Hughes Surfboards

Our very first custom!

Billie saw me surfing Manu on my prototype Det-Twin* in Verdure’s FlexFrame construction over the summer and was instantly asking questions. After 3 surfs of her own on it, she asked for the order form!

Although the construction has been the main talking point (see our previous posts for more details), trained eyes have also been quite intrigued by the overall design: specifically the continual rocker, which is not typical of your average twin design, and the pronounced triple concave which almost doubles as a channel.

With the fins being set further back than the norm, 7 1/2” to be precise, and a slightly more parallel splay to these plugs, maneuverability, speed and drive are all achieved, while water efficiency underneath the board is also enhanced.

Billie will be looking forward to summer on her new board, as will we, when we release some demo boards for you to try for yourself here in Raglan.

5’4” x 19” x 2 1/4” @ 26 liters
Billie is 5’2” and 50 kg

*Det-Twin is the name I have settled on for the design, and ultimately model. Also available in PU and EPS constructions.

Jake and his custom GST.

A last minute catch up at the pub 2 weeks before our departure had a couple of the boys thinking “Have I got a big enough board? The answer, a nervous “Maybe not”. Phone calls were made, and we rushed two custom’s through the factory.

Originally a semi step up shortboard design, the new GST file features the center of mass pushed forward, more under the chest when paddling while the forward width profile is also widened, resulting in a narrower and slightly more curved tail outline.

In concept, this coupled with other design elements resulted in a board that surfed feeling bigger and longer than the physical length showed, ideal for taking off under the lip and then driving down the line at waves like Greenbush (pictured).

A last minute decision that payed off, helping to get one of the more memorable waves of his trip, all while cheered on by some of his best mates from the channel.

6’5” x 20” x 2 7/8” @ 37 liters
Jake is 5’10” and 96 kg