How DHD Shaped Mick Fanning’s World-Title-Winning Board In “7, Maybe 8 Minutes”

Nothing like a good surfboard story. 

We all have one, don’t we? Even if competitions weren’t your thing, no doubt you get nostalgic when thinking back to a surfboard with which you share a robust history. Whether it’s the board that got you the wave of your life, the board that never broke, or the board that Kelly Slater ran over and became an instant family heirloom, we all have emotions attached to fiberglass and foam.

Above is Mick Fanning’s surfboard story—one which pairs DHD’s recalcitrance with White Lightning’s first World Title. It’s ironic that, of the hundreds of boards Darren had shaped for Mick up to that point, he probably put the least time and effort into this one, and yet it worked the best. 

Not sure if that speaks more positively or negatively of DH’s shaping abilities, but the result is undeniable. Even better is the fact that Mick won his post-Title final while hammered drunk on champagne.

As always, poor Ottz.