Black Is Still The New Black

The Stones painted it and Metallica faded to it and ACDC came back in it. Black is the realest shade! And, the most consistent. Looks good anywhere, anytime, and particularly when used in tasteful repetition, much like Modom decided to for their latest collection.

6’0” Standard Shark Leash

If you’ve spent any time riding Stab’s digital highway, you’ve likely come across some enthusiastic editorial around Modom’s Shark Leash. That’s because the concept of an item that not only lowers your chances of a shark encounter, but also doesn’t impede your surf performance, truly excites. Loaded with Shark Banz magnetic tech, this 6’0” board saver takes replacement cords (so you don’t have to keep dropping leaves on the band) and comes with enhanced peace of mind.

More here.

Big M Cap

There’s nothing quite like a good, black cap to throw in the daypack when you’re headed down to a back beach for some seclusion. In keeping with the dad-cap vogue of recent vintage, the Big M Cap is floppy comfort, but employs a very pleasant black-on-black for the print, which Stab really likes (and has done for some time). Premium brushed cotton brings a lot to the party, and the enamel pin badge that comes with is a nice touch.

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Full Deck Grip

Few things in the fickle game of surf trends have enjoyed a resurgence of late like the front foot pad. For a good number of years, “full deck grip” was a very dirty term. But when surfers like Craig Anderson start rediscovering surfers like Christian Fletcher, and thus rediscovering their tech and style preferences, then a repeat (albeit an updated version) of that aesthetic occurs. Unlike a tail pad, this three-piece grip has zero arch and zero kick. And, surprisingly, isn’t rough on the stomach in summer (t-shirt recommended).

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Premium Quad Coffin

As you’ll read in this year’s Stab Summer Big Book, travel can be a tricky biz for a surfer. One particular tip that a certain Stab staffer offered, which I’ll deliver here as a taste of our How To Breeze The Airport feature, was this: If you’re packing a solid quiver, have a pal wait at the back with your boards while you have your coffin (containing only one board) weighed at check in. Once you’re told to take it to oversized baggage, fill the coffin up with the rest of your quiver and off you go, thus keeping your weight level below what you paid for. Now, as far as quad coffins go, this one is brill. Strong from the premium honeycomb strengthened outer fabric, and PU-coated super stretch inner. Plus, 13mm EPE foam-filled sides for extra padding. I’m of the belief that boardbags aren’t something you should skimp on; Sure, you won’t use ‘em all that often, but nothing ruins an annual surf venture like discovering a stack of fractured rafts on arrival.

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Wetsuit Vest

Modom have favoured an aqua contrast (to accompany their signature black) this season and, yowser, does it please. The wetsuit vest in particular is a doozy. It’s nice and light (premium 2mm stretch neoprene), plus it boasts glued and stitched seams and a bold printed chest logo. Summer vests should be simplistic, and this one delivers. The backzip reaches just high enough for easy entry and the panelling accommodates fast paddling. If you’re a minimalist with a penchant for black wares and functionality, this is for you.

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Blackness Boardshort

Similarly on the black x aqua tip, comes the Blackness Boardshort. Reaching 18 inches (just on the knee) and made from upgraded, super soft premium Dobby stretch fabric, these trunks live in the place where tech and style meet. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice usability to look good. These are understated in the best possible way, and rather tasteful – a welcome departure from the loud prints of yesteryear.

More here.

Shred Lock

Time was that surfers could happily tie their car key somewhere to their surf attire. But, as cars improved, so, too did the entry to them; Smart keys aren’t salt water-friendly. Want an easy solution? A shred lock. It’s a small, combination-lock container made of zinc alloy and hardened iron steel in which you can store your key while surfing, free of worry. Not all luxury is extravagant.

More here.