Firewire Surfboards announced the release of the DRK, a new high-performance shortboard under the Slater Designs label, shaped by Dan Mann for Stab In The Dark X starring Kelly Slater.
Mann, a longtime shaper for Kelly drew inspiration from the original shape he created for him – the FRK – when first asked to make boards for the 11x World Champion. The DRK is a refined evolution of that shape, designed for high-performance surfing in good waves.
While the outline was inspired by FRK, the DRK features subtle updates to the rail and foil, creating better balance under the chest. Mann retained the FRK’s bottom contours, rocker, and fin cluster, key elements behind its performance, while refining the overall feel. Another key adjustment was moving the wide point slightly forward, allowing the tail to be pulled in for increased sensitivity and responsiveness.
Designed for punchy, head-high to slightly overhead surf, the DRK excels in round, “nuggety” waves where it comes alive through transitions and turns. As seen in the Stab In The Dark X series, it also proved more versatile than expected in less-than-ideal conditions.
Mann on the Stab In The Dark X project: “It was a simple decision that this was my best shape for him. The board looked insane under his feet. He could put it wherever he wanted and he didn’t have to think about it. Kelly not thinking about the board is when he is free to fly. When he is flying, we all win.”
The DRK is the third model built using Firewire’s patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology, following the Neutrino by Tomo and the Spaceship by Mike Woo.
As with all of Slater’s boards, the fin setup allows riders to switch between quad and thruster configurations. Slater has been riding the model with his Slater Designs Endorfins KSR Fin Set.
The DRK is available in these sizes:
5’5″ x 18″ x 2 1/8″ x 21.4L
5’6″ x 18 1/8″ x 2 3/16″ x 22.5L
5’7″ x 18 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ x 23.7L
5’8″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 5/16″ x 24.9L
5’9″ x 18 7/16″ x 2 3/8″ x 26.1L
5’10” x 18 1/2″ x 2 7/16″ x 27.2L
5’11” x 18 11/16″ x 2 1/2″ x 29.0L
6’0″ x 18 13/16″ x 2 5/8″ x 31.0L
6’2″ x 19″ x 2 11/16″ x 32.6L
6’4″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 3/4″ x 34.7L
6’6″ x 19 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ x 36.3L
Price: $995
About Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs:
Founded in 2006, Firewire Surfboards’ mission is to inspire and enhance the surfing experience through innovative, high quality surf products made with the least environmental impact. In 2016, eleven-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater launched his namesake Slater Designs brand, featuring a signature collection of surfboards and surf accessories made with a deep commitment to leadership in sustainability without sacrificing performance. Today, Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs are distributed in more than 60 countries worldwide, offering leading designs by some of the world’s most talented surfboard designers in addition to a range of premium surf accessories essential to the surfing experience.
About Kelly Slater:
Kelly has 11 World Titles and 54 World Championship Tour event victories. Kelly’s accomplishments have cemented his reputation as the world’s greatest competitive surfer, if not the greatest surfer of all time. In fact, his competitive accomplishments may well be the greatest of any athlete competing in any sport, ever.
