AIPA SURFBOARDS
THE SUPERNOVA
Since the inception of the Sting in 1974, AIPA has been on the forefront of pushing performance designs. Classically trained by his father, Ben Aipa, Duke Aipa continues to evolve his designs by implementing the STING’s design principles of surface area reduction and control. Duke’s passion is collaborating with other talented shapers and athletes from different backgrounds to unlock the magic of creating a badass surfboard!
Surf n’ Show’s Noel Salas approached Duke with a concept to co-design an intentional High-Performance Groveler, which he felt was missing in most surfboard quivers. The sole purpose for this model was to absolutely shred and traverse at Mach 2 speeds in 1’-3’ surf on a surfboard that’s not a fish, or a hybrid, but a true HP Groveler! Duke was 100% ready to prove it could be done. We are not talking about a daily driver or a small wave performance board that works best in 2- to 6-foot surf like most board builders make. We are talking about a high-performance outline with a pointed nose and a performance tail. We would combine a shorter, wider package with overall lower rocker for incredible down-the-line speed and agility to surf tight transitions without the restrictions of a wide nose fish or a typical hybrid board groveler. The Supernova is made for smaller waves that are functional for the average surfer yet still advanced and acceptable to surf in a QS/CT level event when the conditions require grovelers.
Duke said, “The SUPERNOVA represents the most intense and critical collaborative design work I’ve ever done. At version 4, we thought we had nailed it, but we kept pushing the design, refining it into a polished version 6.2 before Noel felt that we put an exclamation mark on it!”
This version is what Noel recently surfed in the TGSA Invitational Surf contest finals at Waco Surf where he won the event in his division. Noel said, “It’s so fast … every time I put it on rail, the board explodes with speed … like a SUPERNOVA!”
It sounds cliche, but we truly focused on creating the fastest, most maneuverable board in its class. The Supernova defines this category with the focus of small wave ripping for surfers that like a performance outline under their feet. We incorporated 50-plus years of AIPA design history and Noel's career of testing 100s of surfboards in varying shapes into this board.
For speed, the foundation of the board demanded we create the straightest rail line possible in a compact outline, and complement these factors with modern performance fish rockers and staged-bottom contours. Typically when you approach a design this way, you have a board that is very fast, but loses performance.
We knew that to give the board the level of performance that we were looking for , we would need a drastic design attribute to bring the board to life, so we incorporated an element called the “null wing” to reduce surface area and create an intricate angular rail line break which gives the SUPERNOVA it’s unique pivot/point of release.
The “null wing” is not a wing, not a bump, but something in between. The next step in the evolution of the iconic AIPA “Sting” from 1974, “Swing Twin”, the “Wing Twin” of 1977 and the “High Bump Thruster” from 1983.
The SUPERNOVA is aimed at disrupting the standards that kind of work in smaller conditions giving surfers an edge with a compact HP groveler meant for speed and spontaneous maneuvers -- in small waves ONLY.
• High Performance Groveler Outline 1’-3’ Surf Max
• Low Rocker “Explosive Speed”
•“Null Wing” Quick Pivot & Tight Arcing Turns
• Suits all Surfers (Back, Neutral, and Front Footed)
• Fin Configuration: Twin + Trailer, Quad, or Thruster
• Suggested Fins: Noel’s Pivot Twins + Trailer, Noel’s 5 fin Set
Design Range:
Standard Dims 5’2”(23L) to 6’6”(44L)
XL Dims 5’6”(30.5L) to 6’6”(47.5L)
Target Sizing:
2 to 3 inches shorter than Standard Shortboard Sizing, ½” -¾” wider, and up to 1L more in volume depending on skill level
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
SUPERNOVA DIMENSIONS:
5’0”x18”x2.19”(21L)
5’1”x18.25”x2.22”(22L)
5’2”x18.50”x2.26”(23L)
5’3”x18.75”x2.29”(24L)
5’4”x19”x2.32”(25L)
5’5”x19.18”x2.35”(26L)
5’6”x19.38”x2.42”(27.5L)
5’7’x19.50”x2.50”(29L)
5’8”x19.63”x2.53”(30L)
5’9”x19.75”x2.60”(31.5L)
5’10”x20”x2.66”(33L)
5’11”x20.13”x2.69”(34.1L)
6’0”x20.25”x2.75”(35.6L)
6’1”x20.38”x2.77”(36.6L)
6’2”x20.50”x2.82”(38L)
6’3”x20.75”x2.86”(39.5L)
6’4”x21”x2.89”(41L)
6’5”x21.25”x2.92”(42.5L)
6’6”x21.50”x2.95”(44L)
SUPERNOVA XL DIMENSIONS:
5’6”x20.38”x2.55”(30.5L)
5’7”x20.50”x2.62”(32L)
5’8”x20.63”x2.69”(33.5L)
5’9”x20.75”x2.75”(35L)
5’10”x20.88”x2.81”(36.5L)
5’11”x21”x2.84”(37.5L)
6’0”x21.13”x2.89”(39L)
6’1”x21.25”x2.91”(40L)
6’2”x21.50”x2.94”(41.5L)
6’3”x21.75”x2.97”(43L)
6’4”x22”x3”(44.5L)
6’5”x22.25”x3.02”(46L)
6’6”x22.50”x3.05”(47.5L)
THE DARK TWINN 2.0
We had such an overwhelming response over the last few years with Dark Twinn, that we decided to take the design another step further down the alternative performance rabbit hole and see how far we could push it.
