Firewire Partners with Daniel Thompson of Tomo Surfboards

[Chris]

Firewire is proud to announce a design partnership with Australian surfboard designer/professional free surfer Daniel Thomson; the founder of Tomo Surfboards, now residing in the US.

Daniel first started shaping boards in his teens, following in the footsteps of his father Mark Thomson, an accomplished board designer in his own right.

Not content to work on refining existing design principles, Daniel set out to reinvent the modern surfboard. Drawing on his rich knowledge of design history and utilizing his own elite surfing ability, Daniel was personally able to test his theories and build on the creations that carried the most potential.

“I first noticed Daniel’s designs at Sacred Craft and I was intrigued”, said Firewire CEO Mark Price, “after reaching out to Daniel and meeting with him, I was struck by his obvious intelligence and humility, and his absolute dedication to pushing the envelope through shape and materials – qualities that perfectly matched our own goals”.

Price continued, “And that was before I even rode one of his boards. After stepping onto one of his designs, working together was a no brainer”.

Daniel was equally enthusiastic about his future endeavors with Firewire.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with Firewire, who stand out in my mind as a company dedicated to evolving the sport through technological and design advancements.

Daniel continued, “I have always believed that surfboard design and technology will eventually evolve to take surfing to new places, so I have always tried to be involved in innovation in that regard. It is awesome that Firewire has seen such potential in my work and I am really looking forward to the results of this partnership.”

The first Firewire/DT models will hit retail in early 2013, and will be Firewire branded along with the DT logo clearly visible. Distribution will remain confined to Firewire’s existing, premium account base. Daniel will also continue to offer his custom designs under the Tomo label.

[Desmond]

Hey guys, which model of tomo will be available next year? Tech? Size? I saw the pic of a firewire vanguard being waxed, make me thinking whether I should hold my order from Dan (which may take some time to materialise) for the firewire version.

any info is appreciated.

[prjwebb]

Yeah I'd be interested to hear more too! Really interested in these designs. Hoping to see some demos out there in the future.

[Jackson]

^ +1!

[CaptainH]

Awesome news. Really interesting shaper.

[prjwebb]

Man you guys are going to freak when you get to check out these things. The proto looks mental. So light and seems so small but somehow there was 29l in there.
Mind boggling how something that size can work, but Mark is proper amped on it. Really interesting shape, can't wait to try one!

[FW - Fan]

No nose? I think they call it the Vanguard or something like that??

[Slowman]

Here's a neat video of Stu Kennedy riding the death star, similar looking board to the FW prototype http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GPz-6Qj_vA

[Slowman]

Curren surfing one here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4MaV4mnCI

[iggy]

Curren surfing one here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4MaV4mnCI

Oh boy that looks sooooo much fun!!!!!.All right I want one!!!

[Slowman]

Man you guys are going to freak when you get to check out these things. The proto looks mental. So light and seems so small but somehow there was 29l in there.
Mind boggling how something that size can work, but Mark is proper amped on it. Really interesting shape, can't wait to try one!
I'm guessing because they generate so much speed that they can get away with less length, area and volume. They certainly look very fast in the videos. I've never seen Curren surf like that before, his surfing has become more progressive.

[indodreaming]

Anyone know how they would go in fat/flat peeling kind of waves?

Beachies where i live are rip style banks with deep channels separating banks, waves often peel perfectly but are often made up of mostly fat/flat sections, although good days get sucky double ups.

[Chris]

the board does really well in both. Keep in mind its a bit of an acquired feel as its a wide tail and not a lot of overall curve to the board, in either outline or rocker. The bottom contours and fin placement generate both speed and hold, but you have the flexibility to get playful on an open face, or down to business on a steep little beachy. Its also going to be rolled out as a 5-fin so i would also encourage fin experimentation. This will definitely help give the board different capabilities in different conditions....

[prjwebb]

Man, I can't wait to try one. Mark's proto looked and felt so sick.

[Chris]

yeah its different for sure. it will depend on your preferences and style. It has such a unique ride that the second you get on it, you can feel what the board is going to do and you have control of maneuvers that you would have a hard time controlling on conventional shapes. Insanely cool!! and insanely fast.

