Speedneedle Sets the Record Straight

"There has been considerable comment lately about the evolving epoxy market. Some of the discussions have centered around the state of surfboard technology, where the market is going and from time to time, fairly specific commentary about Firewire surfboards. In some cases these comments have come from people associated with our Brand. "


Gentlemen, I announce that I have resigned from Firewire surfboards...

With Swaylockers such a source of support to me over the years, I wanted to thank you all and tell you that I have taken a new direction in my career.

Having shaped, glassed, sprayed, sanded for more than twenty years and spent the last 2 on vacuum bagged epoxy composite boards, I am well placed to make some really special boards. Time to step up.

I made all of Taj Burrows personal boards right up to his recent winning at my home beach, Bells, and I now have a comprehensive understanding of composite surfboard construction technology. I'd had a hand in the construction of boards, poly and composite, for top 16 pros before, but to have Taj win on one I made was pretty special:-No more bridesmaid for Composite construction.

The winning Bells and Airshow boards, and Taj's Tahiti guns, are the last Firewires to pass through my hands. Who now builds them? Who knows.

The journey began here at Swaylocks with Bert Burger and I hitting it off from day one, but also in particular I thank Silly, DanB, Pinhead and Chipfish for inspiration...

The boards in the attached pics are my personal quiver:-they are the prototypes for many of aspects of Firewires construction tech, but you won't see these in their model range!

I look forward to getting my designs out there.

Now, what was that grassroots operation, begins with "S", that started it all???

Speedy