So how do you make a badass board better? You redesign it for a specific purpose!
The original Dark Twinn, was designed as an all around board primarily for average waves waist high to head high. However, it proved itself to perform in even bigger surf, juicier surf, which was a main factor for taking a look at what attributes could be adjusted to make its sequel faster, more responsive and dependable on rail.
We pulled in the Dark Twinn’s sleek/active outline, and sharpened it into a more bladed out version, making the overall outline more of an aggressive performance shortboard look. A key component that brought the design to life was the inclusion of a swallow tail into the design which dictated the necessity to flare out the tail section behind the wing to complement the continuous deck line and square out the rails to give the board that precision cutting effect.
The design element adjustments and strategic combination of the original the tried and true elements of rocker, full-lower apex rail, and staged bottom contours translates to making the board feel “like a surgical knife”.
“You’ll find that using a stabilizer is an absolute option. The Dark Twinn 2.0 is hands down a true HP twin for precision performance surfing.” -Duke
Wave range: Above average/ waist high to overhead. Punchy beach breaks and bowly point breaks. Use in conditions you would either use your standard performance shortboard.
Fin Configuration: Twin+trailer/ Suggest Twin only for advanced surfers. Intermediate surfers may want to use the trailer to get used to the performance before surfing as a straight twin.
Suggested Fins: Primary/(NVS) Ahi Twins
Design Range: 5’4” to 6’4”
Target Sizing: Similar sizing as your standard performance shortboard
5'4" x 18.5" x 2.45" (24.5L)
5'5" x 18.63" x 2.49" (25.5L)
5'6" x 18.88" x 2.51" (26.5L)
5'7" x 19.13" x 2.58" (28L)
5'8" x 19.25" x 2.63" (29L)
5'9" x 19.38" x 2.67" (30.1L)
5'10" x 19.5" x 2.74" (31.5L)
5'11" x 19.63" x 2.81" (33L)
6' x 19.75" x 2.88" (34.5L)
6'1" x 19.88" x 2.9" (35.5L)
6'2" x 20" x 2.92" (36.5L)
6'3" x 20.13" x 2.94" (37.5L)
6'4" x 20.38" x 3" (39.3L)
AIPA: DESCENDANTS
THE MODERN SWALLOW
As board builders and storytellers…We are intent on telling the story of who AIPA is, and the lineage of our designs, focusing on our roots as Hawaiian designer/shapers, so what better way then to start back at the precipice of high performance surfing, when Ben Aipa’s innovations were creating change in surfing. As the precursor to the invention of the STING, The Swallow tail from 1972 was one of the most pivotal high performance board designs in surf history. The Modern Swallow is the first model from the AIPA: DESCENDANTS line and carries Ben's original Swallowtail design forward into the future with Duke's modern adjustments.
“If I was making a young Larry Bertlemann or Michael Ho a board…this I what I would make them” -Duke Aipa
Designed to be a tight in the pocket alternative high performance short board primarily meant for a 2-4’/Hawaiian wave or punchy shorebreaks. The Modern Swallow also possesses that 70’s sleek missile outline that makes it an absolute screamer in the barrel. The wide point is pushed forward a classic 3” to accurately recreate the classic plan shape with a widened tail section for modern flare/functionality. The bottom contour consists of a rolled nose, to single under the chest flowing into double and generous Vee out of the tail.
Fin Configuration: The fin configuration is in a sweet spot that allows the surfer to bounce between setups from 2+1, quad, and thruster to meet personal performance levels and match wave type
Suggested Fins: Primary: DNA/Sequencer Quads, Secondary (NVS)Ahi Twins with 3.3” trailer, For overhead surf use Futures/Torches( Thruster set).
Design Range: 5’0” - 6’4” ( For High Performance)
6’5” to 7’2” (For Mid Length versions)
Target Sizing: ( Intermediate to advanced) 2-4” shorter than the surfer/ about ¼”-1/2” narrower than standard shortboard and approx. .5L more volume than standard shortboard.
