Jah Bless

Lucas ‘Skywalka’ Godfrey stars in ‘Fear The Machine’

My connection with Dave actually started during the floods here. We ended up on Dave’s boat designed by [George] Greenough, delivering supplies and medicine up the river. On the way back, we were chatting about a Skip Frye board he’d ridden and loved—it had this effortless glide and inherent speed. Dave had been looking for something with similar qualities, and I told him, “I’ve got something different, but I think it touches on those same characteristics.” That’s how it began. Over the past three or four years, we’ve refined the boards he rides, and it’s been a real joy seeing him on them.

All words by Eden Saul of Dead Kooks.

When I started making mid-length boards, they were far from mainstream in Aus. A small group of us were working on fish, longboards, and mid-lengths, but it was a niche market. I was late to the game, to be honest, but it was something I was passionate about. Over the last 10–12 years, tastes have shifted, and these designs have become far more of a norm. Having spent years working on them, we’re in a nice spot now—we’ve had that experience and the pains that come with it.

Anyone who watched the Electric Acid Surfboard Test probably appreciated Dave’s unique and quirky feedback. His analysis isn’t just sharp—it’s incredibly nuanced. He picks up on details that most surfers wouldn’t notice. For example, we’ve worked on subtle adjustments like tail width and fin cluster placement to accommodate the size of his feet. The boards allow him to shift his stance, moving just in front of or behind the fins, which opens up new possibilities in terms of speed and grip. Combining that design with the new Futures foiled fins has really expanded what these boards can do.

These boards make sense for the waves we surf. The hardcore shortboard guys might disagree, but for the point breaks like [redacted], the designs work perfectly and allow you to beat the sweep with the extra foam in the nose. 

Dave’s ability to isolate variables—whether it’s the fin, rail, rocker, or tail width—is exceptional. Most surfers will say something feels “a little twitchy” or “off,” but Dave can pinpoint the exact issue. Working with him has been a pleasure, and it’s taken us down some interesting design rabbit holes.

The added length and volume make paddling through currents easier and suit the longer, more drawn-out waves. There’s actually a moment in the clip where Dave carves down, fades deep, and then foamclimbs back up the wave. That longer rail line accentuates moments like these—something you’d lose with a shortboard. It’s a subtle moment, but for me, it’s one of the standout turns in the whole video.

Check them out here.

An ode to a city that won’t stay down.