Stab’s Most Wanted: Surfboards

Welcome to the first of Stab’s three part series celebrating little more than our very own hard-programmed hedonistic values. It’s called Stab’s Most Wanted and it’s a short list of joy inducing items that money can buy, hand picked by Stab Staff from the digital aisles of SurfStitch.com. Slide down and see if you share our taste in first world delights.

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Socks, underwear, wax, sunscreen, what if we could trade in all those stocking filler gifts we shove to the corners of our draws, wardrobes and car boots (that frankly, we’d prefer to acquire on our own accord) for a single item of ultimate value?

Something at the top of every surfer’s wishlist regardless of the season; a new surfboard. Wouldn’t that be resources well allocated!

Let’s face it, regardless of the level of chemistry we have with our current glass partner, we’ll always have an eye on alternative options. 

Is test riding a friend’s craft considered cheating? Not if there’s a different number of fins affixed! Who knows, you might find yourself digging the flavour so much you surrender to living out the rest of your days centre fin free – we know that might seem a little extreme for you traditionalists out there.

We’re not here to push the alt values of the Stab team, as you’ll see below, we’re a non-discriminatory bunch. There’s always room for more surfboards in your life regardless of rail girth.

Indo trip booked next year? You’ll need a step-up.

Live near an overpopulated metro beach? Going soft is the answer.

What about a breakage? Don’t go crawling back to that brown waterlogged number in the garage, you’re better than that!

There’s a lot to consider when diving back into the board market. We’ll save advice on dims and volume for another time, right now we’re happy just to sit and daydream about the shapes we’d love to throw into high rotation.

Take a look at the foam we’d love to see under the tree this year.

Mike Ciaramella – Stab Writer

With today’s increasingly modern tech and novel design theories, it’s rare that a surfboard can withstand more than a couple seasons in surfing’s collective view. Now more than 30 years past its inception, the Channel Islands’ Black Beauty continues to provide performance benefits to today’s top pros, along with alluring the masses. I want to feel that power beneath my feet.

Shop here.

Rick Snowden – Content & Social Media Manager

After a long and fruitful relationship, I finally snapped my Churro and I have no intention of replacing it with anything but the exact same thing. I honestly felt my surfing bump a degree the very first time we rode together. Its gigantic sweet spot, girthy hips and overall silhouette make it capable of performing well in all real-world conditions and show mercy toward (the many) mistakes in my surfing.

Shop here.

Shinya Dalby – Creative Director

The most exciting softboard in existence. Now, that sounds awful lot like an oxymoron, but truly, this thing opens up a completely new gateway to fun! I’ve been riding a friend’s Drumstick this summer and the thing is lively. At 4’10, you wouldn’t think it’d go, but the thing paddles well, and you can throw it around. Probably best displayed by Mr Chris Wilson. It’s time to wave my fist full of greens and get my own.

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Jake Embrey – Stab Writer

If you’re like me – surf obsessed – you’ll probably force yourself to surf, even in the sloppy summery conditions. This Piccalo is the antidote to shit summer waves and crowded lineups. A twin fin with a little extra funk. Just make sure you don’t leave her baking in the car with a fresh new wax job.

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Ashton Goggans – Stab’s Editor in Chief

Perhaps the closest thing I’ve ever experienced to true unconditional love in a travel partner and surfboard.

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Morgan Williamson – Stab’s Senior Editor

This is based off previously owning a JS Monsta6 Hyfi, a board that felt more connected to my feet than anything I’ve ever ridden. That surfboard gave me confidence in all reasonable conditions, it had a spark unlike any other board I have ever owned…and, I’ve had a fair few.

It was with great regret that I swung on a lefthand closeout at Froggies during the Snapper contest. After dropping in late, and pressing my knee through the deck, I didn’t need to check my board to know that it would be in two pieces when the water subsided. I haven’t surfed a Monstabox, but based off my experience with JS and Hyfi tech, adding one to my quiver seems wise.

Shop here.