Firewire Surfboards Releases GROOVE Model Designed by Rob Machado
Firewire Surfboards has announced the release of the GROOVE, a new surfboard model designed by Rob Machado. The board utilizes Firewire Surfboards’ Helium Technology and is now available in authorized surf shops and online, according to the company.
Design Features and Performance
The GROOVE was designed to complement Machado’s signature MACHADO GROOVE Fin Set. Firewire Surfboards describes the GROOVE as Machado’s most performance-focused surfboard design to date.
“It’s very much in the high-performance realm,” Machado said. “I always use this reference of a spectrum between a retro fish on one side and an ultimate high-performance surfboard on the other side. It’s a scale. And on the fish side is speed and glide, and on the shortboard side is control and response.”
According to Firewire Surfboards, the GROOVE represents Machado’s first performance-first design after years of focusing on hybrid models. Machado referenced surfers like Nick Marshall, Kevin Schulz, and Rob Kelly as examples of individuals successfully riding the GROOVE. “Nick flying through the air surfing small waves, and Kevin landing that huge backflip in Brazil this week. This is the ultimate validation for me,” Machado added.
Tail Block and Rocker Curves
The GROOVE’s most noticeable design elements are its tail block and rocker curves. Machado explained that these features “enable the kind of tight angles that let you come square off the bottom in tight pockets and then come square off the lip.” He added, “All surfboards are a mix of speed and control, and the Groove is all about controlling speed.”
Helium Technology and Surfboard Construction
Firewire Surfboards builds the GROOVE using its Helium Technology. Machado described Helium Technology as “Light. Pingy. Responsive.” He added, “Helium Technology is my favorite core technology and has been for a while. It is the Core Technology I’ve relied on from Firewire in my previous shapes like the Seaside, Machadocado, and Mashup that I did with Dan Mann.”
MACHADO GROOVE Fin Set
Machado also designed the MACHADO GROOVE Fin Set to complement the GROOVE’s performance. He described the fin template as having “a progressive flex characteristic.” According to Machado, “We designed it to be stiffest at the leading edge and get progressively flexier towards the trailing edge. This is what enables that immediate response off the bottom and off the top when surfing in the pocket but also provides that spring out of turns that feels so good during cutbacks on the shoulder.”
Availability and Future Plans
Firewire Surfboards announced that surfers can test the GROOVE at upcoming DEMO DAYS events. The company also stated that the board will join its FIREWIRE FLEETS premium rental program in the future.
The GROOVE is available in sizes ranging from 5’4 to 6’4 with volumes between 25.8 and 43.4 liters. Firewire Surfboards offers the board at authorized surf shops globally alongside the MACHADO GROOVE Fin Set. Additional details about the GROOVE and its features are available on the company’s website.
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