With pre-game hype for the Surf Ranch Pro reaching a fever pitch, we decided to throw our hat into the ring and discuss the surfboard dilemma — or opportunity (depending on how well a particular competitor’s equipment has been working). At the Founders’ Cup this spring, Surfline Editor Marcus Sanders cornered a handful of the shapers who’d built boards for some of the invitees (including the man who built the playing field, Kelly Slater, and the man who led the World Team to victory, Jordy Smith) then peppered in Darren Handley’s thoughts to get valuable input on what works, what doesn’t and why, heading into the most anticipated freshwater surfing event in history.
Background photo: Ben Krygsman