[prjwebb]

Would you be riding the same dims as Mark's or the next size down? I've been reading that guys seem to size these things insanely small...?

[Chris]

Actually i would be riding mine in a 506 at about 29 liters...

That is what I would prefer. But for me, its a smaller wave board. I still like the rail and reliability of a traditional shortboard when the surf gets better...
Cheers

[indodreaming]

Can't wait to try one, I'm going to have to hassle my local shop that stock firewires to get a test board in, and ensure its in dimensions that aren't to boat like, that's always the problem.

[bubbles]

when could we expect these in the UK?

also can our local dealer supply any board in the Firewire range if we order through them?

thanks

[prjwebb]

I wouldn't expect them until April time next year at the earliest to be honest. I'll give Myles an email and see if he knows when he's going to start ordering them but Chris may chime in before then.

[John808]

I've been riding the Tomo vector quad, 5'10" X 19 1/2" X 2 1/2" and thin foiled rails. I reckon the volume is around 29 Liters. My much loved 6'0" Spitfire has almost 6 more liters. I agree with Chris the Tomos are wicked fast and you have a lot of control of maneuvers. I'm looking forward to the five fin option. The quads on my board are hatchet type glass-ons designed by Tomo. They are tiny 4" height single foil front, 3 3/4" double foil back and for a guy my size 6' 5" tall, 200 lbs they go insane. Does anyone know where we can purchase similar type fins compatible for FCS and Futures?

http://tomosurfboards.com/images/boards_finals/quad-fins_mph.jpg

[indodreaming]

Has anyone else noticed on the vanguard info page, under the pic of the board is a FST logo, but currently the model is only up as rapid fire?

Why do they always put rapid fire out first and not FST first?

[Slowman]

I'm guessing but with such evenly distributed thickness and being shorter and narrower there wouldn't be much flex anyway, so maybe they don't even intend to do FST.

[aurfalien]

I thought the Rapidfires were about flex over the FST.

My BP seems flexy compared to my other boards in FST flavor. Am I imagining things?

[prjwebb]

The issue is with the channels in the bottom I think. Mark said it was do-able but would add quite a bit of weight and that the WRF was working so well that it seemed unnecessary to do at this point.

[Slowman]

I thought the Rapidfires were about flex over the FST.

My BP seems flexy compared to my other boards in FST flavor. Am I imagining things?
The FST has the parabolic stringer (balsa rails) which is designed specifically for the extra flex pattern it gives. Same deal with carbon fibre flex parabolic stringers. Maybe the flex in your BP is due to fin flex?

PRJ, thanks for that info. I guess the channels could still handle the flex...they seem to on standard PU and epoxy. Anyway it probably doesn't matter and the extra lightness probably helps.

[prjwebb]

Yeah it's not an issue with the channels and flex, more with the bottom high density skin fitting into those channels.
The RF still has the flex but the return rate of the carbon fibre rods is a bit quicker than the more organic balsa rails. Hence 'Rapid'fire. I find its feels nice and lively in small to medium sized waves, but like the dampening, weight and durability of FST for larger conditions.

[Desmond]

Hi guys, I am new to firewire but already owned and loved a tomo nano (a model that is less progressive than the vanguard they are making). I lived in Asia so it did take quite a lot of time to sort out delivery with tomo during my last custom. Got a firewire distributor in my area so hopefully they can bring me a vanguard of my size. Still not decided between the 5'0 and 5'2.

So my understanding of the construction is rapid fire is like a eps+epoxy with bamboo deck? How does the white rapidfire (without bamboo) differs with the original bamboo version in terms of resistance to dents and flex? And the FST is parabolic balsa rail with PU? Seems like you guys prefer the FST because of more flex despite higher price.

Can't wait for the new stick! Hopefully there will be more tomo models come up soon

[aurfalien]

So does that mean one can get a FW Tomo now?

