My aim is to review boards for the average knockabout surfer (or ‘kook’ like me), without all the technical terms and manoeuvres.
The ‘Hypto Krypto Twin’ designed by ‘Hayden Shapes’ had a lot of hype around it when it first got released. This hype was built on the back of the standard model, the ‘Hypto Krypto’ which is the highest selling surfboard in history! ‘Hayden Shapes’ decided to tweak the original ‘Hypto Krypto’ and give it a second life by turning it into a twin fin.
Knowing the ‘Hypto Krypto’ reputation, and being a massive fan of twin fins, I was obviously super pumped when I was given the opportunity to try one. I got my hands on a 5'10" at 34.16L which is perfect dimension’s for me. So I was off to a good start.
It usually takes me a couple of surfs to work out where to sit and stand on a new board, but with the ‘Hypto Krypto Twin' the second I paddled out, I felt at home. It has versatility and forgiveness which allows for a very easy transition from board to board. Even my wife commented on how comfortable I looked on the ‘Hypto Krypto Twin’ when we were out in the surf one day, and she doesn’t often give me a compliment on my surfing ability.
I paired this board with a set of ‘Retro Keel Fins’ from ‘Free Fall Fins’ and it was a match made in heaven. The value in this board is definitely with a set of Keel Fins over a more upright style.
I decided to have the full ‘Hayden Shapes’ experience by also purchasing his signature fish tail pad. This pad was crazy grippy, my back foot was stuck down and glued to the board.
The “Hypto Krypto Twin’ makes for a fun surf because of how easy it is to manoeuvre. Im not even close to doing big snaps or anything like that, but riding Hayden’s latest shape made me feel like I could.
The ‘Hypto Krypto Twin’ is definitely not a beginners board. It is designed to suit the more Intermediate to Experienced surfers. They suggest to ride it the same dimensions as your Hypto Krypto or 4-5” less than your shortboard with 1-3L extra volume.
‘Hayden Shapes’ recommends that you could ride the ‘Hypto Krypto Twin’ in up to 8ft waves. This seems crazy to me. Yes, there is slight nose rocker on the board which could handle a bigger wave, but I’m not sure about going that big. If you caught any wave above your head, you would generate soooo much speed and it would be a scary ride out past the break. But hey, I’m a Kook, and maybe you’ll prove me wrong.
I got the most value out of this board on those 2-3ft days. It was quick enough that I could string sections together with ease and attempt some hard turns. If the swell was any bigger, I would definitely be picking my short board up that’s for sure.
Overall this board is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a twin. Its retails at $849 and gets a 9/10 from me. It is the perfect twinny for me!
To buy this board or boards similar to this, click the link here and have a look at the amazing range from Global Surf Industries.
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