Introducing Haydenshapes & FutureFlex

Words by John Streit.

Through our relationship with Global Surf Industries, we here at Surf & Adventure Co. have access to state-of-the-art surfboard designs and construction technologies.

Having loved the boards we’ve ridden made with SLX epoxy and SLX-Carbon, we were amped as soon as we heard GSI was releasing boards in the new “FutureFlex” construction.

The brainchild of Hayden Cox, founder of Haydenshapes Surfboards, FutureFlex is effectively a new and improved version of the SLX-C construction of last season. We’re gearing up for our first run of FutureFlex boards from Aloha and Haydenshapes to arrive within the next few weeks! Stoked!

But first, let’s rundown the features and performance advantages that this revolutionary surfboard construction brings to the table:

• The construction process combines a stringerless, high-density custom-shaped EPS core laminated with biaxial fiberglass, epoxy resin and a parabolic carbon fiber frame. The core is high density EPS – expanded polystyrene – foam with a similar density to your regular polyurethane foam blank. The main advantage of the EPS core is that is has a high strength-to-weight ratio and good compression stability. This prolongs the life of the core; and when combined with the parabolic carbon fiber frame and epoxy laminate, your surfboard will maintain its liveliness longer that a polyurethane surfboard.
• The carbon fiber frame within the laminate is the key to the performance of these boards. Designed to maximize speed and drive while minimizing twisting, FutureFlex boards essentially store and release energy as the surfer transitions through a turn. The result is a fast and lively, highly responsive surfboard that’s perfectly geared for high performance surfing.
• The epoxy laminate is the final process in manufacturing the board. It is glassed very similarly to a standard polyurethane surfboard only that a high quality, UV resistant epoxy resin system is used. The epoxy resin system creates a highly flexible laminate, resilient to cracking and fracturing and has a flexural life span 2-3 times longer than a polyester resin. The FutureFlex also uses a Quad Axial fiberglass cloth configuration to transfer load from the surfers feet out to the carbon fiber frame whilst maximizing flex and strength through the lamination.

GSI is releasing the following boards in FutureFlex construction: Haydenshapes (Psychedelic Germ, Hypto Krypto, Blakcat and Shred Sled); Aloha (AF1 Tour and The Bean); 7S Super Fish II and the Walden Magic Model.

But the excitement created by FutureFlex is most definitely eclipsed by GSI’s addition of Haydenshapes to it’s already potent lineup. Through his close-knit relationships shaping for Craig Anderson and Warren Smith – two of the world’s premier high-performance surfers – and a iron-clad work ethic, Hayden has emerged as one of surfing’s most sought-after and respected shapers. The Aussie has been on the grind honing his craft starting at the ripe old age of 15. Now still only 29 years old, Hayden’s FutureFlex technology and his Haydenshapes brand are revolutionizing the surfboard industry and even gaining the attention of business publications worldwide.

We’re excited to be a small part of the Haydenshapes story. Look for the famous “HS” logo both in our store and under the feet of some our team riders later this spring!