Slater Designs "Flat Earth" Surfboard talk with Akila Aipa

Where to Buy Fins:
HP Keels:www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/fins/products/surf-n-show-hp-keels-twin-fins
Where to buy Boards:
The Surf Station: www.surfstationstore.com/collections/slater-designs-surfboards/products/firewire-flat-earth-lft-surfboard-fcs-ii
Surfboard Empire (Aus / NZ): surfboardempire.com.au/collections/firewire/products/firewireflatearthlft
Surf Ontario (Canada): surfontario.ca/collections/slater-designs/products/firewire-slater-designs-flat-earth
In this episode Akila Aipa and I talk about the new Slater Designs "Flat Earth" model. The "Flat Earth" review drops Monday Feb 15th. Stay Tuned!!!.
My Height: 5'9"
Weight: 160 lb or 72.57 kg
Stock Boards I am reviewing:
5'5" (25.9L)
5'6" (27.1L)
5'7" (28.4L)
Watch the full review next week to see what Stock board I like best and why.
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[@BobbyJetty1502]

Kelly should feel humble for getting to work Akila. Yes I know Kelly's the 11 time world champion, however the AIPA family's roots in shaping run deep. Thank you Noel so much. You one bad shreadah, a sic rippa. Much Aloha & respect. Best luck in all your future endeavors in and out of the water. The Jetty Crew 🌊🔱🤙

[@thebensman9786]

Must have one immediately (if not sooner) as a pure twin with Noel’s checkered keel fins! 🔥 🏄‍♂️🤙🏼 Congratulations 🍾 to Mr. Aipa as well! Bravo 👏 GOAT 🐐 also

[@SlickWillie]

picked up a 6'0'' @ 36.1 liters yesterday from the boys at rip curl in SC. . never bought a board before seeing more reviews, but i have been wanting a performance oriented twin for a while and didnt want to wait 15 weeks for a custom spinetek fishbeard! I also didnt want the review to drop - and it be out of stock as these boards are already starting to disappear at your local shops!!!! good luck finding 6'0's right now in futures!! looking forward to the next swell here in about a week to take this board out. i have 3 fin sets to try which should all go well with this board -- my buddy has Noels keel set which i will try out, AMK keels, Son of cobra twin fin set as they are larger than akilas fin, slightly smaller than the EN fin and also have a huge 7 degree of cant ( splay) which should help increase drive and stability.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The AM Keels will go good along with my Keels. I think the Son of Cobra Twins might be to small and not offer enough hold.

[@SlickWillie]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 will most likely try the cobras out with a t1 stabilizer for sure. Ei

[@goncaloFOD]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Noel yours HP Keels compared to AM Keels have less hold and more pivot right? HP will make a board more loose and more sharp in turns right?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@goncaloFOD You are correct... the AM Keels offer more hold due to them having more fin area and more rake. My HP Keels offer good hold, better pivot and release.

[@akilaaipa6698]

How’s she feeling?

[@matthewminolli2409]

Reviewing a range of volumes on stock dimensions for a single board is super helpful and informative! Looking forward to hearing more about Akilas design!

[@surfdog306]

Im glad you brought the liter issue up Noel. I was disappointed that the 600 was 36 then the next available size (602) jumped way up to 40 liters. Hopefully i can feel up the 602 in person to see if the 40 would be way to big for me.

[@goncaloFOD]

I Had the same problem with the 5'3 and 5'5... there should be an 5'4! I got the 5'3 but i bought before it was released and before Noel and Kevin advises regard the volume. I hope it works well!

[@derekjohnlamoya2037]

Akila Aipa, has really matured in surfboard shaping. If Kelly is liking it, it must be good. No doubt got a lot of knowledge from his Dad Ben (RIP).

[@caseymccormack2000]

Great interview as always.. Looking forward to the review. Interesting that quite a few people say add liters'. Does this board effect your collaboration with Akila at all? How does it compare to the board you and Akila were working on? I'm sure these are all questions that will be answered during the review. Have a great day Noel.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The board I am working on with Akila is a bit different and they surf different too. The one we are working on together has a fish DNA with a bit wider tail. I will not be talking about this in the Flat Earth review... I will be focused on sizing the board right along with fin options. I might do a vlog on the different Akila models later on.

[@patrickyoung2106]

Board looks like a fantastic shape. Nice one guys.

