The Firewire Seaside surfboard, designed by the legendary surfer Rob Machado, has cemented itself as a staple within the surfing community. Renowned for its exceptional versatility, high-performance capabilities, and unmatched aesthetic appeal, the Firewire Seaside stands out among a crowded marketplace of surfboards. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the core elements that make this surfboard a favorite among surfers worldwide. We will examine its specifications, unique performance features, and provide comparisons with similar models to help you determine if the Firewire Seaside is the ideal addition to your quiver. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer chasing barrels or an intermediate still honing your skills, the Firewire Seaside might be the ultimate surfboard to elevate your surfing experience.
A Brief History of Firewire Surfboards
Since its inception in 2006, Firewire Surfboards has consistently redefined the boundaries of surfboard design and construction. The brand has become synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and exceptional performance. Firewire’s mission has always been to push the limits of what’s possible, creating boards that are lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly.
Firewire has become a leader in sustainable surfboard production by utilizing eco-conscious materials like EPS foam cores and bio-resins. These materials reduce the overall weight of the board while enhancing durability and maintaining excellent buoyancy. The innovative use of these materials has not only contributed to the board’s performance but also to the overall health of our oceans and planet.
Firewire’s commitment to pushing design boundaries doesn’t stop at materials. The brand has cultivated partnerships with some of the most influential surfers, including Rob Machado, Kelly Slater, and Daniel “Tomo” Thomson. These collaborations have resulted in some of the most groundbreaking surfboard designs in recent history. Rob Machado’s partnership with Firewire, in particular, has been instrumental in creating some of the most celebrated boards in the market. The Firewire Seaside stands as a testament to the synergy between artistic vision and functional performance.
Specifications and Features
Dimensions and Sizes
One of the most notable aspects of the Firewire Seaside is its range of dimensions, which ensures compatibility with a wide variety of surfer preferences, body types, and wave conditions:
These various size options ensure that surfers of different skill levels, wave preferences, and body types can find the perfect fit. Whether you’re seeking a compact board for quick, sharp maneuvers or a slightly longer board for added paddle power and stability, the Firewire Seaside caters to a wide range of needs.
Construction – Built to Perform and Last
At the heart of the Firewire Seaside is Firewire’s proprietary Helium technology. Helium construction is a hallmark of lightweight durability, ensuring that the Seaside delivers both agility and long-term performance. The board’s core is constructed from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which is significantly lighter than traditional polyurethane. This lightweight core offers enhanced responsiveness, making the board feel alive and reactive underfoot.
The rails of the Seaside are crafted from sustainably sourced paulownia and balsa wood. These materials add strength and rigidity while keeping the overall weight minimal. The combination of EPS foam, bio-resins, and sustainably sourced materials results in a surfboard that is both lightweight and durable, able to endure the wear and tear of daily surfing. The Helium construction also provides a lively, springy feel that amplifies the board’s overall performance.
Key Performance Features
Fish Tail
The distinct fish tail design of the Firewire Seaside increases the board’s surface area at the rear, providing enhanced stability and speed. This design allows for tight, controlled turns while maintaining excellent drive in down-the-line surfing. The fish tail provides a wider base of support, ensuring better control in critical moments, especially during bottom turns and cutbacks.
Quad Fin Setup
The quad fin setup, custom-designed by Rob Machado, enhances speed and maneuverability. This configuration delivers a responsive, exhilarating ride, making the Seaside well-suited for a variety of surf conditions. The quad fin setup helps to maintain speed and control during sharp turns and high-energy maneuvers, giving surfers more versatility in how they approach different waves.
Double Concave Bottom
The double concave bottom running from the midpoint to the tail channels water efficiently, creating lift and generating remarkable speed. This feature ensures the Seaside glides effortlessly even in smaller waves, enhancing the board’s performance in mushy or weaker conditions. The double concave also improves rail-to-rail transitions, making the board more maneuverable and responsive.
Balanced Volume Distribution
The foam distribution in the Seaside is strategically concentrated under the chest, which helps with paddling and stability. Tapered rails and a thinner tail ensure that the board responds sharply to directional inputs, allowing for precise performance on the wave face. This balanced volume distribution gives the Seaside a stable yet performance-oriented feel, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced riders.
Wave Compatibility
The Firewire Seaside has earned a reputation for its adaptability to a wide range of surf conditions:
Small, Playful Waves: The Seaside generates speed effortlessly, even in mushy or weaker waves. Its design helps maintain momentum, making it an ideal choice for smaller, less powerful conditions.
Larger, More Powerful Waves: The Seaside provides excellent stability and control in overhead surf, making it a reliable choice for more challenging waves.
Beach, Reef, and Point Breaks: The Seaside excels across all types of breaks, making it a versatile option for surfers looking to explore different surf trips and conditions.
Who Should Ride the Seaside?
Intermediate Surfers
The Seaside’s forgiving design makes it an excellent option for surfers progressing to the intermediate level. Its easy paddling and wave-catching abilities help intermediate surfers build confidence and refine their skills, making it a reliable board for those looking to advance.
Advanced Surfers
Experienced surfers can push the Seaside to its limits, leveraging its speed, agility, and maneuverability to execute dynamic, high-energy maneuvers. The Seaside is responsive enough to handle critical sections of steep waves while providing the speed needed for quick, sharp turns.
Travel Enthusiasts
For traveling surfers, the Seaside is a dream come true. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to transport, while its adaptability ensures you’re prepared for a variety of conditions. Whether you’re chasing waves in remote locations or traveling to different surf destinations, the Firewire Seaside is an excellent choice for a travel board.
Comparisons – The Seaside vs Other Popular Models
Firewire Seaside vs Firewire Go Fish
Design: The Go Fish focuses on speed and flow with a keel fin setup, while the Seaside offers enhanced versatility with its quad fins.
Suitability: The Seaside’s broader performance range makes it ideal for all-around use, especially in varying conditions.
Performance: The Seaside delivers more speed and maneuverability, especially in steeper waves, compared to the Go Fish.
Firewire Seaside vs Lost Puddle Jumper
Wave Compatibility: The Puddle Jumper thrives in small, mushy waves, but the Seaside handles a wider range of conditions, including steeper waves.
Performance: The Seaside delivers more speed and maneuverability, especially in more critical wave sections, making it a better option for more advanced surfers.
Firewire Seaside vs Channel Islands Rocket Wide
Durability: The Seaside’s Helium construction outlasts the Rocket Wide’s PU build, making it a better long-term investment.
Performance: The Seaside provides more responsive and controlled rides, especially in varied wave conditions.
Is the Firewire Seaside Right for You?
The Firewire Seaside embodies the perfect balance of innovation, performance, and sustainability. Whether you’re an intermediate surfer seeking progression or an advanced surfer exploring dynamic possibilities, this board caters to all skill levels. Its ability to handle diverse wave conditions, paired with its eco-friendly and durable construction, cements its reputation as one of the most versatile and reliable surfboards available today.
For surfers who demand excellence from their equipment, the Firewire Seaside isn’t just a surfboard—it’s an experience.
