Firewire SEASIDE Swallow Helium 2 (5'2-6'0) Futures Limited Edition

Rob Machado's inspiration for the Seaside surfboard was to elevate the Go Fish design, seeking a more high-performance ride. "I wanted to feel more carving and tighter turns," he explains.

To achieve this, Machado refined the Seaside's design by reducing the tail area, narrowing the swallow tips, and adding more curve and a narrower nose. So, why is the Seaside exclusively a quad-fin surfboard? Machado's approach was to design the concaves and bottom contours specifically with a quad-fin setup in mind. He revamped his concave setup, previously used on the Moonbeam and Go Fish, to work seamlessly with the quad fins.

The surfboard's namesake, Seaside, holds special meaning for Machado, as it's his home break. "Naming surfboards is incredibly challenging," he admits with a laugh. "The Seaside just feels like the perfect board when I'm surfing at home."

Lastly, Machado chose to build the Seaside using Helium technology. His reasoning? "While I initially made a Seaside in LFT for Tahiti, most surfers will ride this board in smaller beach breaks and point breaks. Helium's light, responsive, and flexy nature, combined with its durability, makes it the ideal choice for the Seaside in weaker waves."

Wave Type

An evolution of the Go Fish, the Seaside is built to excel in small and weak waves. Think of this shape for ripping, while the Go Fish stays cruisey and fun. Recommended in 1-5’ surf, skewing towards poor/flat conditions.

Board Features

One of the most popular outlines, this shape is inviting, fun and forgiving, with plenty of paddle power. Updated from the Go Fish, it has less area in the tail, narrowed tops of the swallow, creating more curve and a narrowed nose.

What is Firewire Surfboards' Helium Technology?

“Helium is light and lively, and great for generating speed in weak waves. LFT is still light, but a little more drivey and solid, and great for controlling speed in better waves.” - Rob Machado

Helium technology in surfboard construction is a proprietary method developed by Firewire Surfboards that utilizes a unique foam core. 

Helium surfboards offer a remarkable combination of lightweight design, durability, and enhanced performance, making them an excellent choice for surfers of all skill levels. The lightweight construction allows for superior maneuverability on the water, significantly improving agility and performance during rides. Despite their reduced weight, Helium technology does not compromise on durability; these boards are built to withstand the rigors of surfing, including impacts and abrasions, ensuring they remain reliable over time.

Additionally, the advanced materials used in Helium surfboards contribute to improved performance across various wave conditions, with many surfers noting better speed and responsiveness. Firewire's commitment to sustainability is also a key advantage, as Helium technology incorporates eco-friendly materials that are less harmful to the environment compared to traditional surfboard manufacturing processes. 

Benefits of Helium Surfboards

• Lightweight Construction: Helium surfboards utilize a stringerless 1.0 lb EPS foam core, making them significantly lighter than traditional surfboards. This lightweight design enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue during long sessions.
• Responsive Flex: The use of Paulownia and Balsa wood rails allows for controlled flex throughout the board. This results in a lively and responsive feel underfoot, enabling surfers to execute tighter turns and maneuvers with ease.
• Enhanced Speed: Helium technology is specifically designed to generate speed in everyday waves. The lightweight nature of the boards allows for quick acceleration, making them ideal for weaker wave conditions where speed is essential.
• Durability: The proprietary 3mm aerospace composite deck skin contributes to the board's durability. It has a memory that allows it to rebound back to its original shape after being compressed, ensuring long-lasting performance and a pristine deck surface.
• Performance in Varied Conditions: Helium surfboards are engineered to perform well in a range of surf conditions, from small, mushy waves to more powerful surf. Their design allows for stability and control, making them versatile for different surfing styles.
• Reduced Damage: The construction of Helium boards minimizes the typical wear and tear associated with surfboards. Users have reported less damage to the deck surface, even after extensive use, which enhances the longevity of the board.

Volcanic lamination technology is made from basalt, a natural element that comes from volcanic rocks. These volcanic rocks are crushed, melted down and then extruded into woven fibers that make up the basalt cloth we use in this lamination technology. This process requires the basalt rock to get to about 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,730 degrees Fahrenheit.)

The cloth has the same functional characteristics to carbon, making it a sustainable alternative to carbon, which is very bad for the environment. While basalt fiber has been around for decades, it's relatively new to fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) and structural composites used for surfboard manufacturing. It has a similar chemical composition to glass fiber, but better strength characteristics.

Testers report the Volcanic Seaside feels extremely lively and light underfoot. The basalt fiber cloth contributes to a snappy, responsive feel while the Innegra wrap withstands rail impacts. The Volcanic construction mirrors the high-tech performance of Helium while substituting more sustainable materials.

Two Constructions, One Goal: Optimized Performance

While their material compositions differ, the Helium and Volcanic builds share a common aim - enable the Seaside shape to perform at its highest level. Both constructions produce a board that paddles fast, accelerates quickly, and turns on a dime.

The Helium foam core focused stiffness low in the blank while the Volcanic cloth stiffens uniformly. Testing shows the Volcanic Seaside feels a bit looser and skatey, while the Helium has more directed drive. But the performance nuances are slight, with both offering a magic ride.

Environmentally-conscious surfers may lean towards the Volcanic for its use of recycled and renewable materials. Weight-conscious surfers may favor the Helium's ultra-light build. But regardless of construction, Rob Machado's Seaside design shines through.

Firewire continues pushing performance boundaries through science while respecting the art of surfboard craftsmanship. Helium and Volcanic constructions optimize the Seaside's blend of retro roots and new-age technology. Both enable Machado's vision of a high performance, loose, lively ride. Beyond revolutionary materials, it's still about achieving the perfect glide.

                                          👀 to your 👉 for more reviews 

Surfboard Shipping

Due to handling requirements, surfboards are shipped with specific protocols and fees.

a. Oahu Store Pickup

HAWAII SURFBOARD SHIPPING RATES

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS:

➤ Hawaiian Air Cargo

(All Size Boards)  - ETA Usually in two days (Boards can be picked up from the Hawaiian Air Cargo Airport from 7AM in the morning, a day after the board has been sent out.)

Hawaiian Air Cargo charges $25 per day if the board is not picked up within 48 hours of arrival at their facility.

CONTINENTAL USA: SURFBOARD SHIPPING