The Genesis of a Quiver Killer

The story begins not in a shaping bay, but with a challenge: what single surfboard could handle the diverse conditions of a cross-country cycling trip across Australia? Shaper Simon Jones faced this question, needing a board capable of performing on everything from mellow point breaks to powerful beach breaks and reef passes. The answer, as it turned out, was a radical rethinking of the twin-fin concept.

While channel bottoms and twin fins weren’t new concepts, their combination, particularly in a mid-length design, proved revolutionary. “The mid-length channel bottom keel twin was born — the simple idea of a one-board quiver coming together with the latest innovations the pair had been developing in high-performance twins,” explains needessentials. This wasn’t merely an incremental improvement; it was a paradigm shift.

Early Influences and the Power of Visual Storytelling

For many surfers, the initial exposure to this design came through the captivating films of Perry Gershkow. Watching Torren Martyn carve lines in Tesoro Enterrado was a revelation. The fluid, drawn-out turns, combined with the film’s aesthetic, left a lasting impression. The follow-up, Thank You Mother, further cemented the board’s allure, influencing a generation of surfers to seek out similar designs.

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Recently, needessentials revisited this iconic board, giving it another run in the waves. The results reaffirmed everything that made it special: early entry, extended lines, and an abundance of speed and flow. The board’s recent resurgence has sparked renewed interest and a wave of imitators, a testament to its enduring appeal.

What is it about this particular design that resonates so deeply with surfers? Is it the simplicity, the versatility, or the sheer joy of gliding across the water with effortless speed? The answer, likely, is a combination of all three.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of surfboard design and the evolution of surfing, resources like Surfline’s guide to surfboard design offer valuable insights. And for a look at the broader history of twin-fin surfing, The Inertia’s exploration of the twin-fin revolution provides essential context.

A Personal Connection to the Design

I was fortunate enough to experience the magic of a Simon Jones channel-bottom twin fin firsthand. After being captivated by Tesoro Enterrado, I sought out a board from the shaper. The demand was immense, but a connection with the late Kirk Gee (RIP) allowed me to acquire a 7’2” “Massive” that quickly became my go-to board.

The maiden voyage on a late-summer swell at Uppers was unforgettable. The board felt alive underfoot, effortlessly connecting with the wave. Since then, it’s accompanied me on surf trips from San Diego to Santa Cruz, Barra de la Cruz to Jeffreys Bay, excelling in everything from small, playful waves to larger, more demanding conditions. It’s a testament to the design’s versatility and the skill of Simon Jones.

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