Are These the Jason Bourne of Boardshorts? - Stab Mag

EAST with Harry Bryant coming August 18...

1900 Views
Photos by Zak Bush

Are These the Jason Bourne of Boardshorts?

O’Neill’s Best Boardshorts of 2023
are sleek, silent, tech-savvy assassins.

style // Apr 21, 2023
Words by Stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

With minimal seams and an athletic-forward, tech-forward design, these feel like wearing nothing (in the best way).

Product: Hyperfreak Tech Solid 19″ Boardshort

Price: $65

Giving heavy Nike or Lulu Lemon energy, these (stoically) state, “Performance is #1, everything else can f*ck off.” With any sense of “extra” fabric terminated, there isn’t a single unnecessary stitch to be found (and no inseam whatsoever); however, these do include a stealth pocket with a liquid-sealed zipper for any black-operative undertakings on your to-do.

X-Factors:

  • Structured 4-way stretch engineered to be rash- and cling-resistant
  • Hyperdry Technology: A premium, water-repellant treatment offering a lightweight feel and ultra-fast dry time
  • Flex-Tie Drawcord: A sturdy tie closure with a grip-coated surface to prevent any slippage.
  • Welded Construction: Ultrasonic welding joins inseams to create a flush, super-smooth interior. Goodbye, rashes. Hello, comfort.
  • Laser-Cut Hem: A clean finish with zero seams at the knee.
  • Ultra lightweight material means no inseam = no rash = longer surf sessions
  • Made with Repreve® environmentally friendly materials

In a word, this boardshort member of O’Neill’s Hyperfreak franchise is as stealthy as they come. In the water, they remain featherlight and pose zero inhibition to your session in any way (so if you blow it, that’s on you and you alone).

The quality of the 4-way stretch feels soft and nearly nonexistent against the body, and I can assure you that there ain’t a chance in hell you’ll rash up and end up walking around town like a bow-legged cowboy.

Verdict: These boardies live at the intersection of high-performance tech and modest aesthetics.

See the rest of Stab’s Best Boardshorts & Swimwear of 2023, here.

Note: Garrett is 6’0, 170 lb., wearing size 32.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Tosh Tudor on Foamball Spirituality, Giving Up Weed, And Learnings From His Father

Veteran surf journo Matt George caught up with Tosh in between Indonesian sessions.

Aug 1, 2026

Watch: Ryan Callinan in ‘Interim’ 

What has your favorite surfer’s favorite goofyfoot been up to?

Jul 31, 2026

Can Karma Decide Who Wins A Surf Contest?

If last year's Rip Curl Padang Cup is anything to go by, don't rule it…

Jul 30, 2026

Surf100 Changed My Mind About Zeke Lau

How does our production team really feel about the 6'2 Hawaiian?

Jul 29, 2026

Why CT Surfers Threatened To Boycott The ISA World Games

And how it will affect the level of surfing in the 2028 Olympics.

Jul 29, 2026

What’s Coming To Stab Premium 

The hard drive-release pipeline for the next five months.

Jul 28, 2026

2026 Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico, Episode 05

As cold and as perfect as waves in the US get.

Jul 27, 2026

From The Championship Tour To Louis Vuitton | Mikey February | StabMic Ep. 24

Did LV rip off Vans?

Jul 27, 2026

The Great Shark Debate: To Cull or Not to Cull? 

Dr Michael Mehmet vs Fred Pawle.

Jul 26, 2026

Rasta’s Shark Theory

Return to your animal, trust your instincts.

Jul 25, 2026

How To Shark-Proof Your Next Surf*

Shark policy aside, what tech, gadgets and gear can actually keep you safe?

Jul 25, 2026

Good Luck Killing The US Open

A preview of the 2026 US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach.

Jul 24, 2026

Mateus Herdy Heads Home

A profile on the Florianopolin CT rookie, his rich orbit of influences, and Yago Dora’s…

Jul 24, 2026

Response: A Shark Cull Won’t Make Our Beaches Safer

Science over sensationalism.

Jul 23, 2026

Op-ed: Why Australia Needs More Shark Nets

An unapologetic take on the need for safer lineups.

Jul 23, 2026

How Reunion Island Survived Shark Purgatory

With more shark attacks per capita than anywhere else on Earth, it's taken millions to…

Jul 22, 2026

Introducing EAST’s First Goofyfoot Test Pilot: Harry Bryant

“My life’s already a board test.”

Jul 22, 2026

The Trauma Gap: Surviving vs Seeing Shark Attacks

Three witnesses recall the incidents that changed them.

Jul 21, 2026
Advertisement