Stab Magazine | The High Performance Boardshort Is The Surf Industry's Biggest Crime

Episode 3 of EAST with Harry Bryant is LIVE, presented by Kona Big Wave and Vans.

1011 Views

The High Performance Boardshort Is The Surf Industry’s Biggest Crime

But here are ten that are palatable! 

style // Jul 26, 2017
Words by Stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

By 2018, we will stop talking about the high-performance boardshort. Stretch will retire; comfort will remain. Like the wetsuit, the boardshort–as far as tech goes–has reached its pinnacle. Next year’s model will be more of the same. 

But don’t be glum! Summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s hot, the water’s warm and the waves are occasionally fun. But, who cares how good the surf is? Surfing in trunks is life’s greatest joy! And, style comes in many flavours. So we introduce you to our ripping arrangement: A collection of boardies that are sworn to make you boost higher and carve harder. 

So, here’s another selection of Stab endorsed trunks to line the beach, pool, catch the condensation from the bottom of your Mojito with… Or better yet, perform in. 

1. Billabong TRIBONG X AIRLITE BOARDSHORTS black dye performance

Tribong x Airlite Boardshort by Billabong

2. Hurley Phantom JJF 3 Maps Elite black performance

Phantom JJF 3 Maps Elite Boardshort by Hurley

3. Volcom Macaw Mod Boardshorts Black

Macaw Mod Boardshort by Volcom

4. Oneill HYPERFREAK HYDRO BOARDSHORTS performance

HyperFreak Hydro Boardshort by O’Neill

5. Outer Known Origin trunk seaport Blue performance

Origin Trunk by Outerknown

6. Quiksilver New Wave Highline 19 Boardshorts black performance

New Wave Highline 19 Boardshort by Quiksilver

7. RVCA BRUCE WARP PLUS BOARDSHORT dark denim performance

Bruce Warp Plus Boardshort by RVCA

8. VANS NF Rising Swell Boardshort

NF Rising Swell Boardshort by Vans

9. Vissla Diver 2022 Boardshort blood performance

Spaced Diver 20″ Boardshort by Vissla

10. ONEILL Hyperfreak Basis Boardshort OCN BLUE

Hyperfreak Basis Boardshort by O’Neill

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

SEOTY: Ryan Huckabee’s Limbs Require Forensic Study After ‘Huck 2’

+ Albee Layer interviews Huck on the reality of Maui’s "air wind" and Jaws vs.…

Sep 28, 2026

The Day Greg Long Drowned | StabMic Ep. 32

"I look back on that as the single most important moment of my life.”

Sep 28, 2026

Watch FUDO— Steko’s Bold, Referential & Intentionally Divisive 2026 Film of the Year Nominee

Andino and Vanderwork push surf film aesthetic away from 1999 and toward 2009 in 'Fudo'.

Sep 25, 2026

Stab High Presented By Monster Energy Is Heading To China

The biggest air section in the game. Live from Riyue Bay, Hainan, November 13th and…

Sep 25, 2026

“She Reminds Me of Slater and Andy At The Peak Of Their Powers”

Erin Brooks is undefeated in her last 14 CT heats. Coach Jake Paterson has seen…

Sep 25, 2026

How Ben Gravy Conquered Ferry Surfing’s Everest

"If you're there on the perfect conditions, it would barrel for a solid 90 to…

Sep 23, 2026

Watch: You Vs The World’s Busiest Lineup For $5k

Sun Bum's impromptu surf contest hits Snapper Rocks

Sep 22, 2026

Yes, Former Just Released Another Film — 3 Weeks After “Defect”— And It’s A++

'The Illusion of Control' is a 17-minute Cloudbreak tour exploring real Fijian surfers and the…

Sep 22, 2026

Why Miguel Pupo Is Peaking At 34

The Lowers winner is within 3,000 points of world #1 — it's not a coincidence.

Sep 22, 2026

How “Best Turn” Was Won In The Air

A marvellous Monday at the Quiksilver Festival.

Sep 21, 2026

Erin Brooks Just Won Three CT Events In A Row

And Miggy Pupo is a genuine World Title threat.

Sep 19, 2026

Quik Fest 2026 Outlook: The France You’ve Heard Myths About

Hollow waves, long nights, and serious heavyweights on both fronts.

Sep 18, 2026

How Do Griffin, Filipe, Medina And Italo Lose At Lowers?

Plus: how Mateus Herdy can save his career tomorrow.

Sep 18, 2026

World #1 Falls To Rookie, Cut Line Claims More Victims

SLowers tramples world title and requal dreams.

Sep 17, 2026

Everything You Need To Know About EAST Fest 2026 (NYC)

We'll be in Brooklyn with Harry Bryant, Vans and Kona Big Wave — October 2…

Sep 16, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, Episode Three

The long, the short and two mad hatters. Plus finalists decided.

Sep 15, 2026

Joel Parkinson Enters The Confessional | StabMic Ep. 31

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell this story… But I’m gonna do it…

Sep 14, 2026

Julian Wilson Vs Shopify

Rivvia Project's founder on office life, stretching the dollar and their latest team edit.

Sep 14, 2026
Advertisement