When the waves get serious and you need control through the barrel, the Houdini is the board you can rely on. Making it easy to disappear and reappear in Hawaiian tubes, the Slater Designs Houdini I-Bolic Volcanic Surfboard is the new magic act for Hawaiian waves, or other locations, where controlled lines through racy barrels are a must.
The magic started in ‘18 between Wade and Kelly - and a year later it arrived. The Houdini has been a staple under Kelly’s feet for the 2019 WSL season, with both big face gouges at Margaret’s and remarkable makes at Pipeline on its resume.
The bottom contour consists of a single to double with slight vee, in spite of its step-up frame, the Houdini has incredible acceleration and maneuverability. The Houdini model sticks with Kelly’s previously proven formula for his personal step-ups: hiding volume under his chest for better paddling, but maintaining a tapered rail for sensitivity.
Size & Volume Details
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
| 5’11" | 18 ½" | 2 ⅜" | 27.3L |
| 6’0" | 19 ¼" | 2 9/16" | 29.9L |
| 6’2" | 19 ½" | 2 11/16" | 32.7L |
| 6’4" | 20" | 2 ⅞" | 36.8L |
| 6’6" | 20 ¼" | 3" | 39.9L |
| 6’8" | 20 ½" | 3 ⅛" | 43.15L |
Product Info
When the waves get serious and you need control through the barrel, the Houdini is the board you can rely on. Making it easy to disappear and reappear in Hawaiian tubes, the Slater Designs Houdini I-Bolic Volcanic Surfboard is the new magic act for Hawaiian waves, or other locations, where controlled lines through racy barrels are a must.
The magic started in ‘18 between Wade and Kelly - and a year later it arrived. The Houdini has been a staple under Kelly’s feet for the 2019 WSL season, with both big face gouges at Margaret’s and remarkable makes at Pipeline on its resume.
The bottom contour consists of a single to double with slight vee, in spite of its step-up frame, the Houdini has incredible acceleration and maneuverability. The Houdini model sticks with Kelly’s previously proven formula for his personal step-ups: hiding volume under his chest for better paddling, but maintaining a tapered rail for sensitivity.
Size & Volume Details
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
| 5’11" | 18 ½" | 2 ⅜" | 27.3L |
| 6’0" | 19 ¼" | 2 9/16" | 29.9L |
| 6’2" | 19 ½" | 2 11/16" | 32.7L |
| 6’4" | 20" | 2 ⅞" | 36.8L |
| 6’6" | 20 ¼" | 3" | 39.9L |
| 6’8" | 20 ½" | 3 ⅛" | 43.15L |
Product Details
- Type: Step-Up
- Model: Performance
- Construction: I-Bolic Core with Volcanic Lamination
- Bottom Contours: Single | Double
- Rail: Medium
- Tail: Rounded
- Fin Configuration: Tri-Quad
- Fin Plugs: Futures Fins compatible fin boxes
*Fins Not Included
Product Construction
I-Bolic Technology Core
I-beam core construction with flex controlled at the rails using high density foam - an engineering feat developed for performance.
Volcanic Lamination
Forged in fire, this Basalt lamination technology is Firewire's sustainable alternative to carbon, and is their most durable with elevated response.
Additional Info
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.
Volcanic Lamination Technology
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 Firewire uses 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.
Volcanic Performance
Firewire's most durable construction with elevated response. This sustainable alternative to carbon is stronger than carbon and can also withstand higher temperatures than carbon, making it a top choice for the aerospace industry in the manufacturing of rockets and jet engines. It also has higher elasticity than traditional carbon, allowing the board to have more flex for a natural feel underfoot.
Volcanic Construction
The Firewire Volcanic lamination schedule is double 4 oz basalt cloth on the deck, and single 4 oz basalt cloth on the bottom.
Volcanic Core Compatibility
Volcanic lamination is paired with either I-Bolic cores or Helium cores.
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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