What's new in the Surf Series - Interview with Chris Christenson
Gear release
With just a straight edge, some custom curve templates and a sharp pencil, Surf shaper Chris Christenson has designed every model in the Jones Surf Series using the same analog shaping techniques that he uses to make his surfboards.
The first step in his process is to trace the initial shape concept onto a thin piece of plywood. From there, he cuts out the shape and fine tunes the curves using a hand planer. Once the shape of the template is finalized it gets scanned with a 3D laser scanner to make the files that are used to produce the actual boards.
One of the most amazing aspects of this design process is that it allows Christenson and Jeremy Jones to knock around new shape concepts on the chairlift and then go back to Jeremy’s house or Chris’ factory and turn those ideas into full fledged shape prototypes.
This evolution from a napkin sketch to a scannable shape was exactly how the new Storm Wolf and Mind Expander Twin were born. These two new additions to the Surf Series went from a dream to a legit design in an afternoon of tweaking on the curves of a shape template.
Both the Storm Wolf and Mind Expander Twin offer performance unlike any other Surf Series models. To learn what makes the new models so unique we caught up with Christenson to get his thoughts on what the two models are all about, plus what terrain and riding styles they are designed for. Read on for the lowdown from Chris and to see photos from the design process.
What was the inspiration for the Storm Wolf?
The Storm Chaser has always gotten a lot of love, but the Lone Wolf was a tougher sell because it was such a niche board. Experienced riders loved the Lone Wolf, but it wasn’t very approachable for your average rider. So Jeremy and I started talking about developing a model that was in between the Storm Chaser and The Lone Wolf. Something that had camber, and the stable high speed turn feel of the Lone Wolf, but also the nimble, surfy feel of the Storm Chaser. The Storm Wolf was the result of our search for the middle ground between the models.
What type of rider will enjoy the Storm Wolf?
The Storm Wolf is for the above average rider that wants a surf style board they can ride fast in mixed conditions. It rides super well on groomers, it rides super well in powder, and it can handle choppy end-of-the-day resort conditions. It has a longer tail than the Storm Chaser so it’s better at absorbing the bumps. It also has a lot less sidecut so it’s great for those long, drawn out turns at speed. I’m not going to call it a daily driver, but it can handle just about anything you throw at it.
How do you decide between a Storm Wolf day and a Storm Chaser day?
If I know it’s going to be a top-to-bottom day and I'm going to be bangin’ out fast laps through lots of different terrain, I'm riding the Storm Wolf. If it’s a buttery, lower mountain pow day, where I'll be slashing windlips and trannies in the trees, I'll ride the Storm Chaser.
How about a Storm Wolf day versus an Ultra Mind Expander day?
The Storm Wolf and Ultra Mind Expander have similar vibes. They both rail at high speed on firm snow. The Ultra Mind Expander has more sidecut so it’s great in tighter terrain when you still want to ride fast. But the Storm Wolf is still my top-to-bottom board. It handles everything really well.
What was the inspiration for the Mind Expander Twin?
The Mind Expander Twin was an obvious evolution from the original Mind Expander. The goal was to create a surf style twin-tip that had the same playful board feel as the original Mind Expander, but with a full size tail that made it easier to ride switch. To keep the float, it has a little wider waist, and a blunted nose and tail that add volume.
Was it a challenge to redesign the Mind Expander’s directional shape into a twin-tip?
It was definitely a tricky template to draw out. The sidecut on the Mind Expander is really pulled back from the nose. It doesn’t really start curving until it gets under your feet. So to blend that rail line for both the nose and tail without making it a 188cm board was really challenging. To keep the same turn feel we had to rethink the rail line a bit, but looking at the two boards you can see that they are totally related.
How does the Mind Expander Twin ride compared to the other surf series boards?
The Mind Expander Twin is a super fun board to ride because it has the same surfy board feel as the other Surf Series models, but the tail opens up a lot more potential for freestyle and riding switch. The way the sidecut is drawn out gives it a slightly directional feel compared to most twin-tip shapes. I was stuck on riding directional Surf Series boards for a long time and when I got on the Mind Expander Twin it was a really easy move to make. I instantly felt really comfortable on it even though I wasn’t used to riding shapes with full size tails.
What type of rider is the Mind Expander Twin designed for?
Someone that has a good eye for terrain and can see natural tranny. Maybe you’re a park rat too, but I think it’s a fun board for any well-rounded rider who knows their mountain well.
The Storm Wolf and Mind Expander Twin are the 6th and 7th boards you’ve designed for the Surf Series. How has your design process evolved throughout the years?
I’m still using the same analog shaping methods, but my eye has gotten a lot more in tune with shaping for snow. I’ve been getting more days on the mountain every season so I have a better understanding of how a curve here or a curve there feels under my feet. We’ve also gotten better at progressing the designs from just an idea to a finished board. The entire design process is a lot more mature.
What are you looking forward to in the coming winter?
I’m looking forward to being based out of my cabin in the Sierra for the winter. Hopefully it snows a lot at home. I’d also like to make it up to Wyoming, Idaho and Canada as well. But we’ll just have to see where the snow flies, and my bliss takes me.
Discover the Surf Series
Inspired shapes for creative riders
Each model in the collection features a unique shape, flex, rocker and 3D Contours Base that delivers ultra fast glide and nimble performance in pow or on piste.
