Meet the newest addition to the FRK quiver. Crafted to unlock performance in waves 5' and under, Dan Mann designed the Slater Designs FRK Swallow I-Bolic Surfboard to be more versatile in its performance characteristics than any other FRK shape that came before it.
In addition to the new swallow tail design, Dan placed an emphasis on better distributing the volume directly between the surfer's stance and worked with Kelly to amplify the effect of the outline in the back third of the board against all-new rocker curves - both down the shape's centerline and on its rails. By specifically perfecting the curve at the board's center when compared with the curve at the rails, the FRK Swallow excels at creating speed in flat, sticky sections, without sacrificing on-rail performance.
Size & Volume Details
Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
5'6" | 18 ½" | 2 ⅜" | 25.7L |
5'7" | 18 9/16" | 2 ⅜" | 26.3L |
5'8" | 18 ⅝" | 2 7/16" | 27.4L |
5'9" | 18 ⅞" | 2 ½" | 29.0L |
5'10" | 19 1/16" | 2 9/16" | 30.2L |
5'11" | 19 ¼" | 2 ⅝" | 31.94L |
6'0" | 19 ⅜" | 2 11/16" | 33.25L |
6'1" | 19 9/16" | 2 11/16" | 34.6L |
6'2" | 19 11/16" | 2 ¾" | 36.1L |
6'4" | 20 ⅛" | 2 13/16" | 38.7L |
Product Info
Meet the newest addition to the FRK quiver. Crafted to unlock performance in waves 5' and under, Dan Mann designed the Slater Designs FRK Swallow I-Bolic Surfboard to be more versatile in its performance characteristics than any other FRK shape that came before it.
In addition to the new swallow tail design, Dan placed an emphasis on better distributing the volume directly between the surfer's stance and worked with Kelly to amplify the effect of the outline in the back third of the board against all-new rocker curves - both down the shape's centerline and on its rails. By specifically perfecting the curve at the board's center when compared with the curve at the rails, the FRK Swallow excels at creating speed in flat, sticky sections, without sacrificing on-rail performance.
Size & Volume Details
Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
5'6" | 18 ½" | 2 ⅜" | 25.7L |
5'7" | 18 9/16" | 2 ⅜" | 26.3L |
5'8" | 18 ⅝" | 2 7/16" | 27.4L |
5'9" | 18 ⅞" | 2 ½" | 29.0L |
5'10" | 19 1/16" | 2 9/16" | 30.2L |
5'11" | 19 ¼" | 2 ⅝" | 31.94L |
6'0" | 19 ⅜" | 2 11/16" | 33.25L |
6'1" | 19 9/16" | 2 11/16" | 34.6L |
6'2" | 19 11/16" | 2 ¾" | 36.1L |
6'4" | 20 ⅛" | 2 13/16" | 38.7L |
Product Details
- Type: Shortboard
- Model: Performance
- Construction: I-Bolic Core with Fiberglass Lamination
- Bottom Contours: Single/Double
- Tail: Swallow
- Fin Configuration: Tri-Quad
- Fin Plugs: Futures Fins compatible fin boxes
*Fins Not Included
Product Construction
I-Bolic Core Technology
Speed, control, strength and response. A core engineered with an I-Beam down center for added strength with flex controlled at the rails using high density foam from nose to tail. Most similar to a PU core. I-beam core construction with flex controlled at the rails using high density foam - an engineering feat developed for performance.
Additional Info
Amongst the Slater Designs team, the unanimous feedback has been that the FRK Swallow feels better during down-carves and in fin releases than any other Slater Designs shape.
Designed to be surfed 2" shorter than the FRK and 1" shorter than the FRK+. Recommended to pair with our Endorfins KS1 Fin Set for best performance.
Wave Type
Designed for waves 5 foot and under, Dan Mann designed the FRK Swallow to be the most versatile in performance in the FRK range. With an emphasis in better distributing the volume directly beneath the surfer's stance, the FRK Swallow excels at creating speed in flat, sticky sections, without sacrificing on-rail performance. Meant to be ridden 2" shorter than the FRK and 1" shorter than the FRK+. Despite Dan's original design intention to optimize the FRK Swallow for smaller waves, the team quickly validated its performance versatility in everything from knee-high T Street to well-overhead Oaxaca.
Board Features
Compared to the rest of the FRK quiver, Dan worked to better distribute the volume directly beneath the surfer's stance, updated the outline and rocker profile, and worked with Kelly to amplify the effect of the outline in the back third of the board against the all-new rocker curves. This rail rocker through the back third of the board was specifically paired with a swallow tail to enable precise rail work uncommon in small wave shortboards. Each tip of the swallow tail enables hold beyond what a squash tail would allow when carving on rail, because of the surface area reduction in the last several inches of the board when compared to a squash tail.
I-Bolic Core Technology
The Firewire patent pending I-Bolic core technology is an engineering feat developed for performance, without the need for external carbon layups or heavy laminations. These models offer the stiffness of Linear Flex Technology (LFT) with the flex and spring-back of their best-selling Helium technology. This is Kelly Slater's favorite technology to ride, offering speed, control, strength and response.
I-Bolic Performance
I-Bolic cores have the stiffness of the Firewire old Linear Flex Technology (LFT) with the flex and spring-back of their best-selling Helium technology. The I-beam ensures firmness underfoot and unparalleled break strength, while the high density foam parabolic rails enable flex and recoil through turns.
I-Bolic Construction
The Firewire I-Bolic technology is a 1.5 lb EPS foam core with a 18mm high density foam stringer in the core, 16mm high density foam parabolic rails to control flex, and a 5mm high density foam springer on the bottom. Paired with their standard fiberglass lamination, on the deck it has a 3mm high density composite deck skin on the deck sandwiched between the double 4 oz E fiberglass cloth layers, and also has double 4 oz E fiberglass capping the bottom.
I-Bolic Lamination Compatibility
I-Bolic cores are paired with standard fiberglass lamination, AWT fiberglass lamination, and Volcanic lamination.
Shipping From Firewire
Firewire Surfboards and Cleanline Surf have teamed up to make sure you can get any Firewire surfboard you want shipped to your door. Through our partnership, we have direct access to inventory at the Firewire warehouse in California and we can special order you boards by Firewire, Slater Designs, Rob Machado, Mannkine, Tomo Designs, and Taylor Jensen Series.
Here's how it works. Once an order is placed we contact Firewire promptly to confirm your board is in stock. Once confirmed the average wait time for a board to ship is 3 business days. Additionally transit time is 1 to 5 business days depending on where you are located. Most boards are ready to go, however, if there is any extended delay in shipping your board we will let you know right away.
Call us at 888-546-6176 or 503-738-7888 to learn more about Firewire Surfboard shapes, our opinions on how they ride, or if you need any additional special order shipping information you can use our contact page.
US Shipping Rates for Firewire Surfboards
Firewire, Slater Designs, Rob Machado, Mannkine, Tomo Designs, Taylor Jensen Series
Location | 6'2 and under | 6'3 to 8'1 | 8'2 and up |
Lower 48 States | $70 | $100 | $130 |
Hawaii & Alaska | $150 | $250 | $400 |
Expedited Shipping?
We'll need to get you a custom quote if you are working with a deadline
and need a surfboard delivered in a few days.
All special order surfboards are delivered signature required. Read more about our shipping policy.
Returns
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase you may return it for a refund, or exchange within 30 days of receiving your order.
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