The Firewire Surfboard Constructions: Complete Guide to Every Technology

Firewire has led the surfboard industry in construction innovation since 2006. From the brand-new Proflex carbon technology developed with Kelly Slater to sustainable Timbertek, this guide breaks down each construction so you can choose the right board for your surfing.

Proflex Technology: Firewire's Most Advanced Carbon Construction

Proflex represents a breakthrough in surfboard engineering. Unlike traditional carbon boards that can feel overly stiff, Proflex was engineered to Kelly Slater's specific preference for carbon performance—delivering a feel that's closer to "broken-in right out of the box" without being too rigid.

Proflex Construction Details

This technology combines Firewire's sandwich construction expertise with precision-engineered flex control through an exoskeleton build. The construction features a Technora carbon cage for torsional control, 6oz carbon fiber wrapping around the rail apex, basalt carbon tape reinforcement, and Firewire's proprietary T10 aerospace deck skin.

Brett Savage, GM of Firewire and Slater Designs, explains that the carbon cage—made from Technora—creates torsional control across the blank. All strength and flex technology is built into the exterior exoskeleton rather than relying on internal core construction.

The first model available in Proflex is the Spaceship, designed by Kelly Slater and shaper Mike Woo. This design was refined over a dozen prototypes during extensive testing in quality waves throughout Indonesia.

Helium Technology: Light, Lively, and Speed-Generating

Helium is Firewire's ideal construction for generating speed in weak, everyday waves. If you're surfing smaller conditions and need a board that feels explosive and responsive, Helium delivers.

Helium Construction Details

This stringerless core technology uses a 1.0 lb EPS foam core with flex controlled through parabolic rails made from Paulownia and Balsa wood, running the complete length from nose to tail. The deck features a 3mm proprietary aerospace composite skin.

Helium cores pair with fiberglass, Volcanic, or Timbertek lamination options.

I-Bolic Technology: Kelly Slater's Favorite

I-Bolic is Firewire's patented core technology that delivers the stiffness of their former Linear Flex Technology (LFT) combined with the flex and spring-back of Helium. This is Kelly Slater's go-to construction for its balance of speed, control, strength, and response.

I-Bolic Construction Details

Built on a 1.5 lb EPS foam core, I-Bolic features an 18mm high-density foam stringer running down the center (the "I-beam" that gives it its name), 16mm high-density foam parabolic rails for flex control, and a 5mm high-density foam springer on the bottom.

The I-beam design ensures firmness underfoot and exceptional break strength, while the parabolic rails enable flex and recoil through turns. I-Bolic pairs with standard fiberglass, AWT fiberglass, or Volcanic lamination.

Volcanic Lamination: Sustainable Carbon Alternative

Volcanic is a lamination technology (not a core) that serves as Firewire's sustainable alternative to carbon fiber. Made from basalt—a natural element extracted from volcanic rock—this construction is forged in fire at approximately 1,500°C (2,730°F).

Volcanic Performance Characteristics

The basalt cloth shares functional characteristics with carbon but actually outperforms it in several ways. Volcanic is stronger than carbon, withstands higher temperatures, and offers higher elasticity for a more natural flex pattern underfoot. This makes it Firewire's most durable construction with elevated response.

Timbertek Lamination: Most Sustainable Construction

Timbertek is the construction that put Firewire on the map—those distinctive brown, wooden-decked boards represent one of the most sustainable surfboard constructions available today.

Timbertek Construction Details

Made from Paulownia wood—one of the fastest-growing trees in the world that can grow up to 20 feet in a single year—Timbertek offers one of the lowest CO2-emitting constructions in production. The species is nicknamed "The Phoenix Tree" because it regenerates quickly from existing root systems when harvested.

Timbertek boards are incredibly durable and nearly impossible to dent, extending your board's lifespan significantly. They surf powerfully and steadily, feeling solid while carrying momentum down the line.

Firewire Construction Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Firewire Construction

Your ideal construction depends on your wave conditions, surfing style, and priorities:

Choose Proflex if you want the most advanced carbon performance for critical, high-performance surfing in quality waves. This is the choice for surfers who push their limits.

Choose Helium if you primarily surf smaller, weaker waves and need maximum speed generation. The lightweight, lively feel excels when conditions are mushy.

Choose I-Bolic if you want the balanced performance that Kelly Slater rides—firmness for control with responsive flex for maneuverability.

Choose Volcanic lamination if durability is paramount and you want sustainable carbon-like performance.

Choose Timbertek lamination if environmental sustainability matters to you and you want a durable board that carries momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Firewire Constructions