The Thin Line Of A Retroactive Modern Time

A Boardshort Guide in 2018? How adventurous!

In the Northern Hemisphere, we’re picking at Spring hors d’oeuvres, not-so-patiently awaiting an overdue summer feast.

So we enlisted the brands who keep the Stab gears turning, to send us their favorite trunks of the 2018 Spring and Summer lineups, grabbed legendary North Shore lensman Brian Bielmann, set up a North Shore studio on the sand at Keiki, and shot their top talent dripping wet, feet in the coarse pink sand.

Oh, and of course we had them fill out a cheeky questionnaire.

In the early 2000’s surfers were forced to endure whatever duds their sponsors delivered. Checkers, botanicals, stripes, paint splatters, graffiti scrawled across the top? You pay; I’ll wear. Two decades later, thankfully, brands are making boardies their rider will actually want to sport.

These have been carefully chosen, though we’ll bet these offend plenty, excite more than a few, and fly right over the heads of the rest of you…

It’s 2018. If you’re all-pleasing, you’re beige. The Divisive Age is upon us!

Meet Cliff Kapono’s “Creators 20” Boardshort”

We’re true fans of Vissla’s marketing. They walk that fine line of modern-throwback, and that line stays true in their boardshorts.

Vissla’s trunks have a retro feel, but with a modern, relevant cut and fit, with inseams ranging from 17.5 to 20 inches, splattered in flowery or plain designs. Not too bright, anything but dull.

And, they’re made from Upcycled Coconuts. Hello sustainability! Who said new surf co’s couldn’t emerge triumphantly?

The staff fav in this selection is Thomas Campbell 18.5” Boardshort,

This Volume also includes:

Neotanical 20” Boardshort

The Lark 20″ Boardshort 

Delic 18.5″ Boardshort 

Boho Coast 18.5″ Boardshort 

For the season’s best boardshorts, head here.