[@Connor33558]

Please try it with a standard thruster set in the review just to experiment and compare. Also which fins you would recommend if you wanted an additional set to have more hold for bigger waves to expand the boards range.

[@TomekKosalka]

Really psyched to see the full review, this board looks sick!

[@kungfusurfboards3910]

So glad that Akila Aipa is getting the recognition. He rips he makes awesome boards . Use to love watching his surfing in Taylor Steele vids. His design has inspired me now to make twinnnies . Noel looks like has a MUSHTANG ( flies through mush ) on the winged swallow version and this model. Akila needs this after his dad passing . This shows what a Great Shaper Ben was ,now with Akila putting in some secret sauce . I feel he's the best shaper on the planet at the moment.

[@akilaaipa6698]

🙏🏾 mahalo 🤙🏾

[@BobbyJetty1502]

Yes, about time ya. 🌊🔱

[@finbarjentsch1139]

Just got this in 5’8, almost 6ltrs bigger than my standard thruster! Can’t wait to try it out on some nice long lefts! Bit difficult with lockdown but soon... gotta say the rails on this board feel amazing, the foil is something else (very drastic change in thickness from centre out to rail, but done very subtly - feels like a piece of art)

[@akilaaipa6698]

thank you I take pride in my rail foil and glad u like how it feels, more importantly please let me how they respond for you, aloha 🤙🏾

[@jjwinter04]

how did it go?!

[@ItsJustBunny1]

Wow that board looks like it lets you do some really sharp surfing. I want one even more now. Just need to get the sizing right. Cant wait for the full review

[@yannickhaddouche7800]

Hello, I surf 5'7 flat earth. Fun and perf on beach breaks here in France. What is your Twin fins recomandations for 156 lbs weight please? with Future system. I actually put AMT 2+1 Al merrick. It gives me lot of pivot. Funky in small waves but I need more speed down the line on bigger waves, and have too much pivot too. Thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I suggest Akila Aipa Twins with the AMT Trailer. You can also get the T1’s for more drive.

[@Stephen_Burton]

My local shop has stock Aipa for ever...

[@gavh2289]

Love the content, this has been a great help!!!

[@surfcommunity2994]

Great feedback. I can't wait to see the whole video !

[@nmcmatic]

Noel I comment and thumbs up all your videos before they start! Thank you for your channel.

[@antoniomonteiro2660]

Hey Joel, loved the video. Suggestion -- can you please post videos on pure surf too? I learn a lot from just watching you surf. Thanks man!

[@markroughley2802]

Thx to Akila and Noel for an informative chat ,just got th 5’8’,and loving it but am definitely thinking of getting the 5’9’ as a mini step up ,this helped heaps

[@jjwinter04]

how much you weigh bro?

[@Stomperproductions]

What are your thoughts on the 6'2 (40L) vs the 6'4 (45.8L) in theory? Only 2" in length but a crazy 5.8L in volume! I would like to try a 40L board (currently on a 43L) but for this type of board it sounds like a couple of litres more would be better. But 6L is a lot more than a couple...

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

How do you weigh? What is your skill level? What board are you on right now that is 43L?

[@Stomperproductions]

​@@surfnshowreviews7777 haha important information missing! I didnt actually think i would get an in depth answer, so stoked you asked! I am 6'5 + 210lbs. Not sure what defines each skill level but am happy as popping up and pumping down the line on anything from knee high to a foot overhead (if it is crumbling and not barreling). Havent had much time to work on turns because i am living on a shitty beach break that closes out quite fast so have been working more on speed. However, when it is bigger and crumbling it peels a bit nicer and i am starting to work on cutbacks and bottom/top turns. I am also surfing every single day there is a wave (sometimes twice) so progressing reasonably well. Using your volume formula video i have assumed beginner/intermediate for now, which puts me at 210/6 = 35L, then add 5-7L = 40-42L. Currently i ride a 6'6 x 21-3/4 x 2-7/8 (43.2L) custom board from a local shaper that i had made a while ago. It is PU, has a rounded pin and a pretty full nose. I use it mainly in bigger waves because i didnt like it in small waves with the center of the volume so far in front of me with the fuller nose. For small waves/grovelling i have a 6'0 x 22-7/8 x 2-15/16 (44.8L) Firewire Seaside. I like the shorter length but dont like how thick it is or how it surfs on bigger waves (the lightness and volume seems to get skittish when going fast and it is a bit choppy). I am going down the rabbit hole of trying different boards to see what i like and how design features work in different conditions hence my interest in the Flat Earth. But yeah, as per the original question, the 6'2 - 6'4 has a very big jump in volume for a small difference in length. I dont really want to have more volume than what i already ride, but the general consensus on the Flat Earth does seem to be to ride it bigger. That being said, i am concerned about dropping down 3L on my normal volume (43L to 40L) at the same time as going to a looser and narrower board design. I also dont actually know what my normal volume should be since i dont know where i am on the spectrum... Thanks style master Salas!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@Stomperproductions I like the idea of 41-43L for you. I suggest a different board… maybe check out the New Mash Up by Firewire. I am working on the review now and it will hit the shops middle of this month. It Carrie’s good speed and offers a bit more performance compared to the Seaside. It’s easy to surf and I think you will have better volume options.

