wasn’t really super prepared for this event but in my mind I just had to adapt to whatever the conditions are and figure it out. It doesn’t even feel real." – Barron Mamiya
The 2022 Championship Tour Continues in Portugal
The holding period for the MEO Pro Portugal, the third stop of the 2022 Championship Tour, runs from March 3 to March 13, 2022.
Photo © Tony Heff / WSL
]]>“I don’t even know what to say. I was out there just telling myself to be in the moment, no matter how much tension there is. Just breathe. So I was just breathing, being in the moment. I thought Seth broke the combo because of the crowd and I said, ‘Just stay in the moment, soak it up.' But I just savored this and this is the best win of my life.” – Kelly Slater
Photo © Brady Lawrence / WSL
]]>Available in Regular for day-to-day performance and reliability, and Competition for smaller conditions providing lightweight performance.
]]>Find out more at worldsurfleague.com/2022
]]>Filipe, the form surfer of the event, stormed to victory with a dominant performance at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore taking out fellow Brazilian Gabriel Medina.
In the all-Brazilian Final and a rematch of the past two event Finals, Filipe’s near perfect 9.67 followed by an excellent 8.27 were too much for the two-time WSL Champion. The win, Filipe’s second of the year, sees him move up to third place on the WSL rankings behind reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira, who finished the event in equal 9th.
“This is my third CT final at the Surf Ranch, and the last two times Gabriel beat me. It feels really good to take the win this time. Gabriel has been putting on a show the entire year, and is already in the WSL Final 5 at Trestles so winning against him means a lot to me.”
Photo © WSL / Heff
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