[Wandi]

I wonder if Kartki Swiateczne or Hidetrita is getting a new Tomo ha ha
Bloody spam is everywhere

[indodreaming]

Hi guys, I am new to firewire but already owned and loved a tomo nano (a model that is less progressive than the vanguard they are making). I lived in Asia so it did take quite a lot of time to sort out delivery with tomo during my last custom. Got a firewire distributor in my area so hopefully they can bring me a vanguard of my size. Still not decided between the 5'0 and 5'2.

So my understanding of the construction is rapid fire is like a eps+epoxy with bamboo deck? How does the white rapidfire (without bamboo) differs with the original bamboo version in terms of resistance to dents and flex? And the FST is parabolic balsa rail with PU? Seems like you guys prefer the FST because of more flex despite higher price.

Can't wait for the new stick! Hopefully there will be more tomo models come up soon

If you go to the websites main page and click on explore then technology you can get all the info about Rapid fire and FST.

Personally I prefer FST construction not so much for the flex but for the durability standard PU boards generally last me 6 months(if lightly glassed) to a year(if good glass job) before there kind of lost there magic, deck sunk(dont mind that actually, but snapped boards from it), few dings on bottom, tail or rail shatters, Im coming up to 12 months on both my FW,s and both dont have one pressure ding on the bottom and on the deck only a very slight sunk/ding from front foot and tiny pressure dings from my duck diving knee, very slight shatter on nose from slamming it real hard into rock cliff.

I haven't had a rapid fire but a mate who is far nicer on his boards than me has a few dings on his (has a few) and the second hand ones i see around for sale are generally more dinged up than the FST,s i see for sale second hand.

Personally from what ive seen, rapid fire construction seems roughly twice as durable than a standard(not lightly glassed) PU board while FST construction seems twice as durable as rapid fire, but this is just my personal view and others may beg to differ.

About flex, i honestly dont know to many variables for me to tell, but performance wise both my FW FST boards go great up there with some of the best boards of ridden (ridden over 50+ boards)

[Chris]

stoked indo dreaming. great to hear!!!

[mads sand]

Hi Chris when can i get a vanguard 6,0 or 5,10 in j-bay if i order now from Country Feeling ?????

[Chris]

Hey mads,

hit me with an email and I can help you get a pre-order placed for sure...

[Chris]

mads at the address in my signature.

thanks

[Chris]

Hey Desmond same for you if you need help getting once sent. None of these will happen overnight, however, as they are not even officially released yet...

Cheers

[prjwebb]

There's a strong chance I'll hit you up soon too Chris... If I get Christmas out of the way first will I have dropped the ball?

[Chris]

why don't you hit Myles and ask him when his first delivery of Tomo's are scheduled to arrive. then we can back track and see when an order would need to be placed.

[prjwebb]

First and second quarter or 2013 was in the dealer's informational.

I'll shoot him an email but I imagine it'll be April/May time.

[Chris]

yeah so...I'll hit you with an email.

[black1]

Hi guys, were can I order a Tomo Vanguard from the east coats of Florida? would like to order one asap, thank all.

Wooops my bad already answered on other page, my bad.

[RussW]

What's MSRP on a 5'4" Vanguard?

[prjwebb]

I'm guessing they'll run at a similar price to the lost collabs.

[daven]

chris what fins are you using in your tomo?

[RussW]

so tomos should be available early 1013...?

[Slowman]

I just ordered one in Australia, due available in February 2013.

[aurfalien]

The board looks SIK but come on guys, did you also pre order an iPhone 6?

[Slowman]

I wouldn't waste money on an iPhone! That would mean I could not waste it on surfboards. Priorities!

[Chris]

yeah February 2013 ish. Aurf no the prebooks on iphone 6 are over. iphone 7 prebooks coming up here in a few weeks.

[aurfalien]

Haa, very well said guy, well said!

And I am looking to get the Tomo as well. Waitin on a few more reviews first. This forum is most excellent!

[megsy]

Hey guys, a few of you might have seen how I surf on my Hellfire, Sweet Potato & Potatonator video clips, so now I'm entertaining adding the vanguard to the quiver.

Suggestions on the size that might suit me? Also, will it only be RF released first off in Oz?

