Damien Hobgood, The Technique Model, Hawaii

There’s a new movement in Hawaii amongst some of the pro’s. It’s the mini-board movement. Two days ago, Jordy Smith was spotted riding a little pink Jelly Fish (see yesterday’s Full Frame, link below). And yesterday, Damien Hobgood was snapped riding a strange little craft which he calls the ‘Technique model’, so named because the surfer needs perfect technique to be able to ride the thing. When Stab called Damien, he said he’s been getting a lot of calls from people wanting to order the board, which he described as a ‘Half-KS model, half-Alaia’. He then laughed, telling us “I’m just fuckin’ with ya!” Second wave into an afternoon session on the North Shore strip, Damien pulled into a barrel and came off second best, with board in two pieces. Fearing that the afternoon rush would soon swarm on the fun conditions, he tried his luck and stayed out for another dozen waves on the half-board. When you’re worried about a dissipating swell and the prospect of a throbbing crowd, y’gotta do what y’gotta do.