Dark Horse

Aipa Dark Horse Surfboard

During the testing phase of the Dark Twinn, Duke wanted to feel the point of difference if it was reconfigured for a quad arrangement. As a fraternal sibling of the Dark Twinn, The Dark Horse was developed as the quad specific adaptation of the design with every element of the 2 designs being identical , except for shifting the wing forward to correlate with the quad forward fins. The result was a more controlled/predictable response on rail with an intense precision feeling/ reaction in the pocket and increased stability to handle bigger surf than its predecessor.

The Dark Horses sleek / active outline, winged thumb tail rear section, moderate rocker, full-lower apex rail, and staged bottom contour create a lively yet controlled planning surface,  while the combination of wing to fin placement,wing flute and heavy vee with double concave out the tail creates an intuitive tipping point for your backfoot to transfer rail to rail effortlessly with minimal pressure for tight in the pocket reactions or long drawn out carves.

These design elements and Quad specific fin set up translate seamlessly for surfers at intermediate to professional level and gives surfers the ability to tap into a precision side of high performance surfing.This became a trusty board for the difficult conditions in the North American WQS, from East to West Coast for AIPA Team rider, Sage Guinaldo. He made his way through many heats in his 2021 QS tour with this blade in his quiver.

Wave range: Average to above average/ shoulder high to well overhead.

Use in conditions you would either use your standard shortboard or groveler.

Fin Configuration:  Twin+trailer/ Suggest Twin only up to shoulder high and add trailer for over shoulder high..

Suggested Fins: Primary/(NVS) Horsemen Quads, Alternative(FUTURES)AIPA x MAYHEM “Torches”.

Design Range: 5’0” to 6’4”

Target Sizing: 1-2” below standard shortboard with 1/2L to1L added volume depending on skill level.