Since Carl Ekstrom pioneered asymmetrical boards in the mid-late 60s, the design's had a fluctuation in popularity – but it's a rare occurence (if ever) to see one of the the world's best pack a full quiver of asyms for a Championship Tour event.
Enter Josh Kerr. You may recall last year when Kerrzy shaped the Bi Polar with Rusty Preisendorfer, (of Rusty Surfboards) an asym built specifically for left-hand barrels. An interesting board choice with the inside rail longer than the curved outside which provides more drive than a standard set up. After a leash snap during his round 4 heat against Artiz Aranburu and Wiggolly Dantas at Chopes last year, he used it as a back-up, scratching in to a 7.87 and winning the heat.
Kerrzy on the asym last year.
© 2023 - WSL
It must have left a lasting impression on the Aussie, as Rusty has just posted a snap of Josh's select Chopes' sleds – and they're all asymmetrical boards ranging from 5'9 to 6'0. It's not clear whether Kerrzy's packed anything else other than the asyms but it's certainly one of the more unusual designs to grace the CT stage; the ideal platform for showcasing unconventional shapes to the global masses.
And here they are with Rusty himself.
© 2023 - Rusty Surfboards
Rusty says the inboard rails are harder and lower while the outboard rails are softer, giving more drive on your back-hand – if you're a regular foot as Kerrzy is. He explains via Instagram: ''These boards we made specifically for 'Chopes. The inside rail (on a left even though it's Kerrzy's backside) has been designed for more drive with a straighter outline but more rocker. The outside rail resembles more of a shortboard to pivot off the top....The fin placements and tow angles are asymmetrical as well. I'll have to post a pic of the bottom too!''
No snap of the bottom yet, but here's what was going on under the hood of Josh's Bi Polar from last year.
Underneath the Bi Polar, which was eventually auctioned off to FleaHab, a charity set up to support people recovering from addiction.
© 2023 - Rusty Surfboards
It's great to see board progression pushed on the world tour. Aside from Kelly, there's not many others who will try something against the grain. Let's see how these handle. And, bonus, here's Ryan Burch on his asym wonder whip:
