Firewire Taylor Jensen Hull Rider (9'0 - 9'6) 2+ 1 Fin Helium
Firewire Taylor Jensen Hull Rider (9'0 - 9'6) 2+ 1 Fin Helium
SKU:146626
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TJ HULL RIDER DESCRIPTION
WHAT IS THE TJ HULL RIDER SURFBOARD?
Key Advantages
🌊 Super User-Friendly Design - More volume and thicker center point makes paddling effortless and catching waves a breeze
⚡ Incredible Control & Connection - Gentle hull bottom gives you complete control with smooth rail-to-rail transitions
🏄 Versatile Performance - Easy nose riding capability with dynamic tail performance when you step back
✨ Effortless Speed Generation - Hull design creates fast, high-line speed down the line with minimal effort
Perfect For You If
- You're transitioning from beginner to intermediate and want a board that won't hold you back
- You have shoulder issues or want to surf longer sessions with less paddling effort
- You love the sensation of feeling completely connected to your equipment
- You prefer drawn-out, flowing surf lines over high-performance vertical attacks
- You want a longboard that excels in softer, more manageable conditions
Technology Behind the Magic
Firewire Helium Construction featuring:
- Variable High-Density Foam Stringer - wider in the tail for stiffer response, narrower in the nose for more play and less weight
- Paulownia Wood Nose Cap for maximum noseriding compatibility
- Wood Rails (Paulownia and Balsa) for controlled flex and durability
- Gentle Hull Bottom - convex design that's the opposite of concave, creating unique water connection
- Teardrop Concave Cutout in the nose reduces weight and creates lift for easier nose riding
- Rounded Pintail design for smooth rail-to-rail flow with reliable hold
- Flatter Entry Rocker maximizes paddle power, gentle tail rocker for maneuverability
Real-World Performance
Wave Conditions: Excels in shoulder-high waves and under - the flatter the face, the faster this board goes
Ideal Spots: Classic longboard waves like San Onofre, high-tide California beach breaks, and point breaks
Wave Range: Ankle-high to shoulder-high conditions
Special Features:
- Hull bottom doesn't want to nose dive - It naturally wants to pop up and stay on the surface rather than catch and dive down
- Cuts through water effortlessly - Even on non-breaking inside sections where waves aren't even breaking anymore
- Turn from anywhere on the board - Mid board it'll roll because of that hull bottom, plus you can step back on the tail and dig in when you want to
Fin Setup Options
Two Plus One Configuration:
- 9'0" & 9'3": 7" center fin + 4.25" side fins (Taylor's standard setup)
- Alternative Setup: 8" center (thinner tip) + 3.75" sides for more responsiveness
- 9'6" Single Fin: 10" power drive fin for maximum flow and drive
Fin Style: Taylor rides his signature rake fin with fuller tip for maximum hold and positive pressure - no slipping or sliding even when you put power into your turns.
Why Choose The TJ Hull Rider
Complete Control Experience - The gentle hull bottom gives you a feeling of total connection where every subtle weight shift translates to smooth, predictable board response.
Effortless Performance - More volume and hull design mean you'll paddle into waves earlier, surf longer sessions, and still have dynamic turning ability when you step back on the tail.
Beginner to Advanced Friendly - Unlike boards that might be too advanced for your skill level, this shape lets you feel what the board wants to do naturally without forcing movements.
Unique Surfing Sensation - Creates a distinct feeling under your feet that's different from traditional longboards - smooth, connected, and purely fun to ride.
Expert Tips
Fin Positioning: If you experience any sliding sensation, move your center fin slightly back in the fin box rather than going up in fin size - you need more surface area, not necessarily more depth.
Wave Selection: This board comes alive in chest-high conditions and loves open-face waves where you can generate speed and flow down the line.
Riding Style: Let the board dictate the pace rather than forcing high-performance moves - the hull design rewards smooth, flowing surfing over aggressive vertical attacks.
