When Dan Mann puts his hands in the foam, magic happens. The best things, though, come from collaborations, and Mann knows that. Two brains are better than one brain, especially if both those brains are all packed to the brim with knowledge. Which is why Mann’s newest wave-sliding offering is going to be so good. Fittingly called The Mashup, it’s a little bit of the Seaside, a dash of the Dominator II, and just a sprinkle of the Spitfire for good measure.
Conceived by Dan Mann and Rob Machado, the Mashup’s performance relies on how the foam is spread out. Taking lessons from the Seaside and how the fins, rocker, and concave all work together, it’s a board that works well in… well, just about anything. Mann works with Kelly Slater, Brodi Sale, Betty Lou Sakura Johnson, Kevin Schulz and other elite surfing talents, so their feedback always comes into play when he’s crafting a new shape.
Of course, no board can be called complete until its been thoroughly tested. Machado and Mann put it through its paces in the ocean, then decided they should take it for a spin at the Surf Ranch. Kelly was there too, and he decided he’d like to give it a go. And although it’s Dan Mann, Rob Machado, and Kelly Slater riding it, doesn’t it look like a board that the Average Joe would enjoy?
The Mashup is in a handful of stores right now, but until February 15th, you’ll likely have to head to Europe to get one. After that, though, they hit the U.S. surf shops. But if you’re in a rush, you can always pre-order. You’ve got to fill that quiver out, right? Might as well be with a board that almost guarantees to be a fun one.
