I have a little spin to my usual post about a local/ regional surfer and their current favorite stick. Today we have a bio on Big Dave Derrick, current employee and inventory specialist here at the Surf Station. Big Dave has quietly joined the upper echelon at the shop and actually is very knowledgeable and interested in his boards and quiver building. I really enjoy our conversations and wanted to share his thoughts on his current go-to shortboard, the JS Blak Box 2.
surfer- David Derrick, 25 years old
height- 5’11”
weight- 215lbs
Board- Blak Box 2 from JS Industries
5’11″x20″x 2 1/2″, 32L with FCS2 five fin option, using large AM tri fin set up
The Blak Box II has been my go-to shortboard for the past 12 months for waves around north Florida. From 2ft soft summertime waves to sizeable hurricane swell the blak box paddles into waves with ease. The ease of paddle is made possible by the wide nose and low overall rocker generating lift as you paddle. This has allowed me to be able to take off late knowing my board will have the lift and drive to carry me down the line. The flatness of the board is the only thing that has caused me to get hung up in the past on steeper sections. By using the wide tail and shifting my weight further back on my drops I have been able to overcome this issue.
In my opinion, Dave needs to change his wax.. 😉
I am able to shift my weight back so far because the lift created in the nose is continued through the rest of the shape by the double concave that rolls out to the tail. The double concave pulls double time creating lift, and allowing for smooth rail to rail transitions when doing turns. As a bigger guy the importance of rail to rail flow is of the utmost importance to me, as I am much more likely to rip a rail turn than a air. That is not to say that the Blak Box can not jump. All the lift and drive this board generates means air sections beware!
Over all I have really enjoyed riding my Blak Box, whether it be blown out wind swell or nice clean lined up surf. This reliable shortboard will put a smile on your face, and keep you coming back for more.
