This year Kelly will be experimenting with quite a few Fred Rubble step ups. The fullness in the nose and slightly wider forward entry seem to get him over the top and into waves quicker which can be a necessity in Tahiti . The increased tail rocker that this model offers gives him more freedom in the pocket. When ordered at his normal shortboard dims and slightly longer as a step up, seem to be just what the doctor ordered for this event. Kelly rode one several weeks ago free surfing Restaurants, Fiji. (Video note: on a 5’9″ x 18¼” x 2¼” rounded pin Fred Rubble)

He was amazed with how free it felt off the top and how well it rode the barrel. Kelly may also choose to ride his trusty Semi Pros, and still has a few back ups on the island which he knows work well. So that offers him another option as well. We can’t forget to mention his 5’11” Deep Six model, after winning Pipe on this board, it has been an integral part of his quiver for juicy hollow waves. Look for late drops straight into the pit with an incredible amount of speed and control through those almost unmake-able sections. This is the board that may nail him a few perfect tens if it’s pumping. He would ride this board when most guys choose to ride a 6’6″ or 6’8″, as the template on the back half is just that!

On another note, Kelly has always said that quads offered up unparalleled amounts of speed, especially in critical hollow waves. All his boards are set up as FCS five fin options. After a win at the US Open on a quad squash tail, there’s a good chance he’ll ride a quad in some of his heats!

Left to Right:

All 5 fin FCS and round pin tails

1. 6’3″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble Step
2. 6’3″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble Step
3. 6’1″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble Step
4. 6’1″ x 18 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble Step
5. 5’11” x 18 3/8″ x 2 1/4″ Semi Pro
6. 5’11” x 18 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ Deep Six
7. 5’9″ x 18 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble
8. 5’9″ x 18 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ Fred Rubble