Heritage surfwear brand Instinct and leading skate brand Sector 9 announce an innovative collaboration with legendary World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson to create a limited-edition collector’s series of bamboo longboards. Inspired by three of Tomson’s iconic surfboards from 1974, 1976, and 1983, these sustainable boards honor the carving era of surfing and skateboarding, while pointing to a new path for a purpose-driven future.
Courtesy of Instinct and Sector 9.
The collection will debut at Surf Expo 2025, in Orlando, Florida, from January 8–10. Surf shop retailers can check out the collection at Instinct’s Booth #613 and Sector 9’s Booth #458.
Sustainability Meets Heritage
The longboard decks, crafted from eco-friendly bamboo, pay homage to Tomson’s career-defining rides at Pipeline and Off the Wall. “These boards represent some of the best moments of my surfing career. I trusted my life to these designs, and I am especially stoked that they’re being reimagined with sustainable bamboo,” said Tomson. “This aligns perfectly with my lifelong commitment to environmental preservation through organizations like the Surfrider Foundation.”
A “David vs. Goliath” Revival
Both Instinct and Sector 9 are reclaiming their roots under the guidance of their original founders, taking on an industry dominated by corporate giants. “This is a David and Goliath story,” said Tomson. “We’re going up against big brands with deep pockets, but we’re bringing something they can’t: authenticity, exclusivity, purpose and “da roots.” We’re returning to the heart and soul of surfing and skating, offering products for ‘frothing groms’ and the purists who want something meaningful. I got my first skateboard 60 years ago and I am stoked to keep the wheels rollin’ with this collaboration with an iconic brand like Sector 9.”
Steve Lake, co-founder of Sector 9, offered his comments: “Our vision is simple—treat people the way you’d want to be treated, dare to be different, and innovate. This collaboration reflects those values. It’s about creating something intentional and unique, while also doing it the right way by respecting our roots and the culture that built these industries.”
A Trio of Iconic Designs
Each of the three longboards in the collection mirrors a legendary board ridden by Tomson during his renowned career:
- 1974: The Pink Banana” – originally shaped by Spider Murphy, the extreme rockered 7’10” board that marked the rise of Shaun’s backside attack at Pipeline – on the wall and in the tube.
- 1976: “Cosmic Swirl” A 7’ 0” Spider Murphy shaped single fin board that transformed straight line tube-riding into high speed turning.
- 1983: “Acid Drop” A 7’7” baby swallow 3-fin originally shaped by Hawaiian icon Bill Barnfield that defined courage and commitment at Pipeline.
“These boards are mini replicas of my favorite designs. Their craftsmanship, combined with the sustainability of bamboo, makes them the perfect machines for carving good times now and good times to come” said Tomson.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Steve Lake emphasized the importance of this collaboration as an interesting part of Sector 9’s journey. “We’re coming out of a challenging period for the skate industry, but there’s opportunity in those challenges. This project with Shaun and Instinct embodies everything we believe in: sustainable innovation, authentic storytelling, and supporting our retail partners with meaningful products. We’ve stopped all wholesale discounting to ensure our partners can maintain healthy margins—it’s about building back the heartbeat of these brands.”
Lake added, “We don’t want to just sell products; we want to create reasons for people to walk into surf shops and connect with this lifestyle. This collection of boards represents that philosophy—sustainable, high-quality designs that carry a story people want to be part of.”
About Instinct – www.instinctsurf.com
Founded by Shaun Tomson in 1979, Instinct is the world’s first social-purpose surfwear brand. Re-launched in 2024 with a mission to inspire and unite people through the values of surfing, Instinct integrates Tomson’s Surfer’s Code—12 lines of purpose beginning with “I will…”—into its ethos. This reimagined brand emphasizes grassroots empowerment and sustainable production, igniting a movement built around hope and purpose.
About Sector 9 – www.sector9.com
Sector 9, founded in 1993, has been a beacon of innovation in the skateboarding world. Reclaimed by its original founders, the brand focuses on intentional, high-quality designs that prioritize sustainability and the skateboarding lifestyle. The new Sector 9 emphasizes building a brand with integrity, authenticity, and innovation.
About Shaun Tomson – www.shauntomson.com
Shaun Tomson is a World Surfing Champion, a best-selling author, entrepreneur, acclaimed motivational speaker, and celebrated environmentalist. Surfer Magazine called him one of the ten greatest surfers of all time. His *Surfer’s Code* is a set of principles that have guided him through life, both in and out of the water. Shaun continues to inspire surfers and non-surfers alike with his message of resilience, integrity, and the power of purpose.
Join the Launch at Surf Expo
Be the first to see this iconic collection in person at Surf Expo, January 8–10, 2025. Instinct Booth #613 and Sector 9 Booth #458.
Drop a stone, create a ripple, build a wave…
