Get ready for an epic journey as we unveil the first episode of our eighth EAST series, featuring the magnetic freesurfer from South Africa, Mikey February. This year's EAST promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a whopping 16 surfboards up for testing - the most we've ever had!
But here's where it gets controversial... Mikey, known for his kindness and connections with shapers, struggles to narrow down his choices. With nine boards and 24 fins to choose from, he's on a mission to give each one a fair shot.
"It's like discovering a new relationship with each board," Mikey shares. "The longer I ride, the more I evolve with each design, and even the order of boards matters!"
So, without further ado, let's dive into the first nine shapers featured in this five-part series, each bringing their unique touch to the art of surfboard shaping.
Campbell Brothers:
One of the few shapers with a long-standing relationship with Mikey, Malcolm Campbell's handiwork is instantly recognizable. Though he may not own patents for the iconic Bonzer design, his signature canted triangular fins and double barrel bottom contours are synonymous with his craft.
Bob McTavish:
A revolutionary in the world of shortboards, Bob McTavish shaped a vee-bottom single fin for Stephanie Gilmore, which caught Mikey's eye. Excited to include Bob in his EAST quiver, Mikey ordered a shorter replica, the 'Plastic Machine' single fin, measuring 5'10 x 20 x 2 ¼.
Derrick Disney:
A contemporary of Ryan Burch, Derrick Disney's languid style has proven the effectiveness of his patented single-concave twinzer concepts. His submission, the 'Zorn,' is an updated version of his twinzer fish, measuring 5'3 x 19 ⅞ x 2 7/16. Mikey is curious about Disney's smooth and unique surfing style and the secrets of his board.
Kobe Hughes:
With Ryan Burch as his uncle, Kobe Hughes has taken his shaping talents to new heights. His EAST formula is a wide-point-way-back twin fin, the 'Shooting Star.' Mikey is a fan of Kobe's surfing style and envisions a narrow stance and jivey moves with this board.
Mark Richards:
As seen in the series, Mikey's first twin-fin addition to his quiver was a cherry red Mark Richards 5'10. Since then, his alternative preferences have evolved, but his foundation remains with Newcastle's speed theorist. Mark's submitted board, the Turbo Twin, features one of the first models with channels since the '80s, measuring 5'10 x 20 x 2 ½.
Simon Jones:
Visualizing Mikey's surfing style, Simon Jones shaped a 'Remote Location' board, measuring 6'3 x 19 ⅛ x 2 ½. Mikey recalls trying to ride a larger Simon Jones board and being unable to turn it, so he's excited to test this one that fits his size.
Jon Pyzel:
A familiar name in our other board testing series, Jon Pyzel is a two-time winner. Despite this, we've included him in EAST this year, and we can't tell you why! All we can say is that his board performs exceptionally well in the tube.
Barrett Miller:
At just 25 years old, Barrett Miller is the youngest shaper on this list. But when Mikey February wants him included, you listen. Miller has spent years cutting his teeth under Joel Tudor and Skip Frye, and his knowledge of design history is impressive.
His submission is a swallow tail single fin, measuring 6'8 x 20 x 2 ⅞, and Mikey is excited to ride it, knowing Miller's expertise.
Alex Knost:
Fresh off their non-conformist waveriding demonstration, 'Choice Glance,' Mikey February and Alex Knost are back together. Alex shaped a 6'9 x 19 3/4 x 2 5/8 twinzer with psychedelic concaves, continuing his Experimental Dental trend.
Don't miss the release of Episode One on Thursday, October 23rd, at 5 pm!
And this is the part most people miss... the opportunity to engage and share your thoughts on these incredible shapers and their unique creations. So, what do you think? Are you team Bonzer or twinzer? Do you agree with Mikey's choices? We want to hear your opinions in the comments below!