[@Stomperproductions]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks!! Looking forward to the Mashup review! Is the Mashup applicable noting that I will still keep my Seaside for smaller waves so am just looking for a board for the shoulder and above wave range?

[@Stomperproductions]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 alternatively, thoughts on the best board to progress my surfing from where it is at now and teaches good technique?

[@df238]

Akila is such a cool humble dude. Really want this board, concerned about literage, I want to go small but not sure about float.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I will cover that in the full review we are dropping on Monday. Hang tight

[@df238]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 awesome, thank you.

[@akilaaipa6698]

Mahalo 🤙🏾 dad had a good way of keeping me grounded and paying attention to what’s in front of me not behind. “We’re only as good as the last board we make” he would say. Noel will help break down differences in liters and fin options. Aloha

[@daninaylor5305]

I heard you can ride it up to around 2 litres more than your regular board without it feeling too big , I have checked a bunch of them" hands on" and would go with the 5'7" personally, but that was the only one not available to try.The 5'8" looks fine also.For reference I ride Cymatic and omni in 5'4" , No brainer in 5'6" and Frk in 5'10". Hope that helps. I'm about 82kilos when i breathe in deep .

[@df238]

@@daninaylor5305 Excellent, thanks for the heads up.🤙

[@monkeypawism]

Very excited. Might be the only board I'm allowed to buy for 2021.

[@akilaaipa6698]

😂 I hope it won’t let you down 🤙🏾

[@prosurfer27]

Why you didn’t ask him about the similarity to the “winged twin” ? Can you address it on your full review?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

They are similar.... I will not cover this in the review. I will be more focused on sizing the Flat Earth for our community to make a solid decision along with different fin set up.

[@sazemi]

we all think in the same way

[@madprof6719]

Looking forward to this. Think all of those boards looked good under your feet.

[@chrro466]

I learn so much from Akilas narrative and I’m going to grab one of these boards to feel in practice how his theories work. Great education. Thanks 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@akilaaipa6698]

Aloha 🤙🏾

[@BobbyJetty1502]

Yes, the AIPA family's influence on surfboard design not just in Hawaii but all over the globe is huge. Much respect and Aloha

[@Stephen_Burton]

I surfed the 5'5 and it was really skaty, loose and the 5'7 was much more stable and held great. I absolutely say go an inch 2 easy up the extra litters and rail line helped on this board It's cool actually the first time I've rode 2 boards prior to a review and felt the same thing you guys were talking about as far as feel and size.. but like both

[@akilaaipa6698]

I even have to come up in liters, I’m glad we are all on the same page as it was designed for a greater community so I think almost everyone will go 1-3 liters up. Aloha 🤙🏾

[@Stephen_Burton]

@@akilaaipa6698 I love the board! Love what you are doing with your shaping and being a part of the normal surf community! Awesome you responded on this thread.. and your twin fins and wing twin is my fav!! Our local shop here in Pensacola FL. always had the Aipa name in it and your are rocking rite along.... Thanks

[@akilaaipa6698]

Dad taught me the strength of our business is built on serving the general daily surfer with custom designs and customer service. Pros and industry guys can ride anything and can always get deals on boards. But our concern is providing a service, path and communication to get exactly what you want and need. I appreciate everyone that orders a board and try to service and consult with them the best I can. Mahalo

[@stevehills5753]

@@akilaaipa6698 I just picked up the 5’8” I’m 5’9” 155 and went more liters like everyone was saying. I’ve heard at least here in so cal the board goes great when the waves are really pumping, can’t wait to test it out.