Beginners or Uncle sized surfers height up to 8” longer (with generous volume)
5'4" x 19" x 2-5/16" (25.2L)
5'6" x 19-1/8" x 2-3/8" (26.9L)
5'8" x 19-1/4" x 2-7/16" (28.6L)
5'10" x 19-3/8" x 2-1/2" (30.5L)
6'0" x 19-1/2" x 2-9/16" (32.4L)
6'2" x 19-5/8" x 2-5/8" (34.3L)
6'4" x 19-3/4" x 2-11/16" (36.2L)
6'6" x 19-7/8" x 2-13/16" (39.1L)
6'8" x 20" x 2-7/8" (41.4L)
6'10" x 20-1/8" x 2-15/16" (43.45L)
7'0" x 20-1/4" x 3" (45.9L)
7'2" x 20-1/2" x 3-1/16" (48.4L)
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
AIPA: DESCENDANTS
THE MODERN STING
As board builders and storytellers…We are intent on telling the story of who AIPA is, and the lineage of our design, focusing on our roots as Hawaiian designer/shapers, so what better way then to start back at the precipice of high performance surfing,when Ben Aipa’s innovations were creating change in surfing. As the followup innovation to Ben’s SwallowTail design, The STING arguably is the most drastic board design advancement there has been or ever will be.
Timed perfectly with the explosive talent of legendary surfers like, Larry Bertlemann, Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Mark Liddell, Dane Kealoha and Mark Richards, the STING made it possible for surfers to pushed past the limits that conventional boards confined them to and bring in the first high performance movement. The design is focused on surface area reduction by utilizing a unique wing placement that allows a wider forward surface area for “planing” and carrying speed, with an abruptly reduced tail curve, behind the STING, to initiate early release, intuitive pivot and radical maneuverability reaction.
The STING was the first winged surfboard of its kind and was the blueprint for what would become the winged twin, and later on, influence the bump wing thruster of the 1980’s. It is one of very few board designs that when you see it, even from afar, you know who created it.
As #2 in “The Descendants: Series, the Modern Sting takes the original concept of the Single fin era STING’s of 1974 and catapults the design forward 50 years into the modern high performance era.
Imagine Kelly Slater surfing the first single fin Sting and that is the inspiration behind the Modern Sting.
Designed to be a directional slingshot that can draw long lines and pivot in the pocket with a different stable yet loose type of feel, the Modern Sting is the first real high performance single fin shortboard of the new day and the freshest feeling you just have to experience for yourself.
The plan shape is influenced by the recent quad wonder board the DNA,collaborated on/ designed by brothers Duke and Akila with a more relaxed entry and exit rocker, a bote more curve in the tail section and slightly pulled in nose. The bottom contour consists of a rolled nose, to single under the chest flowing into double and generous Vee starting 12” up from the tail , increasing out of the tail.
Fin Configuration: The fin configuration is a single only! Embrace it!. We have designed a new HP fin with Naked Viking to give the board an added twang that you just can’t get on anything else.
Suggested Fins: Primary: 6.4” HELE (NVS)
Design Range: 5’0” - 6’4” ( For High Performance)
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'4" x 18-7/8" x 2-7/16" (25.5L)
5'6" x 19-1/4" x 2-1/2" (27.4L)
5'7" x 19-3/8" x 2-9/16" (28.7L)
5'8" x 19-5/8" x 2-5/8" (30.2L)
5'10" x 20" x 2-3/4" (33.1L)
6'0" x 20-1/4" x 2-13/16" (35.4L)
6'2" x 20-1/2" x 2-7/8" (37.5L)
6'4" x 20-3/4" x 3" (40.6L)
AIPA: DESCENDANTS
THE MODERN WING TWIN
As board builders and storytellers…We are intent on telling the story of who AIPA is, and the lineage of our designs, focusing on our roots as Hawaiian designer/shapers, so what better way then to start back at the precipice of high performance surfing,when Ben Aipa’s innovations were creating change in surfing. As the followup innovation to Ben’s STING design, The WING TWIN came about after several iterations of wing placements…moving it further down towards the tail, specifically in the time frame when Ben was shaping boards for Mark Richards.
Although MR brought the STING to the world competitive stage (and made it look good!)...he was looking for a certain sensation and after surfing multiple versions of the STING, MR asked Ben to move the wing further down to change the control and pivot of the board.The wing ended up in what we called a SWING placement, midway between a sting and a standard wing. Keep in mind this is still in single fin times, just before the twin fins popularly came in and around this same time, MR began shaping himself , and with the tutelage of legends like Dick Brewer and Ben Aipa, he created his own version of the wing twin in 1977, at a parallel moment in time when Ben created his own WING TWIN for Dane Kealoha, where the wing placement was roughly 8” up from the tail.
As with the STING, the WING TWIN design is focused on surface area reduction to positively enhance performance. Moving the wing down closer to the tail allowed the plan shape to maintain a more continuous curve before the break in the out line at the wing. This change perfectly complemented the twin fin configuration, providing smoother hold on rail and a quick break/release/pivot that twins are known for.