[Chris]

megsy will you share your board sizes again? for some reason your signature is hidden. I will say, however, based on what you currently ride, the Vanguard should fit in nicely.

Honestly the vanguard will fit into most quivers because there aren't a lot of boards that simulate its ride. there are boards that are geared for similar waves, but none that mimic its foam distribution, shape and bottom channels. Those make the board ultra unique.

Cheers

cheers!

[megsy]

Hey Chris,

502 Sweet Potato FST 32.2ltr (going to drop down to the 500 SP 28.9ltr because 502 32.2ltr has just a touch too much volume)
504 Potatonator FST 28.2ltr
505 El Fuego FST 24.8ltr (about to sell it or trade in)
508 Hellfire FST 27.2ltr

I'm 175cm (5'9") & weigh 70kg (155lb)

[megsy]

Hey Chris,

502 Sweet Potato FST 32.2ltr (going to drop down to the 500 SP 28.9ltr because 502 32.2ltr has just a touch too much volume)
504 Potatonator FST 28.2ltr
505 El Fuego FST 24.8ltr (about to sell it or trade in)
508 Hellfire FST 27.2ltr

I'm 175cm (5'9") & weigh 70kg (155lb)

So what would you suggest Chris?

[prjwebb]

504 megsy!

[Chris]

Yeah megsy i agree with Prj here. 504 all the way!!

[mads sand]

Ok im 1,87m 93kg what board the 5,10 or 6,0 vanguard ??? I have a bakedpotato 5,7 and love it in small waves...

[prjwebb]

3+ longer than BP is what I'd personally be going but it depends how your BP is volumed I guess.

[megsy]

thanks prjwebb 504 looks like the one then.

[megsy]

ill be taking both yours & prjwebb's suggestion of the 504 then...cheers chris!!

[megsy]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I had the fortunate opportunity to ride Stu Kennedy's 5'2" Vanguard board down @Maroubra Beach, Sydney, Australia today.
The surf was 2-3ft, bumpy & junky from the onshore winds.
The board handled surprisingly well considering the not-so-favourable conditions.
Caught about half a dozen or so waves in the session & there were a few stand out moments that have convinced me to seriously add it to my quiver.
I want to thank @StuKennedy_surf for taking the time to discuss with me all things about the Vanguard.
I had been thinking about the 5'4" taking into consideration my level of surfing ability but Stu suggested that since we were similar in weight & size, that I stick to the 5'2" but maybe go a little thicker than his board. I was also concerned that because I am quite heavy on my front foot that the board may not be suited to me as it is more of a back foot kind of board but I felt no hinderance once I was up & riding.
Here are a couple of pics of me with the Vanguard.13401341

[Goanna]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I had the fortunate opportunity to ride Stu Kennedy's 5'2" Vanguard board down @Maroubra Beach, Sydney, Australia today.
The surf was 2-3ft, bumpy & junky from the onshore winds.
The board handled surprisingly well considering the not-so-favourable conditions.
Caught about half a dozen or so waves in the session & there were a few stand out moments that have convinced me to seriously add it to my quiver.
I want to thank @StuKennedy_surf for taking the time to discuss with me all things about the Vanguard.
I had been thinking about the 5'4" taking into consideration my level of surfing ability but Stu suggested that since we were similar in weight & size, that I stick to the 5'2" but maybe go a little thicker than his board. I was also concerned that because I am quite heavy on my front foot that the board may not be suited to me as it is more of a back foot kind of board but I felt no hinderance once I was up & riding.
Here are a couple of pics of me with the Vanguard.13401341

Sounds good Megsy, Can't wait to hear more.
What other demo boards did they have down there? and did you ride any of them as well?

[megsy]

Hey Goanna, I noticed that they had the SP, MB, PN & VG. I only rode the VG as that's the only board I was interested in trying.

[prjwebb]

You think I should go 504 then megsy? What are your dims again? How is the volume of that 502 compared to your usual boards?
Cheers!

