Introducing the Boss Up

Meet Kelly Slater's first-ever performance midlength, the Boss Up. The Boss Up is the bigger brother of the S Boss.

This utility midlength is the most well-rounded and versatile shape in the Slater Designs range, designed by Dan Mann. The shape was designed to work well in both weak waves as well as heavier conditions - it can cruise across flat wave faces while also shoot through cavernous overhead tubes.

The Boss Up is the board you would travel with if you could only bring one board with you. Your one board quiver with maximum performance in a purely versatile package.

Our crew has really been enjoying this midlength when keeping it mellow and cruising is top-of-mind (or the need to be more mobile to battle crowds). That said, Dan Mann's also been putting it in punchier surf with an open face - as it's perfect for carving. Michel Bourez has ridden well-overhead barrels at home in Tahiti, and loved it equally in those conditions.

For fins, we'd recommend running the KS1 template as a Quad. This template has a lot of pivot for a neutral template, and when combined with the long rail line of the Boss Up, you want fins that can pivot immediately like the KS1. Or, start with your favorite fin set and if it feels too stiff, add more pivot with the KS1 template.

For size and volume, the beauty of this shape is that it doesn't command you dial-in your volume perfectly. Any single surfer can ride the Boss Up in a variety of sizes. Dan Mann has been enjoying both the 6'8" and the 7'0", while Kelly, Shane Dorian and Kevin Schulz have stayed on the 6'8", and Michel has been riding the 6'10". We recommend riding this around 13 liters more in volume than your standard shortboard. The increased volume means paddle power is incredible, but doesn't compromise performance.