As #3 in “The Descendants of AIPA” collection, the MODERN WING TWIN takes the original template/ concept of the Wing Twin of 1977, keeping the classic forward wide point and fusing it with the AIPA rails, rocker, contours of today. If I could make a young Dan Kealoha a board , it would be the Modern Wing Twin.
The rocker is a modern classic mid-low for fluid drive and performance function,the rails are a medium taper soft and forgiving yet precise with the lowered apex, and the bottom contour consists of a rolled nose, to shallow single under forward foot,flowing into double concave with a generous Vee starting 8” up from the tail , increasing out of the tail.
Fin Configuration: TWIN +TRAILER
Suggested Fins: Primary: AHI TWINS (NVS)
Design Range: 5’0” - 6’4” ( XL Sizes also available)
Target Sizing: ( Intermediate to advanced) 2” shorter than the surfer with 1-2L more volume than daily driver shortboard spending on skill level.
Beginners or Uncle sized surfers height up to 4-8” longer (with generous volume)
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'0" x 18-5/8" x 2-7/16" (24.1L)
5'2" x 19" x 2-1/2" (26.1L)
5'4" x 19-1/4" x 2-9/16" (28.1L)
5'6" x 19-1/2" x 2-5/8" (29.9L)
5'7" x 19-5/8" x 2.65" (31.1L)
5'8" x 19-3/4" x 2-11/16" (32L)
5'10" x 20-1/4" x 2-3/4" (34.5L)
6'0" x 20-3/4" x 2-13/16" (37.2L)
6'2" x 21-1/8" x 2-7/8" (39.8L)
THE KILLSWITCH
Introducing the KILLSWITCH, the ultimate fusion of power and precision designed specifically for seasoned surfers aged 45 and above who might need a little extra foam, but still craves the adrenaline rush of high-performance surfing without compromising on performance. Crafted from the expertise of decades of wave-riding experience, the KILLSWITCH is more than just a surfboard – it's a testament to the enduring spirit of surfers who refuse to let age define their limits.
Key Features:
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Beefed-Up Design: The KILLSWITCH is a upsized performance board, featuring increased volume and a wider outline to provide unmatched planing and paddle power for surfers who need more foam.
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High-Performance Engineering: Despite its larger dimensions, the KILLSWITCH retains the agility and responsiveness of a traditional shortboard, empowering midlife surfers to capture that feeling we all crave… to rip!
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Enhanced Wave Catching: Designed to excel in a variety of conditions, the KILLSWITCH has the volume you need to get ahead of the crowd, where every liter is an advantage.
Why Choose the KILLSWITCH:
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Unleash Your Potential: With the KILLSWITCH, age is just a number – surfers aged 45 and above have the perfect weapon to continue pushing their limits and ride waves with the confidence and skill of their younger selves.
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Elevate Your Experience: Don’t struggle on a board too small for you…just because you need a bigger board, doesn’t mean you can’t Experience the thrill of high-performance surfing like the way you want it to feel!
Wave range: Below average to above average/ waist high to overhead.
Use in conditions you would either use a groveler or ditch your shortboard on good days for a new sensation.
Fin Configuration: Quad on average basis to overhead, switch to thruster for over head high for added holding power..
Suggested Fins: Primary/(NVS) Horseman Quads, Secondary/(NVS) Da Hook Thrusters for juicy surf.
Design Range: 6’0” to 7’2”
Target Sizing: 2-4” above standard shortboard with 3-6 L added volume depending on skill level.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
6'0" x 20" x 2.78" (34L)
6'2" x 20.25" x 2.85" (36L)
6'4" x 20.5" x 2.88" (38.1L)
6'6" x 20.75" x 2.91" (39.1L)
6'8" x 21.25" x 3" (43.3L)
6'10" x 21.5" x 3.13" (46.8L)
7'0" x 22" x 3.25" (51L)
7'2" x 22.5" x 3.31" (54.3L)
ASSASSIN SERIES
THE HITMAN
At the heart of "The Hitman" is its innovative AIPA swallow tail design, featuring a distinctive shallow swallow tail that enhances positive drive on rail. This unique tail and boxed rail profile in the rear provides increased hold and control in critical sections of the wave, ensuring you maintain speed and momentum through every maneuver.
"The Hitman" also incorporates a staged bottom contour, meticulously shaped in to maximize performance in varying waves. From fast, hollow barrels to mushy, gutless rollers, this board excels in any condition, thanks to its dynamic combination of convex contours,, concaves and double barrel vee to generate lift, speed, and responsiveness.
From playful beach breaks to lined-up point breaks, this versatile all-arounder excels in a wide range of conditions, making it the perfect choice for surfers in the intermediate to advanced range.
