The HIBT 3+3 is the first full collaboration between shaper Billy Tolhurst and two-time world longboard champion Harley Ingleby. Unlike previous Tolhurst x Thunderbolt models that evolved from Billy's 50+ years of existing designs, this board was built from scratch as a completely new shape. The two worked together from day one, putting it through more R&D than any previous model in the Harley Ingleby lineup.

The "3+3" refers to a six-plug fin system that gives you three distinct riding options in one board. You can set it up as a true quad (using the black fin plugs), a true twin (using the white fin plugs), or an asymmetrical hybrid with twin on your toe side and quad on your heel side. All fin boxes are FCS compatible (3+3 FCS). This lets you change how the board performs based on wave conditions or personal preference without needing multiple boards.

Both configurations work well—it depends on conditions and what you want from the board. As a quad, the HIBT 3+3 provides more hold, drive, and control while remaining loose off the top. As a twin, it feels faster and skatier with quicker, more fluid turns. Harley Ingleby recommends his FCS2 Mid Quad fins for the quad setup and his Power Twin fins for the twin configuration. Thunderbolt is also releasing a PG quad fin set specifically designed for this model.

According to Harley Ingleby, the sweet spot is waist high to head high waves (approximately 1-6 feet), but the board handles a wide range from knee-high playful runners to overhead, fast, hollow surf. It works well in punchy beach breaks, running point breaks, and reef waves with pockets. The fish tail in quad configuration provides control and bite when you need it at speed.

Sizing the HIBT 3+3 depends on your weight, skill level, the conditions you surf most, and how you want to use the board — the shorter sizes (5'10", 6'0", 6'2") surf like a performance shortboard, while the longer sizes (6'6", 6'10", 7'2") offer more paddle power and glide and sit closer to a mid-length in feel. Harley Ingleby's general advice is that if you're between two sizes, go longer — the board paddles exceptionally well, so extra length tends to help rather than hurt. The right size is different for everyone, so contact us directly and we'll help you dial it in:

• Email: sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com
• Text: (808) 597-9055

When you reach out, include your current board dimensions and volume, how you want to ride the HIBT (more of a performance shortboard feel or more paddle power and glide), your fin preference if you have one (quad, twin, or asym), the type of breaks you surf most (beach break, reef break, point break), how often you surf, and your location — location affects shipping options and helps us give you accurate delivery information.

According to Harley Ingleby, the HIBT 3+3 was designed to sit between the MOE and the MID6 in his lineup—offering more performance, more speed, and more range than either. The MID6 and MOE are mid-length designs focused on glide and flow. The HIBT 3+3 is a shorter, more performance-driven fish-style shape with more release and looseness. Thunderbolt notes that the larger HIBT sizes (6'6, 6'10, 7'2) work well as a complement to a MID6 or MOE when you want a shorter, snappier option.

The asym option places a twin fin on your toe side and a quad setup on your heel side. This addresses the natural difference in how surfers turn—most have more power and range on frontside (toe side) turns versus backside (heel side). The twin gives you that loose, fast feel going frontside while the quad provides more hold and control on your backside. Harley developed this concept back in 2016, and the HIBT 3+3 lets you experiment with it without committing to a dedicated asymmetrical board shape.

Yes. The bottom contour keeps the front of the board free and neutral, meaning you can comfortably ride it at your standard volume or slightly over without sacrificing responsiveness. This makes it forgiving when you want extra paddle power while maintaining performance. The flat entry with double concave underfoot and Billy Tolhurst's signature rail relief contribute to this neutral feel.

Speed comes from the rocker profile. The HIBT 3+3 uses a tuned-up version of Billy Tolhurst's BT Twin rocker—described by Thunderbolt as the fastest in their lineup. The flat entry rocker provides instant acceleration, and the lack of a center fin in both quad and twin setups eliminates drag. The sting-style flyer into the deep fish tail helps the board release and pivot easily, especially as a quad.