[@Stephen_Burton]

What happened to your board you colabed on?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Akila and I are still working on that model. Hang tight....

[@Stephen_Burton]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 great to hear! I'll be watching

[@andrewwright3676]

I wish him all the best. Really looking forward to seeing the full review

[@Nick-oi6vk]

Was that a breach at 2:40 in the background?

[@josesnowsneves5132]

Nice ;)

[@ThePokersurfer]

Go Akila Go!!! Noel yes try head high with +4cl ....... World of a difference

[@zachbriones3213]

So does he think the earth is flat? Why would he call a surfboard model flat earth, what about round earth? Or is the name just to get kooks like me to comment on the review videos and spark curiosity on the board and our (plane)t? 🧐🤪🍿Lol either way looks like an epic shape. Great interview and surfing Noel!

[@middleagedshred]

Kelly Slater said in a recent interview that he couldnt believe people thought the earth was flat and growing up in florida where the waves where mostly flat was where the name was inspired..if its ok with the main man mr surf and show himself i,ll dig out the interview and post a link..

[@akilaaipa6698]

Haha I don’t think the earth is flat, I didn’t name the model. I just focus on the intricacies that make it special. 🤙🏾

[@zachbriones3213]

@@akilaaipa6698 Legend!

[@middleagedshred]

The legend himself....all thats missing now is a comment from Mr Kelly Slater himself..)

[@mentalsurfaustralia]

Such a good surfboard I use twin Christenson fcs2 and the little stabilise small one Kelly Slater unreal good

[@jay999tv]

I need a 5’6💚

[@catinthehat8412]

I think your really good surfer and shaper

[@akilaaipa6698]

Mahalo 🤙🏾

[@twister4489]

Just picked up a brand new Flat Earth, 6’4”. Can’t wait to get on it!

[@sazemi]

For me still the "SEXY" spirit.

[@paulaa1175]

No offence intended, but they don't look like they drive well. Those massive wings are big breaks in flow and there's lost float through turns. That's why people are going up in literage. As an older surfer/shaper - the round-tail flyer twin was tried early '80s - I had a couple: there's something tricky in marrying the essential two-sided flow of a twin with a small round tail 'holding' shape. Then you offset the hold with big flyers ... the thing is contradicting itself too much IMHO. The holding round tail with twin was (back then) ingeniously advanced when someone (Mr Anderson) figured out to add a central fin as hold ... hmmm, I think they called it 'the thruster'. So the 'Flat Earth' name - yeah I think it's a shapers' joke - before the modern science of thrusters took over ... we used to believe in winged RT twins.

[@BobbyJetty1502]

Try one, then let us know how it goes. Good or really good. Mahalo🌊🔱

[@88jonpaul]

Akila Aipa Modern Fish or Flat earth?!

[@akilaaipa6698]

Both will offer a nice step away from the standard performance shortboard. 🤙🏾

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I say try both... the Modern Fish is faster, grovels better, and more user friendly. The Flat Earth pivots faster and enables you to ride more foam without sacrificing performance. That’s my two cents.

[@88jonpaul]

Thanks for the response guys!!! 🙏🏻 I’m on a seaside recommended by Noel - I’m very curious about your boards Akila....just not sure which one to try as I can probably only get one of those boards!

[@kayandmarcos3271]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 great insights! 🙏

[@akilaaipa6698]

I will say the modern fish is my personal favorite design to ride daily. 🤙🏾

[@cheyneoglass4335]

Eddie Bravo has entered the chat ...

[@justspacegoatfarts]

"Flat Earth" , top class trolling , EPIC

[@clo3342]

....but the price.

[@DoN_SaNji]

The earth rotates from west to east And The eclipse sun begins in the west and ends in the east as well ... so how is that? Even the North Star is always in the north, and it tells to you that the Earth's axis of rotation is shifting during the course of the seasons ... Ok, how is that? There is a compass for the north, but there is no compass for the south ... even though the magnetic field is equal between the poles ... so how the heck? They are not stupid, but arrogance Sorry my english not good

[@xroadwalker]

To much tech gibberish. Put it under ya arm .. feels good!? Out dere buda