Experience the next evolution in the AIPA swallow tail legacy of high-performance surfing with "The Hitman" – where precision meets versatility, and every wave is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what's possible in the water. Dominate the lineup and never miss your mark with the Hitman!
Wave range: Below average to above average/ waist high to overhead. Use in conditions you would either use a groveler or standard shortboard
Fin Configuration: Thruster on average basis to overhead, switch to Quad for additional speed.
Suggested Fins: Primary/(Futures) Aipa x Mayhem-Torches / 5 fin set
Design Range: 5’4” to 6’2”
Target Sizing: Standard shortboard sizing
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'4" x 18" x 2.26" (23.2L)
5'5" x 18.25" x 2.31" (24.4L)
5'6" x 18.50" x 2.36" (25.6L)
5'7" x 18.63" x 2.39" (26.5L)
5'8" x 19" x 2.42" (27.8L)
5'9" x 19.25" x 2.45" (29L)
5'10" x 19.38" x 2.52" (30.4L)
5'11" x 19.5" x 2.54" (31.5L)
6'0" x 19.75" x 2.61" (33L)
6'1" x 20" x 2.66" (34.5L)
6'2" x 20.25" x 2.70" (36L)
ASSASSIN SERIES
THE BISHOP
As a part of the Assassin Series, The Bishop was developed as an enhanced daily driver and has been in deep refinement with Team rider Joel Bishop since he came on board in 2017. After all the variations, we landed on what we comfortably describe as an average to pro level “Quiver Killer”. Since its release, This model was chosen by Tully Wiley in his debut in the 2022 Bells CT WSL contest.
The Bishop model consists of a competition rocker/ pulled in nose outline and rolled bottom for automatic speed on the take off, with the wide point moved back a half ½” for a solid back footed sensation that correlates well with the round tail for critical bottom turns and tight snaps in the pocket and heavy arcing rail turns.
For performance, we added a generous single under the front foot, flowing it into a deep single with double and moderate Vee out of the tail. The deep single with double adds lift and separation of the water between the fins making it loose and responsive, while the vee makes for easy tipping for proper rail surfing. Rails have a slight downturn / lower apex for immediate wave connection and sensitivity , but are kept a little fuller for stability in various conditions. To complement the pulled back wide point, the forward fins are also set back a ½” from a standard set up to make those tight radius turns easier while holding your rail speed.
What started out mainly as an all around competition board, became a freestyle blade for the everyday warrior.
Wave range: The Bishop performs as our widest ranged shortboard for California 3’ beach break to 5’ proper Hawaiian waves.
Fin Configuration: Thruster
Suggested Fins: Primary/(NVS) LoLo Thrusters for California, (NVS) Da Hook Thrusters for Hawaii, Alternative(FUTURES)AIPA x MAYHEM “Torches”.
Design Range: 5’0” to 6’4”
Target Sizing: Average shortboard sizing
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'4" x 18.25" x 2.33" (24L)
5'6" x 18.5" x 2.37" (25.5L)
5'7" x 18.75" x 2.39" (26.5L)
5'8" x 18.88" x 2.42" (27.5L)
5'9" x 19" x 2.51" (29L)
5'10" x 19.25" x 2.56" (30.5L)
6'0" x 19.38" x 2.60" (32L)
6'2" x 19.5" x 2.67" (34L)
6'4" x 19.75" x 2.76" (36.6L)
6'6" x 20" x 2.83" (39L)
ASSASSIN SERIES
THE BUTCHER
As a part of the Assassin Series, “The Butcher” is a fearless, aggressive high-performance shortboard crafted to carve up waves of consequence with accuracy, designed for experienced surfers who thrive in challenging conditions.
This board has been through massive refinements over the years and has been seen on the North Shore of Oahu under Kekoa Caizmoero’s feet lighting up Rocky Point. We recommended this board for high level athletes or intermediate surfers trying to step their level up in demanding surf conditions..
The Butcher consists of a combination of aggressive nose rocker, moderate tail rocker with single concave under rear foot together and a pulled in nose to give you complete control in steep and heavy pockets. This board has a balanced outline with the wide point moved back ½” to give you a back footed sensation when you are putting all of your weight through your turns but still have enough forward facing curve for drive.The rear flow of the outline is all about control and is perfectly complemented with an active thumb tail to have the sensation and control of a rounded pin but with the release out of the squash.
To push performance levels in waves of consequence, we configured the bottom contour with dependability in mind. The confidence to know that when you lay your board on rail in overhead surf, that the board won’t only hold, but excel throughout your power turns. The deep single with slight double impression between your fins will separate the flow of water and break up the lift when banked on rail and engage the single concave that flows out through the tail, making for proper dynamic rail surfing and explosive spray. The rails are lower apex , mid tapered to have instant control in critical take-off, and flow seamlessly from bottom turn to top turn.