Cross-Stepping: Take advantage of the fuller nose outline and stability - this board makes walking to the nose feel secure and controlled.
TJ HULL RIDER DIMENSIONS
HELIUM 2 CONSTRUCTION
What is Firewire Surfboards' Helium Technology?
“Helium is light and lively, and great for generating speed in weak waves. LFT is still light, but a little more drivey and solid, and great for controlling speed in better waves.” - Rob Machado
Helium technology in surfboard construction is a proprietary method developed by Firewire Surfboards that utilizes a unique foam core.
Helium surfboards offer a remarkable combination of lightweight design, durability, and enhanced performance, making them an excellent choice for surfers of all skill levels. The lightweight construction allows for superior maneuverability on the water, significantly improving agility and performance during rides. Despite their reduced weight, Helium technology does not compromise on durability; these boards are built to withstand the rigors of surfing, including impacts and abrasions, ensuring they remain reliable over time.
Additionally, the advanced materials used in Helium surfboards contribute to improved performance across various wave conditions, with many surfers noting better speed and responsiveness. Firewire's commitment to sustainability is also a key advantage, as Helium technology incorporates eco-friendly materials that are less harmful to the environment compared to traditional surfboard manufacturing processes.
Benefits of Helium Surfboards
- Lightweight Construction: Helium surfboards utilize a stringerless 1.0 lb EPS foam core, making them significantly lighter than traditional surfboards. This lightweight design enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue during long sessions.
- Responsive Flex: The use of Paulownia and Balsa wood rails allows for controlled flex throughout the board. This results in a lively and responsive feel underfoot, enabling surfers to execute tighter turns and maneuvers with ease.
- Enhanced Speed: Helium technology is specifically designed to generate speed in everyday waves. The lightweight nature of the boards allows for quick acceleration, making them ideal for weaker wave conditions where speed is essential.
- Durability: The proprietary 3mm aerospace composite deck skin contributes to the board's durability. It has a memory that allows it to rebound back to its original shape after being compressed, ensuring long-lasting performance and a pristine deck surface.
- Performance in Varied Conditions: Helium surfboards are engineered to perform well in a range of surf conditions, from small, mushy waves to more powerful surf. Their design allows for stability and control, making them versatile for different surfing styles.
- Reduced Damage: The construction of Helium boards minimizes the typical wear and tear associated with surfboards. Users have reported less damage to the deck surface, even after extensive use, which enhances the longevity of the board.
TJ HULL RIDER INTERVIEW VIDEO
SHIPPING INFORMATION
Surfboard Shipping
Due to handling requirements, surfboards are shipped with specific protocols and fees.
a. Oahu Store Pickup
HAWAII SURFBOARD SHIPPING RATES
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS:
Shipping Method | Board Type | Size Limit | Cost | Estimated Delivery Time | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEDEX | Shortboards | Up to 5'10" x 23" wide | $50 | 2-5 days | Door-to-door service; contact for longboards |
Hawaiian Air Cargo | Shortboards/Mid-Length | Up to 8'4" | $90 | ~2 days | Pickup at Hawaiian Air Cargo Airport |
Hawaiian Air Cargo | Longboards | Up to 10' | $110 | ~2 days | Pickup at Hawaiian Air Cargo Airport |
➤ Hawaiian Air Cargo
(All Size Boards) - ETA Usually in two days (Boards can be picked up from the Hawaiian Air Cargo Airport from 7AM in the morning, a day after the board has been sent out.)
Hawaiian Air Cargo charges $25 per day if the board is not picked up within 48 hours of arrival at their facility.