[Wandi]

How did the 5'2 paddle at 22.9 liters when your 84 kg
Cheers

[FW - Fan]

My only question is...why the steamer Megsy...why? It was like Mentawais in the water yesterday..well over 20 degrees C....you must have been cooking in that suit?? lol.

[Slowman]

Ha ha, I met Megsy today, though very briefly, he and Goanna were both in steamers! Though a lot were due to the lower air temperature but the water is still beautiful.

Megsy, I'm also interested in how you found the low volume, though it sounds like it wasn't a problem. I was going to wait around for when you and Goanna got out to bombard you with questions, but you guys were obviously enjoying the mechanical perfection too much!

[FW - Fan]

Ha ha, I met Megsy today, though very briefly, he and Goanna were both in steamers! Though a lot were due to the lower air temperature but the water is still beautiful.

Megsy, I'm also interested in how you found the low volume, though it sounds like it wasn't a problem. I was going to wait around for when you and Goanna got out to bombard you with questions, but you guys were obviously enjoying the mechanical perfection too much!

Mechanical Perfection...at Maroubra ??surely you must jest ?? I just looked at the cam and I call that 1-2 foot crap...maybe I am picky though lol.

[megsy]

Hey Wandi, Goanna is 84kg, I'm 70kg.
I had to paddle a little harder than normal but this is a performance board, so it makes sense that it's thinner, more narrow & lighter than my other firewire boards.
How did the 5'2 paddle at 22.9 liters when your 84 kg
Cheers

[megsy]

Hey prjwebb, my 508 hellfire has the least amount of volume at 27.2ltr in my quiver. With the 502 Vanguard tipping in at 22.9ltr there's quite a bit of difference.To be honest, I think I'd still like to demo a 504 Vanguard at 25.9ltr just to make a comparison with the 502.
You think I should go 504 then megsy? What are your dims again? How is the volume of that 502 compared to your usual boards?
Cheers!

[megsy]

FW - Fan, I was wearing a short arm 2mm steamer as the southerly wind was blowing & just making things a little cooler above the water, but you're absolutely right, the water temp was still balmy.
My only question is...why the steamer Megsy...why? It was like Mentawais in the water yesterday..well over 20 degrees C....you must have been cooking in that suit?? lol.

[megsy]

Hey slowman, yeah you got out too quickly, it would've been good to have a bit of a chat. Goanna, says you're down there quite a bit so I'm sure we'll bump into each other at some other time.
Look, 502 was harder to paddle than my other boards but in saying that, it's a high performance board so you'd have to expect that wouldn't you. The conditions weren't ideal & I probably would've used my 502 SP out there instead but I'd like to see how it feels in more favourable conditions. I think the paddling of the board would be the same but the performance of the board when up & riding would be better. As Stu Kennedy suggested, maybe go a bit thicker in the 502 to address the paddling issue?
Ha ha, I met Megsy today, though very briefly, he and Goanna were both in steamers! Though a lot were due to the lower air temperature but the water is still beautiful.

Megsy, I'm also interested in how you found the low volume, though it sounds like it wasn't a problem. I was going to wait around for when you and Goanna got out to bombard you with questions, but you guys were obviously enjoying the mechanical perfection too much!

[megsy]

FW - Fan, slowman was not referring to Maroubra yesterday, he was referring to a beach break we were surfing down the south coast. I'm absolutely sure that Maroubra was as you say "1-2 foot crap" yesterday hahaha.
Mechanical Perfection...at Maroubra ??surely you must jest ?? I just looked at the cam and I call that 1-2 foot crap...maybe I am picky though lol.

[Slowman]

Fan, yes I was jesting about the mechanical perfection bit, it was solid 4-5' but a bit messy, but still worth a surf. Cleaned up nicely today!

Megsy, I'd been out for nearly a couple of hours already by the time you and Goanna came out so I'd had my fill, I hung around chatting but ultimately home duties and a flatpack were awaiting my attention. I'm going to find out soon enough, Raz tells me it won't be long, unless you go custom or direct to Tomo I didn't think there was an option to get one made thicker - still if anyone's on the money it would have to be Stu, just a question of how.

[H.S.O.]

What other models will be available?

[Slowman]

The V4.