Experience the thrill of conquering the most challenging waves with "The Butcher" – where power meets precision.
Wave range: Above average/overhead. Use in juicy, heavy conditions
Fin Configuration: Quad on average basis to overhead, switch to thruster for over head high for added holding power..
Suggested Fins: Primary/(NVS) Da HookThruster
Design Range: 5’6” to 6’6”
Target Sizing: 1-3” above standard shortboard
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'6" x 18.38" x 2.44" (25L)
5'7" x 18.5" x 2.48" (26L)
5'8" x 18.75" x 2.51" (27L)
5'9" x 19" x 2.56" (28.3L)
5'10" x 19.25" x 2.59" (29.5L)
5'11" x 19.38" x 2.63" (30.5L)
6'0" x 19.5" x 2.69" (31.5L)
6'1" x 19.63" x 2.71" (32.7L)
6'2" x 19.75" x 2.77" (34L)
6'4" x 20" x 2.86" (36.5L)
6'6" x 20.5" x 2.94" (39.5L)
Flow, predictability and reaction. The DNA is a performance shortboard alternate with an enhanced forward surface area for carrying speed, spliced together with an abruptly reduced tail curve for maintaining positive control and maneuverability, this quad specific model has a controlled performance feel that can react on demand.
Ideal in shoulder to overhead conditions Sized to be surfed 2” shorter than your standard shortboard and increasing the width and thickness to achieve a volume by .5L to1L greater than your daily driver.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'5" x 19-1/4" x 2-7/16" (26.47L)
5'6" x 19-3/8" x 2-1/2" (27.7L)
5'7" x 19-1/2" x 2-1/2" (28.36L)
5'8" x 19-3/4" x 2-9/16" (29.86L)
5'9" x 20" x 2-5/8" (31.44L)
5'10" x 20-1/4" x 2-3/4" (33.8L)
5'11" x 20-3/8" x 2-13/16" (35.29L)
6'0" x 20-1/2" x 2-7/8" (36.79L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE BONEFISH
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
STATIONARY POOL DIMS:
4'10" x 18" x 2.17" (20.5L)
5'0" x 18.5" x 2.24" (22.5L)
5'2" x 18.75" x 2.32" (24.5L)
5'4" x 19" x 2.38" (26.2L)
5'6" x 19.25" x 2.45" (28.2L)
5'8" x 19.5" x 2.52" (30L)
OCEAN DIMS:
5'0" x 18" x 2.26" (22.1L)
5'2" x 18.4" x 2.25" (23.3L)
5'4" x 19" x 2.38" (26.25L)
5'5" x 19.25" x 2.42" (27.5L)
5'6" x 19.5" x 2.45" (28.6L)
5'7" x 19.75" x 2.53" (30.3L)
5'8" x 20" x 2.52" (31.1L)
5'9" x 20.25" x 2.56" (32.4L)
5'10" x 20.5" x 2.59" (33.7L)
5'11" x 20.75" x 2.63" (35.1L)
6'0" x 21" x 2.66" (36.6L)
6'2" x 21.5" x 2.74" (39.6L)
6'4" x 21.75" x 2.87" (43L)
(BEN AND DUKE FISH)
THE B.A.D. FISH
Fishes have been a staple board from Ben Aipa’s archive of design dating back to 1970, evolving throughout the decades to meet the progression of surfing/surfers abilities. The B.A.D. Fish ( The Ben And Duke Fish) is our modern fish that combines the classic Ben Aipa Fish with Duke's performance adjustments.
The fish has been a design that every board builder has in their library but not like this… As the next move in the AIPA Fish line, what separates the B.A.D. FISH, from the rest of the school is taking Ben's 50 years of refinement into the future with Duke's approach of modern rocker, rail and bottom contours.
This Hawaiian outline fish consists of a full downturned/tapered rail for automatic connectivity when you take off to hold in bigger surf and promote drive in smaller surf, with a nice foil from center point to nose and tail to eliminate the boaty feeling of a fish. The wide point is pushed forward a classic 3” to put more paddle power under your chest making it possible to surf the board shorter in bigger waves. The bottom contour consists of a rolled nose, to single under the chest flowing into double and generous Vee out of the tail.
The forward fins are set at a standard twin placement, but we added two close cluster offset trailers, as an alternative to the standard center trailer, positioned more towards the stringer for you to be able to push harder without sliding out on waves of consequence, without losing the twin maneuverability in tight pockets. This fin setup gives you more options when you just want to throw a board in your car and surf any conditions given.
The result is a mod performance upgrade that can be enjoyed not only in small waves, but waves of varying shape and size with the stability to drive through more powerful surf..
