Timmy Patterson Comments on Dark Arts Carbon Kevlar Technology
What were your initial thoughts on the new Carbon Kevlar technology?
You're definitely going to want something like that in your quiver. I can't wait to try one. Unfortunately, we haven't had many waves lately, but I look forward to surfing it. Reef said it worked pretty well for him.
How do you feel the new Dark Arts Carbon/Kevlar technology compliments your shapes?
The shapes are there; it's how well the technology follows the shape. Anything precisely shaped to the shaper's specifications feels the same, and these new boards are right there, you know. I've heard good compliments so far; I saw Allen's board, which looked amazing. It's something new and exciting; you always need a good update in surfing every so many years.
Where do you think alternative constructions fit within the evolution of the surfboard?
It's hard to say, you know, traditional glassing will always be there, but it's good to have options to switch things up and find something new. It doesn't matter how old you are, you always want something fresh. That technology, when appropriately applied, can be groundbreaking. It's taken a while to get to that point, and Dark Arts has nailed it on the head. The thing is not only putting the technology together, but it's taking that time to develop it and follow through. You guys put in the work necessary to get to this stage today. I was just telling the guys today that I saw different materials on boards way back in the early '80s. It was Cheyne Horan with Matt Archbold, and they had this board called a "Lazer Zap," it had been vacuum-bagged, so it was pretty trippy for me to see that extensive progression. It was cool back then, but 40 years in between - that's a long time to go by the wayside. It seems like where Dark Arts is today has become a new niche of innovation to create something different. Everyone is always skeptical. I remember being suspicious for a while when Dark Arts first came out. But ultimately, it's research and design that's so tedious until it's refined. Sometimes, you'll get one worker who nails it and another who doesn't. You need workers who show up and complete the job but can also learn to adapt to different materials.
One of the reasons why I've progressed as a shaper is my ability to follow through. That's been my most significant advantage in shaping. I used to shape one board overnight and then see the result the next day. Having such a precise technique down dramatically contributes to your ability to develop, and Dark Arts has figured out how to perfect that technique. The boards are always so tight, and that's an advantage for rapid development. Everyone I see who grabs a Dark Arts board is interested just due to the level of quality. Of course, there's a "wow" factor, like these are "wow" boards.
I also really like the mixed PU/EPS blanks since they have that little extra bit of weight, which I prefer. They're still lighter than traditional, but that weight feels good underneath the arm, and you know it won't fly away or start to skip out. The PU/EPS feels like a nice combo; it has a different feel. When I first picked one up, I was like, "Woah, that feels good."
It's all about the boards, you know; they're killer, it's in the execution. You may find boards that look similar, but if you want a board with the same quality in rocker, edge, and rail, then it's pretty hard to match.
Anything else?
I'm definitely looking forward to trying the Carbon Kevlar, and it's something fresh for your feet! I can't wait to give it a go myself.
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We can't wait wait either! 🖤 Thank you Timmy Patterson, Scott & Crew!!