Firewire surfboards definitely have an interesting and fascinating history, thanks to the man and…read morelegend behind the boards, Aussie Shaper, Nev Hyman. I've been fortunate enough to meet the legend and own several of Nev's designs, the Firewire Dominator, the Spitfire, and me newest accusition, the Sebastian Williams's Pro Model, some of the top shortboards in surfin' today. Firewire has definitely become one of the world's best known manufacturers of epoxy surfboards.
In 1975, Nev Hyman started Odyessy Surfboards, in Perth, Western Australia (me home). In 1981, Nev changed the name to Nev Surfboards. Although I wouldn't be born for another 6 years, I was jus a mere thought at the time; but me pops explained the importance of Nev and his contribution to the surfin' world. He than truly became one of the best at designing blanks for some of the best surfers in the world. In 1998, Nev once again changed the name of his company to Nev Future Shapes (I reckon too many name changes mate). During this time his boards went global, producing thousands a year. About 1992, Nev began to tinker wiv computer designed shaping of surfboards and eventually hooked up wiv Bert Berger who introduced him to high-tech, handmade surfboards, that included a high density composite top and bottom and balsa handrails.
In 2006, Firewire Surfboards finally made their giant leap onto the surfin' scene, wiv the years of experience, knowledge, and passion of Nev Hyman along wiv computer guru, Bert Berger and kick arse designer Dan Mann. The boards were now completely created using CAD systems, allowing for the perfect board, to be consistently created, wivout the slight variations in shape. Former 2009 Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion, and fellow Western OZ mate, Taj Burrow, rocked his Firewire to his epic rides during the Pipeline Masters, at Banzai Pipeline and also winning the 2010 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Cup, in Gold Coast, OZ. Taj followed that up again, winning the 2012 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Cup and finally the 2012 Cold Water Classic, in Santa Cruz, CA.
All Firewire surfboards are made using Expanded Polystyrene Foam. This is far more environmentally friendly than polyurethane and can be recycled. Firewire uses a heavier core which allows for faster direction executed during rail changes. All Firwire boards only use epoxy resins, again more environmentally friendly. Firewire's claim to fame are their Parabloic Balsa Rails, for control of flexibility and feel. The boards consist of high density aerospace composite foam, which makes it much more stonger and durable than conventional polyurethane boards. Firewire also creates boards wiv carbon rods in the interior for strength and help to control the flex. They also make a really trippy Springer Technology board, that essentially has springs layered underneath the skin of the deck. These Springer boards are what Taj Burrow rides, it creates a stiffer and snappier reflex response. The name Firewire certainly hasn't been around as long as it's creator and surfin' lengend Nev Hyman, but the quality of Nev's boards will definitely be around hopefully for generations to come, and will inevitably be ridden by some of the top ASP Tour Pros. Cheers, from one fellow Western Aussie to another, Amazing Job Mate!
