Firewire Surfboards: "Why Firewire is Different."
An Article By: Chris Hough, CEO: The Surfboard Warehouse
In this article my aim is to take a look at Firewire Surfboards and what they do differently when compared to most other surfboard manufacturers. Initially all Firewire Surfboards were built in Australia and San Diego.
However, due to the labor intensive, complex nature of their
construction, it soon become apparent that Firewire would not be able to
build their boards in these locations and still offer them at reasonable
retail prices.
Like most high end tech sports equipment, Firewire had to move their production
to Asia, but that's where the company has not followed the
traditional path of out-sourcing production to third party Asian
manufacturers. Firewire took the difficult and expensive step of setting
up
their own
factory in Thailand from scratch, owned and operated by Firewire, focused on building Firewire Surfboards. Not only did this allow them
to protect the quality and technology of their boards, it also allowed
Firewire also implemented a western style
of management (full time Operations and QC Manager who are both Australian
surfers) and in doing so created a positive working environment for
their staff.
I have personally spent time with with Firewire's CEO on multiple occasions and at his core I believe that Mark Price is a surfer who wants all surfers to benefit from the innovation built into Firewire Surfboards.
“Firewire believes that the combination of EPS/Epoxy
and other high tech materials is where the future of surfboard
technology lies. Our goal has always been to combine high performance
surfing with increased durability resulting in a more sustainable
surfboard that increases the fun factor for everyone who rides them.
After multiple WSL event wins over the years, and Kelly’s incredible
surfing during these last few months of El Nino waves all over the
world, we believe in our proven track record for innovative designs and
technology. The future under your feet.� – Mark Price, CEO
Firewire's Asia facility has allowed them to push surfboard design in regards to both template and materials and because it's their facility, other manufacturers have a very hard time duplicating their technology. This ultimately leads Firewire down a path all it's own, allowing them to do things differently. One innovation that I am particularly fond of is the parabolic rail. The parabolic balsa rail features a band of 12 mm thick balsa wood,
constructed from 3 x 4 mm strips, that run down the rails of the board, in lieu of a "stringer" down the center of the board, which is what we're used to. Parabolic rails not only control flex and add
strength, but also act as a buffer against rail dings. Furthermore, the
long-term flex memory created by the balsa rails ensures that Firewire Surfboards
utilizing parabolic rails maintain their lively feel indefinitely.
When it comes to surfboard template, Firewire will make you rethink what you thought you knew about surfboard shape. Currently, Firewire is running a
Slater Designs line which features the "
Sci-Fi", a very cool board with a tail like you've never seen. Firewire also pushes the limits of surfboard shape with shapers like
Tomo. One look at the nose on the Tomo
Vader or
Vanguard and you know you're staring at pure innovation. Longboarders Firewire hasn't forgotten about you either! With ascetically pleasing, high performance longboard designs like the
Flexflight and
T.J. Pro, you're also going to find yourselves in pure surfboard nirvana.
At
The Surfboard Warehouse
we all surf, we care and we want you to get the right Firewire Surfboard if that's what you decide on. You're a surfer, we're an
ACTUAL surf shop that understands
Surfboards
and the Firewire Surfboards we sell. At The Surfboard
Warehouse, on this very page, you'll see the complete rage of Firewire boards, traction pads and accessories. Not sure which Firewire Surfboard is best for you? Call us, let's discuss it, give us a chance to earn your business. We stock a ton of Firewire Surfboards, so chances are we can put our hands on any Firewire board you have a question about. Thank you for considering The Surfboard
Warehouse.
Contact Info:
The Surfboard Warehouse, Inc.
813.436.0484
Service@TheSurfboardWarehouse.com
Also available during regular business hours VIA our Live Chat.