The Concept
Pantheon Boards began this project with a few fundamental concepts in mind. Firstly, they aimed for smooth, clean lines reminiscent of a surfboard, addressing a gap they identified in many surf skate decks that are typically built using classic or enlarged double kick molds. Their goal was to merge aesthetics with comfort and functionality, staying true to Pantheon’s design mantra while introducing an innovative surf skate design.
This vision led to the development of an overall rocker profile. The kicktail's outer edges feature a concave that gradually swoops up, while the center of the concave distinctly defines the kicktail. This design not only creates beautiful curves but also stiffens the back end, enabling riders to generate power through harder carves and slashy turns.
The front end of the board showcases a seemingly simpler design, though it incorporates complex curvatures primarily for aesthetic purposes. Pantheon aimed for the front of the deck to spoon up like the front of a surfboard, extending ahead of the front foot to evoke the feeling of sitting back on the board. Perfecting this curvature was challenging, but essential for capturing the desired vibe, ensuring the board was truly complete without any lingering improvements.
Attention then shifted to achieving the right flex and width. After testing several widths, they settled on a maximum width slightly above 10 inches. To ensure the tail was stiff enough for an excellent surfy skateboard experience, they enhanced the construction to eliminate flex, which initially resulted in excessive stiffness in the body. Gradual adjustments, including cutting out the side rails where feet wouldn’t be placed and creating a window through the center of the deck, increased torsional flex. This approach provided stiffness where needed and enough flexibility in the center to keep all four wheels on the ground during sharp turns.
Finally, Pantheon collaborated with their long-time artist, Eddie Kihm, to create graphics that blend surfboard vibes with the classic Pantheon aesthetic. The result is a surf skate that not only stands out visually but also feels intuitively right for riders. Discover the ultimate blend of style, function, and performance with Pantheon’s innovative surf skate deck.
The Concave
The concave of the Shuriken Surf Skate by Pantheon is designed with precision for optimal comfort and performance. The front features a mild concave with a gentle scoop, while the tail boasts a concaved pocket for enhanced board feel. The deck remains fairly flat through the middle, promoting torsional flex, and incorporates a slight rocker along the platform. Surf skate riders will find minimal concave throughout the board, except at the tail. This intentional design focuses on providing comfort and ensuring that the tail’s curvature offers additional stiffness. This allows riders to drive off the tail, generating power and enhancing the surf skate experience.
Wheel Wells and Setups
One standout feature of the Shuriken Surf Skate by Pantheon is its unique wheel wells, a design element not commonly seen in other surf skates. Pantheon has experimented with "internal wheel wells" on their top mount pumper decks and various distance prototypes, refining this innovative feature for the Shuriken.
Pantheon rigorously tested several popular surf skate trucks, including Carver CX, Yow, Grasp Trucks, and Station Skate. The specially designed wheel wells provide functional wheel clearance for these different truck types. Surf skate trucks like the Yow, with their more slung-back design, perform well with both the front wheelbase option and the shorter one. Trucks with a more compact design, where the axle is closer to the truck mounts, are better suited for the classic 17-inch wheelbase option. While more trucks are compatible, this configuration serves as an excellent starting point. Pantheon plans to continue testing additional surf skate truck combinations and expand their compatibility list over time.
Construction
The Shuriken Surf Skate by Pantheon features a 6-ply maple core, reinforced with triaxial fiberglass beneath the top and bottom layers. This construction provides the strength equivalent to an 8-ply board, while maintaining a lighter weight. The bottom is finished with an applewood veneer, offering a clean and surf-inspired look. The combination of fiberglass and epoxy ensures that the Shuriken Surf Skate is exceptionally weatherproof, making it durable and resilient in various conditions. This innovative design not only enhances performance but also extends the board's lifespan, providing surf skate enthusiasts with a high-quality and long-lasting deck.
You may also like
Recently viewed
