ONE80 Surfboards, LLC

I am now on my fourth One80 surfboard!! Leaving the discussion of fluid dynamics and the theories of planing vs. displacement hulls as regards surfboard and fin design to others more qualified, the only thing I will say regarding the science is that I was always told “stiff fins, you’ve got to have stiff fins to get drive”. But it does not seem to follow in natural science. Dolphins, pelagic fish, and sharks all seem to get a lot of drive and speed moving through water without any stiff, fixed fins.Three reasons why I keep surfing: staying fit, relieving mental stress, and having fun. Just going into the sea regularly will accomplish the first two. The fun part of the payoff is where One80 comes in. Playing with the settings on the fins allows for different performance characteristics. Set loose, the board will turn on a tighter radius in small surf. In larger surf with the fins tightened (but still flexing) you can feel the acceleration as the fins spring back into place. This is especially helpful post bottom turn when you’re in the flats trying to get around a section. The easier turning is also helpful if you’re trying to get your board pointed vertical and then get the release at your top turn.In addition to the unique fin characteristics, One80 is offering an array of different surfboard shapes, from the standard to the (dare I say?) trippy. Again, it just adds to the fun. My current go-to is the Death Sled. I think a One80 surfboard is a worthy addition to any serious surfer’s quiver. -Bill Bemus

The One80 board and fin system is not a novelty but an evolutionary step in surfing. My 5’11” Deathsled paddles like a 6’2”, but turns like a 5’8” when the fins are “loose”. It’s a misnomer to say the fins are loose, because they are more like a coiled spring to gives back the energy at the end of the turn. This creates the ability to go “180” without any loss of speed or torque. I don’t have to “milk” the end of the turn worrying that the board will bog when I need the snap to make that cutback in the pocket. The One80 is a quiver unto itself. I ride all fins at max looseness on small or mushy days, and incrementally tightening them as the waves become bigger or more critical. I feel blessed to get a board that has made me a better surfer and more importantly makes surfing in all conditions fun. -Dr. Warren Kramer

I’ve ridden this board for over a year. It works great and I love the different options to mix it up and get a new “feel” out of the board by quickly and easily changing up the fin settings. On smaller days I can keep it loose and let the fins do a lot of the work. It takes a few sessions to get a feel for how to maximize the speed the fins can create as they flex then spring back into place. You can feel the spring of the fins working on cutbacks, bottom turns and carves off the top but it also just helps to generate extra speed when pumping down the line. On bigger days I can tighten them up if needed as well. The set up allows for so much flexibility and variation. This is the future of fin systems. -Chris Carlin

Just want to let you know how happy I am with the One80 I purchase! I remember the first time you showed me and understanding how fish swim, it all made sense but it wasn’t till I tried your board one day that convinced me! I remember taking off and trying not to think about adjusting my surfing to the board and just riding it. The surprise came when I did a cutback and knowing I didn’t have enough speed, I usually do almost a double turn but the board just kept going and not only did I make the cutback, it drove me into the next pocket with no effort! I thought it may have been a lucky wave but it happened again the very next wave! I purchased the DS2 and can’t wait for the next model I purchase! I also remember a big day and taking a late drop thinking to myself, “will these fins perform?” then telling myself “always trust the equipment” as I took off…I not only made the wave but the board took hold mid-drop and took off to make the section! Quite happy with my board and is my go to board down at Lower’s!! Thank you One80!! Amazing concept and can’t wait for new and upcoming tweaks! Currently it's the Chilly Willy!! -Will Ting

I’ve had the pleasure of watching One80 evolve from a prototype to a tried and tested production model. It was amazing to see the next major evolution in surf fins (or surfboards for that matter) which really haven’t changed much since the removable fin system came out 25+ years ago. Fins that pivot add another dimension to overall fin function and just seem to make sense! I own two models - a 5’9” N1 short board and 5’6” DS 2 hybrid and they have really helped me progress my surfing. Across these two boards I’m covered from anything from 2ft to overhead. I have more power off my bottom turns as the fins let you load up and spring you forward. I also have more drive and can feel the fins engage with the wave face when I want to pump down the line. Best of all the fins lay down silkiest and smoothest cutbacks. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt on another board. Highly recommend One80. Get your hands on the next major evolution in surfboard design!