Infinity

Steve Boehne (bay-knee) was 13 years old in 1960 when he learned to shape and glass in a neighbor’s garage. They bought blanks from Wilshire Foam in Torrance whose main product was foam for flower arrangements; consequently the blanks were either red or green. They would chalk line the blanks, cut them and glue the stringers in with inner tube rubber bands. In 1967, Boehne got a job shaping for Gordie Surfboards in Huntington Beach. “Gordie was known for his craftsmanship with fancy stringers, nose blocks and tail blacks. He was tough to work for, but he was an excellent teacher”.

Boehne started Infinity Surfboards in 1970 where for the first 20 years he personally shaped over 500 boards per year. He finds that with the ever-increasing demand for Infinity boards even with four additional shapers he still shapes around 250 boards a year.

Steve and Barrie Boehne were tandem surfing stars for over 30 years. They won more contests than any tandem team in history including 6 US championships, 6 Makaha International Meets, 8 Biarritz-European Championships and two World Titles. Boehne’s tandem board shapes are prized the world over. Surfing as well as foam dust is in Boehne’s blood. He has a comprehensive understanding of surfboard designe learned from his many years of riding and shaping such a wide variety of boards, everything from shortboards, longboards, tandem boards to wave skis.

As for the Surftech evolution, Boehne like every other shaper working with the company, was skeptical at first. Being a shaper, “ I understand the controversy over molded boards taking jobs away from shapers and glassers, but being a retailer, I welcome the advantages of innovation and the ability to build enough boards to supply demand”. My feeling is that regardless of what I think, it is the consumer who ultimately decides which technology he prefers and I want to be there to sell it to him.

COMMENTS FROM STEVE BOEHNE:
I am very proud to be represented here among these wonderful creators of surfboards. I feel lucky to have been able to shape and design boards through the 60’s and into the revolutionary 70’s when designing surfboards was like space exploration. I love to shape classic style longboards, but I prefer to ride more responsive longboard shapes that apply the lessons learned from shortboards. Rails with tucked edges, V-bottom, and innovative fin placement can increase your personal surfing ability. I want quick response and the feeling of power and acceleration that makes surfing exciting.

I have not been an advocate of shaping machines and we shape all of our polyester boards by hand, but as the demand for Infinity boards has grown, we just can’t work any harder. We can’t make any more boards without sacrificing quality. In addition, we cannot make boards as light and strong as the new epoxy technology offered from Surftech. I feel a part of my own creation is in every Surftech – Infinity because I meticulously hand crafted the master “plug” for each board that has been produced. When the first Surftech – Infinity’s were delivered to the Infinity shop, we were stunned by the craftsmanship and finish of the boards. The wood boards are fabulous and the Tuflite’s are exactly as named. We are proud to have them in our regular longboard line.

ABOUT THE BOARDS: I have received rave reviews by email from surfers around the US. who have acquired the Surftech 9’6” Cluster or 10’ Rad Noserider. Their typical comment: “The best board I have ever owned”; “In 25 years of surfing, this is the best board I have ever ridden”. There are a few questions often asked about the models that can be answered here:

1. What size person are these boards designed for?
Both models are designed for a guy around 200 lb. plus or minus about 20 lb. They are the same high performance design as our thinner shapes, but have more floatation, and excellent wave catching power.

2. What are the Cluster fins all about?
The big, 5.5” twin fins produce projection and speed when you turn. Power alternates from one fin to the other. When you are going straight, a twin fin board feels “drifty”, so a 3.5” center fin is added to the Cluster and a 6” center fin is added to the Rad Noserider to give the boards straight-line stability plus the quick response of a twin fin. The center fins are moved forward or “clustered” between the side fins, a more responsive position than the old “thruster” forward and back positions. Both models are wonderfully tunable by changing fin sizes with other Future (brand) fins that are available or even as just a single fin. Generally, bigger guys prefer the stock 5.5” side twin fins, which they need for power. I weigh 180 lb. so I prefer the smaller 4” Future “side bites” with a larger 5” center fin on the Cluster. I ride the Rad Noserider with the stock 5.5” side twins + 6” center fin that it comes equipped with. In short, As you make the side fins smaller and the center fin larger, you make the boards less powerful, have less projection, but: smoother riding with a more continuous speed, a more classic feeling.

3. What is the 9’6” Cluster model like?
My favorite comment is: “It is like riding a thoroughbred horse that wants to run and jump fences, this board is all over the wave”. The V-bottom, Cluster fin configuration and light Surftech construction make it ride like a giant shortboard. It will do short “hang fives”, but it is primarily a carver. This board at 3.75” thick is surprisingly buoyant and paddles better than most 10’ boards. It works well in an unusual range of wave sizes. It is fun in 2 ft. slop and is fast in up to double overhead surf. It is, therefore and excellent travel board.

4. What is the 10’ Rad Noserider like?
This board has two personalities, when you are on the tail, it wants to turn and zigzag on the wave face. When you walk the nose, up onto the long, ½ length concave, it stabilizes and accelerates. The flow through concave does not push water so it supports your weight and maintains speed across long walls. It is refreshing to find a fast, power turning nose rider. You can experiment by changing fins to personally tune the board to your preference. This is by far the most popular model Infinity has ever made.

Stand Up Paddle Accessories

SUP Clothing

9'0'' - Wave Ski

N : 16 3/4

M : 24

T : 14 1/2

Th : 6 1/2

FINS

Centre : Surf 10" Infinity 5"

Side : N/A

Board Review

Surftech Wave Ski models have precisely formed rails and edges. They have a flawless finish. No other wave ski in the world can claim such exotic construction. this is by far the strongest, stiffest and lightest construction available and it has by far the best detailed finish.
the infinity Stringer wave ski design is a breakthrough design for wave ski surfers. The design is so unique that it has been granted patent #DVH0186 by the US government.
Experienced wave skiers have found that this design paddles faster, catches waves easier and turns with more power than other designs they have owned. A wave ski is turned from the centre of the board from a point on the rail adjacent to the seat.
the "stinger" rail cutaway and concave create a pivot point on the rail that makes a turn precise and powerful. in addition, the concave hooks onto a wave face preventing slide outs in steep, fast sections. The stinger design has been combined with measured rocker and V-bottom.
It has been tested, refined and proved best for over a decade.
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9'6'' - Wave Ski

N : 17

M : 27

T : 15

Th : 6

FINS

Centre : Surf 10" Infinity 5"

Side : N/A

Board Review

10'0'' - Kuku Hoe

N : 22

M : 28

T : 16

Th : 4 7/8

FINS

Centre : Surf 10" STW 9

Side : Future V2 R 454

Board Review

A thick high volume board that offers a stable platform for larger athletes or newcomers to the sport. The board's thickness extends out to the rail for added stability.
Additional the soft curve of the upper rail gives the board a soft feeling that allows for smooth turns when riding waves. A good choice for the recreational user in all conditions.
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