I have listened to the Paddlewoo podcast/progression project for a long time now and Erik always interviews the best in SUP surfing & those within the community & has made some cool movies to boot.
I was more than stoked to see that one of our own Aussie legendary designers/shapers has made the cut, none other than Mick Slattery from Surefire Boards.Mick is one of the most understated characters in our industry, and it actually does my head in that he doesn't have a bigger following. Slatz, this is me putting you on notice that you need to promote yourself better, I love your boards & I know so many that do as well.
Check out the podcast link below and have a listen, he knows his stuff & his boards are insane, but dude, you need to sort out your website
And if you know Mick & how good his shapes really are, can you please comment and put in your 2c worth. I know that many on here are affiliated with certain brands and have a commitment to the brand that pays them or gives them good deals, but really, lets support one of our own and give credit where credit is due. Great boards, great guy, simple as that.
twitter.com/erik_antonson
Well said Zoo'.
Ive never heard of Surefire but I agree man - definitely need to make sure we support local shapers.
I'm gonna check 'em out and have a listen to the podcast too - never heard of that either - cheers dude.
Good post.
I do like the design of the custom and production of surefire boards. Does anyone know where/which country the production boards is made from?
Great post Zoolanderz. Mate i have tried Micks boards and they are awesome.
Mick definitely knows his stuff. He gave me a heap of time, explaining everything to a tee!!
I took his Degenerate out for a spin, great board, light, heaps of maneuverability.
I'd recommend Surefire to anyone.
Nice one Zoolander. You're 100 percent right!! I've been making posts about Mick for some time. Its no secret that I ride his boards and absolutely love them. My avatar pic is me on a custom 10'6" he did for me.
I met Mick a few years ago when he was the distributor for Laird on the east coast. We got to chatting and I told him about the many many big name brand boards i'd purchased over the years, what I liked about them and what I didn't. He suggested we do a custom together, I took him up on the idea and I haven't been disappointed once(I have 3 of his customs & plans for a 4th) and his customs are less expensive than the big brand performance boards.
I'm picking up his demo of the new 8'2" Slayer shortly and will put up a review.
I went over to Micks today to pick up The Slayer demo he has. Checked out a few of the other new boards while I was there. Look pretty damn good!
Wow, thanks Zoolander, you actually made me blush when I read this . I'm a bit speechless.
Thanks also to everyone who has responded. I pride myself on designing & shaping boards that perform in a variety of conditions, but the main thing is I want them to surf insane.
I do agree with you that our website sucks, we have been trying to migrate to a new website for over a year and actually have the new one (albiet still missing some products) live now at www.surefireboards.com.au which has a lot of our new boards and models.
It was awesome to be approached to be on the podcast, Erik has a lot of knowledge when it comes to how a board should feel and perform & the fact he asked me to discuss board design & construction makes me proud.
I have a few of the 2019 range on demo at the moment so if you are interested in trying out a board, please let me know, I'm more than happy to arrange a time. We are based in Southern Sydney (Sutherland Shire)/Illawarra area.
Thanks again
Good stuff Slatz - your boards are lookin' the goods man.
Mate - what dims are you doin' the Slayer in? The tail on that thing is crackin!!!
Yes will back up all the positive vibe... I have been speaking with Mick over the past few days in the ongoing search for my perfect board. Mick always had time to listen, explain and give great advice. I feel that comfortable with what his advice that I have pulled the pin and bought an 8'5 Degenerate. Cant wait to get delivery down here in vico.
Thanks Mick ...frothing to get the board.
I love Surefire Boards and my wife does too. I started with one of Mick's 8'8" (115L) throw down. The best board I had ridden up to this point. Then went to 8'5" (105L) Vandal production, 8'3" (110L) flick knife, then on to 8'5" (105) prototype that Ive had for three years. I've got the 7'11" (99L)skull which I rode at Fiji this year. This carves like it's on rails! I also have 10' Noserider (124L) that is sweet on small or big fat waves. My wife rides 8'2" (110L) custom flick knife with great graphics. Light as a feather and tough as nails. Mick is a great shaper and an awesome bloke and family man. Love your work mate. LK & Yaz....Jervis Bay
Thanks for kicking off the chat zoolander.
We agree with all sentiments in regards to Mick and "Surefire".
After many catch ups and planning Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle has partnered up with Mick to help supply the South coast of NSW with Surefire boards. We picked up our first 12 boards today for the Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle Warehouse and are stoked. Although it is a commercial decision we love dealing with Mick and he is a legend ; he always shares his surf knowledge and his character shines through with the designs of the boards. Mick loves talking shaping and the reasoning behind his design decisions.
Photos of the warehouse 5 days ago and 4 days ago. The construction is nearly complete... nearly....
2019 VANDAL MODEL
SUREFIRE BOARDS 2019 range hitting the floor now. He shapes awesome boards and customs too.