New Weapon Unlocked: JS’s Monsta 8

Did you by chance happen to watch the first QS event of the year in wind-textured conditions at Newcastle? It was punchy at times, avalanche-like at others. The walls were steep and opportunistic one minute, then restrictively fat the next. Mikey Wright made the final, stepped on a fresh JS HYFI Monsta 8 (his first time on the new creation) and won the thing.

JS’s new shape is the result of almost a decade of feedback and refinement between surfer and shaper. The world’s best, in fact. Jason had the likes of Joel Parkinson, Adrian Buchan, Julian Wilson, Owen Wright, Mikey and more all direct the enhancements, taking the revered Monsta outline to the next level.

They’ve coined it their “best high performance all-rounder yet.” Actions speak louder than words however, and Owen Wright’s win early last year on the Monsta 8’s prototype and Mikey’s recent QS victory provide validation on the competitive side of things, while the above edit shows how the elite family are bonding with their new addition.

“This HYFI’s on par with my favourite shortboard,” says Mr Wright after his win at the Burton Automotive Pro. “When the surf’s high tide or a bit weaker and you need more flex through your turns, it’s the go-to. I almost didn’t have it for finals day, then that was actually my first time riding it and I’m so glad I did.” Photo: WSL

So allow us to step aside and let JS take it from here with the tech details:

“First, the rocker has been tweaked to have slightly more curve in both the nose and tail. The last two inches of nose rocker have been lifted to prevent catching in quality waves, while the adjustments to the tail curve provide extra release. Concaves have been deepened through the fins creating more speed and removing drag, while maintaining maximum control. The outline also has a more pronounced hip, allowing for quicker, more responsive direction changes. The Monsta 8 prompts intuitive, fast and flowing surfing, and has an outline to match.”

“We’ve refined the Monsta 8 to the point where everyone from longtime weekend warriors to World Champs are calling it their favourite performance driven all-rounder ever.”

TEAM RIDER REFERENCE

ADRIAN BUCHAN // Height: 5’9 (175 cm) // Weight: 76 kg – 165 lbs

Rides 5’10” x 18 5/8” x 2 5/16” x 26.1L

DUSTY PAYNE // Height: 5’10 (178 cm) // Weight: 80 kg – 176 lbs

Rides 5’11” x 18 3/4” x 2 3/8” x 27.6L

JULIAN WILSON // Height: 6’0” (183 cm) // Weight: 80 kg – 176 lbs

Rides 6’0” x 18 3/4” x 2 3/8” x 28L

JOEL PARKINSON // Height: 6’0” (183 cm) // Weight: 83 kg – 184 lbs

Rides 6’0” x 18 7/8” x 2 3/8” x 28.2L

OWEN WRIGHT // Height: 6’3” (190 cm) // Weight: 78 kg – 172 lbs

Rides 6’3” x 19” x 2 3/8” x 29.5L 

MIKEY WRIGHT // Height: 6’1” (185 cm) // Weight: 79 kg – 174 lbs

Rides 6’0” x 19” x 2 7/16” x 28.5L (same dims in HYFI as regular PU)