Travis Lee of Channel Islands breaks down Jordy’s winning Lowers board

Jordy Smith
Height: 6’3” (190.5 cm)
Weight: 189 lbs. (85.73 kg)

Shaper: Channel Islands
Model: Girabbit
Length: 6’1”
Width: 19.25”
Thickness: 2.63”
Volume: 31.8
Tail: Squash

Fins: Futures Am-2
Height: 4.73″
Base: 4.64″
Area: 15.98″
Foil: Flat

Was Jordy’s board made specifically for the Hurley Pro?
Yeah, this board was made specifically for Lowers. It was actually ordered, cut, shaped, glassed and ridden within 24 hours of breaking his magic 6’1″ that he originally wanted to ride in the event, but broke the morning of the first day of competition.

When Channel Islands makes a board for Jordy at a wave like Lowers, what are the important design elements?
We like to make the boards really forgiving with slightly lower rocker. You still need enough curve to really utilize the waves that bend at you and give you a good pocket to work with, but you definitely need to be able to wrap back when you’re out on the open face without losing your speed in the flatter, fatter sections of the wave.

Would you recommend this shape for a typical surfer?
I would say the Girabbit is pretty much your standard shortboard. It’s a great all-around board for summer south swells or a perfect winter board. It’s a good board for high-tide waves with a lot of face on ‘em as well.

Photos: Glaser / Article Source: Surfer Magazine