Why or How Popular Surfboards Models Become Best Sellers Worldwide
It is no secret that pro surfers definitely have a hand in selling boards for their shapers brands. These guys absolutely rip, and to tell the truth, they could make a door look like it surfs well. So just how important is it to take note of what the pros are surfing when you’re just an average everyday surfer?
The Mid-90’s
Just look at the mid 90’s when Slater and the whole crew were riding ridiculously thin, narrow, rocketed-out boards. Sure, they can make them work and work really well, but the masses of us “average” surfers were more or less kooking out, trying to ride these boards that were not suited to our needs, or the waves we are surfing day to day.
With that said, it is the pro’s like Slater that are still influencing us with new models…remember the Wizard Sleeve?
That was one of the game-changers for the masses to really take a look at shorter, lower rockered boards. The thing is, many shapers were already turned on to short, wide, high volume boards. It just takes someone like Slater to bring that to everyone's attention.
Replica Boards
What the pros are doing at any given moment obviously has an impact on the general consumer. The Mick Fanning Ducks Nuts Replica is one of our best-selling boards from the DHD lineup. This came out for the masses as Mick was/is tearing apart his 2015 campaign.
“You can ride the same board Mick is riding, and surely you will be surfing just like him!” … well, maybe not quite exactly like him, and maybe you shouldn’t ride exactly what he is riding…
What Darren Handley has done (which we were not seeing in the 90’s) is actually offer a few sizes in this replica model so the average surfer actually has a chance of being able to surf the board. But not too many, it is meant to be a replica after all. The board is available from a 5’10 to a 6’1.
Even Mick himself made tweaks to the original Ducks Nuts…for that size range, the boards actually pack a little more volume compared to the original..meaning, overall boards are going a touch wider with a touch more volume even at the elite pro level compared to days gone by.
A current favorite surfboard
Now, let's look at the best-selling board worldwide. The popular Hypto Krypto nabs the best selling board worldwide as well as winning Surfboard of the Year award two consecutive years in a row. Is it a result of having someone like Craig Anderson pour his style all over the place on this model (most of which the waves are pumping), or is it actually because it is a user-friendly board that can be surfed in anything from knee-high slop to pumping overhead and hollow?
Having Ando show you what this board can do certainly helps, but word-of-mouth, reviews and referrals are still essential for success. If the boards didn’t work for the average surfer, they wouldn’t gain the popularity that they have now. Combining a tried and trusted design – with some tweaks and your own style – with a strong brand like Haydenshapes is going to help you sell boards. Having someone like Craig ride them doesn’t hurt either!
What Actually Works for the Average Surfer
This all coincides with the average surfer starting to understand that wider boards with a little more volume can make a world of difference to your surfing. Don’t get me wrong here, there are/were plenty of surfers that already knew this, but there are plenty of people out there that simply want their favorite pro rides.
Luckily for them, many of their favorite pros are starting to ride equipment that will either suit the average surfer, and surfboard shapers know exactly how to scale boards appropriately for the average surfer. Advanced tools like the Board Engine also help avoid too many crazy board orders.
Inevitably, that is what is going to make a particular model so appealing to the worldwide market.
The vast majority of us don’t have the ability to hop on a plane and chase perfect waves around the world, our day-to-day surf session consists of average days ranging in the knee to head high and not so perfect. Usually before or after school/work when we may just be missing the right tide, wind, swell windows.
We need those wider, higher volume boards that we can actually surf if we want to maximize our precious water time. They don’t necessarily have to be hybrid models, but customizing a high-performance pro model appropriately for an average surfer goes a long way.
Accessibility
Another thing to consider in a board becoming popular is the combination of marketing, a user-friendly board and…accessibility. The reason brands like SUPERbrand, DHD, Haydenshapes, etc. sell so many boards is their accessibility.
There are so many great shapers and surf brands around the world. They very well may sell a lot of boards, but on the world stage they may remain relatively unknown.
While some bigger brands may have a bigger marketing budget, in reality, whether or not the board is actually going to work for the average consumer, is the most important thing. Remember, even the bigger brands were once small-time guys that simply had to shape boards that work to get them to where they are today.
After all the marketing and the accessibility, if a board does not work, the word-of-mouth stoke is not going to be there and it will be a short-lived seller. A board can look good aesthetically and be the right price, but what good is that if it surfs like a dog?
Make sure you check out the Board Engine to find a range of boards all made in America by professional shapers at the top of their crafts. Share your surfing skills and requirements with our team of surf experts for a detailed report of board recommendations for you.
