Firewire & Boardformula.com Create Mobile Volume Calculator

As one of the first surfboard brands to introduce volume into the debate around surfboard design, Firewire has now taken it to the next level.

“In the recent past, there was not that much difference between most of the shortboards ridden”, said Firewire CEO Mark Price, “and if you asked most surfers they would probably refer to the length and fin configuration and just say that ‘I ride a 6’2” thruster’ for example. With the wide range of shapes now being offered, volume is a far more precise determinant of which board suits a particular surfer than length is, and the mobile Volume Calculator puts that information at your fingertips at any time”.

Working with Benjamin Thompson, the brains behind Boardformula.com, Firewire co-developed the Volume Calculator, a tool that takes into consideration a surfers age, weight, fitness level and surfing skills, and through complex algorithms, determines the optimum range of volumes for that person.

“To say that volume has been revolutionary in terms of how we talk about board design and shape would be an understatement”, continued Price, “and that has lead directly to better informed and satisfied surfers”.

“Firewire believes that minor refinements to the shape of today’s modern surfboards can only produce incremental performance benefits. Exponential improvements in performance require the ongoing development of new materials, construction methods and radical shape, which, in turn, will fuel new design success. In addition, with the increased eco-consciousness of today’s consumer, Firewire is constantly refining our raw materials to decrease the environmental impact of our boards. Currently our surfboards emit only 2% of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that conventional polyurethane boards do throughout their lifespan.”

Just bear in mind…

Although the introduction of volume to the list of surfboard measurements has been highly useful, it’s not the be all and end all. There are factors which will effect how well a particular mass floats you. For example rocker and concave can create extra lift and make a board float better without changing the overall volume. You also need to consider how and where you’ll be surfing; If you want to take things easy and/or you’ll be wearing a lot of neoprene, then you’d want to go right to the top of Firewire’s suggested literage, perhaps even a bit above.

Check out our recent YouTube interview with Bob McTavish for an interesting angle on using volume as a guide when buying a surfboard…