Bodyboard Channel Systems

A lot of the most recent innovations on our boards feature different variations of bottom contours & channels. 

We've had quite a few questions on them, so though we'd write a little post explaining the different types we commonly use. 

All Stealth Channels are constructed using an AKU Shaper Machine. This is the same machine used to create subtle concaves on surfboards, allowing millimeter perfect results.

Once the measure measurements are dialled in, this allows the channels / bottom contours to come out perfect every single time!

CNC PARALLEL CHANNELS

 

These are the most common channels we use, and closest to the traditional bodyboard style channel.

They are lightly graduated to give the rider the perfect balance of hold on the face, release when you need it, and speed!

They are found on our Pro Model Boards such as the Golden Child, Lip Reader & Wingass Models

TRANSITIONAL HULL CHANNELS

This is a channel we developed with the help of Steve "Bullet" Mackenzie.

The Transitional Hull Channels start about 18 inches from the tail of the board (almost double the length of traditional channels). Being longer in length with  extremely slight graduation, means these channels keep harmony and flow, allowing water to enter and exit cleanly with minimal disturbance.

To sum it up simply, they provide better speed, drive and control, particularly in average to good waves, that aren't heaps slabby.

We use this channel system on our Bullet boards, and have used it on our Speed Dealer models in the past. 

ZERO SLOT HULL CHANNEL

This bottom contour is based on the theory of a "planing hull" which as the name suggests, gets you planing earlier and easier, giving exceptional down the line speed off the weakest of sections. 

It features a large single hull concave that runs through the middle of the board.

A lot of our inspiration came from the Bob Simmons designed Mini Simmons surfboards, which have since evolved and are evident in a lot of the modern day Daniel Thompson (Tomo Shapes) and Slater Designs surfboards.

As you lose the hold provided with regular channels, we most commonly use this combined with the Vax Trax Rails for a bit of extra hold.

We also use it with regular rails on the Slider model, making it the ideal small wave board.

TORUS CHANNEL

The Torus channel is an evolution of our Zero Slot Hull Channel, and is our newest bottom contour innovation. 

Once again, we have continued with a variation of the planing hull, whilst being mindful of the drive and hold required on a bodyboard.

On the torus channel, the wider points of the centre channel are at the nose and the tail of the board.  This allows water to be welcomed into the channel then squeezed through the narrower centre point at a greater speed, before released through the slight concave in the tail at a reduced pressure, much like the Venturi effect.

 This creates extra lift and drive from your shoulder / elbows, while still allowing plenty of hold through your hips.

 By having a long, but subtle channel such as this, it also means we need less channels on the slick to keep the board holding in.

Fun fact: if you were to continue drawing the lines of the channel off into the spaces of the board, they would eventually loop back into themselves to make the torodial shape. 

DOUBLE CONCAVE HULL

 

This concave is primarily used on our Slasher DK model. 

The Double Concave Hull features 2 concaves on either side of the hull. This splits the water flow into double channels, creating lift underneath the back foot and ultimately loosening up the board

The "v" through the middle helps with control, particularly when transitioning from rail to rail.