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'0" x 19.25" x 2.31" (24.2L)
5'2" x 19.75" x 2.44" (27.1L)
5'4" x 20.25" x 2.56" (30L)
5'6" x 20.75" x 2.66" (33L)
5'7" x 20.88" x 2.68" (34L)
5'8" x 21" x 2.71" (35.1L)
5'9" x 21.25" x 2.73" (36.3L)
5'10" x 21.5" x 2.75" (37.5L)
5'11" x 21.75" x 2.78" (38.9L)
6'0" x 22" x 2.80" (40.2L)
6'2" x 22.5" x 2.85" (43L)
6'4" x 22.75" x 2.94" (46.1L)
THE DARK TWINN
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'6" x 19-3/8" x 2-5/8" (28.86L)
5'7" x 19-1/2" x 2-5/8" (29.48L)
5'8" x 19-3/4" x 2-11/16" (31.03L)
5'10" x 20" x 2-3/4" (33.13L)
6" x 20-1/2" x 2-13/16" (35.87L)
6'2" x 21" x 2-7/8" (38.69L)
6'4" x 21-1/2" x 3-1/8" (43.93L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE DARK HORSE
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'6" x 19-3/8" x 2-5/8" (28.86L)
5'7" x 19-1/2" x 2-5/8" (29.48L)
5'8" x 19-3/4" x 2-11/16" (31.03L)
5'10" x 20" x 2-3/4" (33.13L)
6' x 20-1/2" x 2-13/16" (35.87L)
6'2" x 21" x 2-7/8" (38.69L)
6/4" x 21-1/2" x 3-1/8" (43.93L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE WRECKING BALL
Progression keeps us moving forward. The Wrecking Ball combines features from a full nosed, beveled rail short board that Ben experimented with in 1977, with the high performance bottom contours of the Hitman and a double bat tail for edge control and bite. The result is a high performance super groveler that will skate thru those soft days and pivot in the in critical sections on demand crushing thru like a wrecking ball...Dominantly designed as a quad, but stock set up as a 5 fin for thruster option.
Wave type: Ideal for knee high to overhead conditions.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
As a super groveler, Order this board at 2-3” shorter than your daily driver or as a midlength 4-6” taller.
5’10" x 20-1/2” x 2-3/4” (35.89L)
6' x 20-3/4” x 2-3/4” (37.36L)
6/2" x 21” x 2-13/16” (39.79L)
6/4" x 21-1/2” x 2-7/8” (42.74L)
6/6" x 21-1/2” x 2-7/8” (43.89L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE BIG BOY STING
The Big Boy Sting circa late 90’s /early 2000’s era, is Bens most repeatedly built board. A favored model for 210 pound plus surfer, the Big Boy Sting is designed with the big guys ( or ladies) in mind. Thickness where is counts and tapered rails for maneuverability. Available in Swallow Tail or Round Tail options. Set up as a Quad plus longbox or 5-fin set up.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
7’ x 23-1/4” x 3-1/2” (59.53L)
7’4" x 23-5/8” x 3-5/8” (66.36L)
7’6" x 23-11/16” x 3-3/4” (70.41L)
8' x 23-3/8” x 3-13/16” (74.89L)
8'4" x 23-1/4” x 3-7/8” (78.91L)
8'6" x 23-3/16” x 3-7/8” (80.25L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE BIG BROTHER STING
The Big Brother Sting is one of AIPA’s staple, high performance longboards. Ideal for any surf condition Made for enhanced maneuverability for Big guy fun! Available in swallow tail and rounded pin tail.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
8' x 23-1/4" x 3-1/2" (72.4L)
8'4" x 23-5/8" x 3-5/8" (79.34L)
9' x 23-1/2" x 3-7/8" (91.27L)
9'2" x 23-1/2" x 3-7/8" (92.66L)
9'6" x 23-7/16" x 4" (99.12L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
DA BUTTZ
Buttons was known for innovating insane, never seen before maneuvers in the 70’s, such as the carving 360. Originally a kneeboard design, in 1976, Ben Aipa modified DA BUTTZ as a compact groveler style funboard. The modifications made the board faster and looser than antiquated Fishes of the era, which made it possible for Uncle Buttons to play around with skate style antics on small SouthShore waves.
From ankle to head high fun this is the one. We consider DA BUTTZ to be the ideal fish alternative that shares a similar short squatty concept with a ton of volume packed in, and flat rocker characteristics of a fish, but is enhanced by the Sting design element and outrageously wide swallow tail for responsive and unique fun performance feeling, that makes those weaker small days feel lively.
DA BUTTZ boasts a classic Ben Aipa bottom contour progression from Roll, vee to double concave with vee out the tail, incorporating the hydroplane speed boat inspired “Bevel Rails”. A 45 degree split rail design element that provides increased lift/speed, rail to rail reduced surface area for heightened performance, and positive rail control for carves.
When the rest of the crowd is being overly serious on their shortboards and mid-lengths, DA BUTTZ will keep your surfing playful and alive!
