Since he triggered the chop-tail trend with his advent of “The Dumpster Diver” Dane Reynolds and Al Merrick have been knee deep in foam dust experimenting with more ultra-modern templates.

Dane’s mysto shaping expertise was put to the test in France after his DFR snapped in the semi-finals and was left with his 100% hand shaped board seen in this video. He shredded it to a come-from-behind victory against the lethal John Florence in the dying minutes of the heat.

Even though he lost to Slater in the finals at Hossegor, Daynolds’ fellow CI team rider took a page out of his own playbook to beat him.  Slater actually used the new DFR aka “Dane Freaking Reynolds” signature model in his recent back to back tour victories.

The DFR is the latest evolution template that began with the Dumpster Diver, then Neck Beard, the Double Helix, the Sperm Whale, and the Wave Bandit. Dane Reynolds and Volcom‘s Andrew Doheny are currently the only two touring surfers to have success riding self shaped boards, and Dane’s model has earned multiple SIMA awards for “Surfboard of the Year.”

Dane cracked the code of creating an outline with short rail line that still maintains aggressive drive in variable conditions. The outline puts most of the width and volume towards the front of the board to float your girth and get you down the line. Its no secret that Dane packs on his beer weight,  but the sharp flip in the exit rocker allows that patented release through the lip.  See the whole Channel Islands board room at SWELL.

Quiksilver and Channels Islands must be doing something right with their two top athletes sharing the podium at the Surfer Poll Awards and on tour.  Shop the Quiksilver styles that Dane and Kelly travel the world with at SWELL.