Wave range: Below average to average/ Ankle to head high
Fin Configuration: Standard set up is Single Fin box with optional Twin or Quad additions.
Suggested Fins: Primary/Single/(NVS) 7.5” MOD CLUTCH, Secondary/Twin(NVS) AHI TWINS Alternative/(NVS)Triton Keels, Alternative Quad: DNA Sequencer Quads
Design Range: 4’10” to 6’0”
Target Sizing: 4-6” below standard shortboard with 3 L of more added volume depending on skill level.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
4’10" x 20” x 2.43” (26.5L)
5’0" x 20.75” x 2.5” (29.3L)
5’2" x 21.5” x 2.62” (32.9L)
5’4" x 21.75” x 2.75” (36L)
5’6" x 22” x 2.82” (38.5L)
5’8" x 22.25” x 2.88” (40.9L)
5’10" x 22.5” x 2.94” (43.5L)
6’0" x 23” x 3” (46.8L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
DA KAISER STING
One of Bens favorite testing grounds for new board designs was a spot called “Kaisers” on the South Shore of Oahu. The Kaiser is modeled after one of Bens personal favorites, made popular by his gouging cutback caught on film by Warren Bolster. This modern version is available in 4 plus 1 or 5 fin set-ups and includes Bens iconic “beveled rails”. The king of all around surfboards… good in every condition.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
5'10" x 20-3/4" x 2-5/8" (36.02L)
6' x 21-1/4" x 2-3/4" (39.78L)
6'2" x 21-1/2" x 2-3/4" (41.28L)
6'4" x 21-3/4" x 2-13/16" (44.04L)
6'6" x 22" x 2-7/8" (46.93L)
6'8" x 22-5/16" x 3" (50.67L)
6'10" x 22-5/8" x 3-1/4" (56.81L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE MICRO TANK
The Micro Tank is the scaled down version of its predecessor the Mini Tank which was a short performance modern longboard developed by Ben in the early 80’s. The ultimate in groveling, the Micro Tank is designed with fun in mind. Longboard paddle,shortboard manueverability. Standard fin set up allows for the board to surfed as a single fin, a quad or a TWIN!
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
6’6” x 21” x 2-3/4” (43.8L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE M-2 (MIMI-2)
A classic modern longboard designed after the original Mimi model For Mimi Horiuchi, this current version possesses a more performance style mid rail, Moderate nose rocker with rolled bottom starting at the nose transitioning to a vee bottom to a double concave to a vee out the tail. An overall performance/noseriding dream board.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
9'0" x 22-¼" x 2-13/16"
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE APEX MLB STING
The APEX MLB ( Modern Longboard) STING is the mash-up of Ben's Kanoa Comp model and the MLB Sting. Featuring a rail profile reflective of a current high performance shortboard for performance and bottom contours that compliment noseriding capabilities, the APEX MLB combos the best of both worlds and is the Apex predator of it's kind.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
9'2" x 22-3/4" x 2-13/16"
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE TITAN GLIDER
The Titan Glider combines All of the key attributes of a California Glider inspired by the ancient wood OLO surfed by Hawaiian royalty and Powered by the Sting element, the Titan will make it possible to Glide from peak to peak with ease.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
11'3" x 24-1/2" x 4-9/16“
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
'65 MAKAHA CLASSIC
The 65 MAKAHA is a classic longboard designed to resonate Ben's personal board made at Surfboards Makaha in the mid 60's that already showed how far ahead he was in his designs. Available in CLASSIC and MOD. The CLASSIC features your typical 1960’s style 50/50 Rails from the nose down with a heavy rolled bottom, while the MOD is a modern take on the model with Bens transitioned 60/40 Rails, rolled bottom, to vee to double concave.
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
9'3" x 23-1/4" x 3-1/4“
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE
THE AHI TWIN | BY DUKE AIPA
The Ahi Twin is a performance oriented upright twin, designed by Duke Aipa, for his Dark Twinn model as well as other high performance twins and twinnies. The wide base provides loads of drive and the upright template and refined tip provide increased maneuverability over more classic twin fin outlines. These fins are ideal for increased speed and fluid rail to rail transitions.
THE FUNBOY
The Funboy is based off of the KRV model that Ben made for Kanoa Dahlin. This redesign was focused on creating a versatile beginner to intermediate board that works in all conditions. The boards generous forward section allows for getting into waves with ease, and with the pulled in tail, makes it easy to maneuver. Standard fin set up allows for the board to surfed as a single fin, a quad or a TWIN!
SUGGESTED DIMENSIONS:
7’2” x 21-5/8” x 2-3/4”(46L)
7’6” x 22-1/2” x 2-7/8”(53L)
7’10” x 23” x 3” (59L)
CUSTOM SIZES ALSO AVAILABLE