CONTINENTAL USA: SURFBOARD SHIPPING
FedEx Door-to-Door Shipping 🚚
- Boards up to 6'0": $75 flat rate to any Continental US address
- Boards 6'1" to 8'0": Contact us for door-to-door quote
- Delivery: 3-5 business days
Air Cargo Shipping (For boards over 8'0") ✈️
2-day delivery to major airports
Important:
- Airport pickup required within 48 hours
- Must show government ID for pickup
- Let us know your travel dates - we'll time the delivery
- Storage fees apply after 48 hours
West Coast Cities (2-day delivery)
Los Angeles (LAX)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
San Diego (SAN)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
San Francisco (SFO)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
Las Vegas (LAS)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
Portland (PDX)
- Shortboard: $135
- Mid-Length: $185
- Longboard: $200
Seattle (SEA)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Shortboard: $135
- Mid-Length: $185
- Longboard: $200
Central & Mountain Cities (2-day delivery)
Denver (DEN)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Chicago (ORD)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Minneapolis (MSP)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
St. Louis (STL)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Detroit (DTW)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Houston (IAH)
- Shortboard: $145
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
East Coast Cities (2-day delivery)
New York (JFK)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
Boston (BOS)
- Shortboard: $95
- Mid-Length: $95
- Longboard: $115
Philadelphia (PHL)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Washington DC (DCA)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Baltimore (BWI)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $210
- Longboard: $230
Atlanta (ATL)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $220
- Longboard: $240
Miami (MIA)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $220
- Longboard: $240
Orlando (MCO)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $220
- Longboard: $240
Tampa (TPA)
- Shortboard: $150
- Mid-Length: $220
- Longboard: $240
TJ HULL RIDER FAQS
What size TJ Hull Rider should I get for my weight/skill level?
The TJ Hull Rider comes in three sizes:
- 9'0" - 71 Liters
- 9'3" - 77 Liters
- 9'6" - 80 Liters
To put this in perspective, Taylor Jensen mentions that compared to his TJ Pro at 60 liters, even the 9'0" Hull Rider gives you an extra 10+ liters of volume for significantly more paddle power. Taylor notes that "you don't feel it when you pick up the board. It just feels like a nicely balanced. But as soon as you jump in the water, it's got so much more paddle power."
The board is designed to be user-friendly with that extra volume, so the additional liters don't negatively impact performance - they actually enhance the experience by making wave catching easier.
How does the hull bottom feel different from a regular longboard?
Taylor Jensen explains that a hull bottom is "basically a little bit of a roll" - it's a convex bottom (the opposite of concave) where "the centerline reaches down into the water." This creates a completely different sensation than traditional longboards.
The key differences Taylor describes:
- Effortless rail-to-rail movement: "Light little bit of pressure change from toe to heel, it just, the board just floats from one side to the other so easily"
- Complete connection: "I felt like no matter what I was doing, I had complete control over this board"
- Natural flow: "It just felt effortless to me, and it felt so smooth that I had this feeling of being so connected to my equipment"
- Anti-nose dive characteristics: The hull bottom "doesn't want to nose dive...it just wants to pop up and stay on the surface"
Is this good for someone transitioning from beginner to intermediate?
Yes, Taylor Jensen specifically confirms this when asked about "somebody that's a beginner going into a little bit more of an intermediate." His response: "Perfect board for it. Yeah, exactly."
He explains why it works so well for this transition:
- Forgiving design: "Still allows you with a hard edge to turn and stuff like that, but it has that added volume, easy paddle power, the stability"
- Natural learning: "This board just allows you to really like, feel it out, feel the board, and feel what that board wants to do and just let it happen. You don't have to force and overpower the board"
- Prevents bad habits: Unlike boards that "might be too advanced for them at that stage," the Hull Rider lets you develop proper technique naturally
What wave conditions does this board work best in?
Wave Size: Taylor Jensen states it works in "small to a little bit overhead size waves" and "foot overhead and under waves." He specifically mentions that "chest high zone, like that really fun size...is where the board just like clicks into gear."
Wave Type: From the Firewire description, it "excels in all conditions shoulder-high and under" and works best when "the flatter the face, the faster this board goes." Think "classic longboard waves – softer, more flowy lines – like San Onofre, high tide California beach breaks, and point breaks."
Wave Range: "Ankle-high to shoulder-high conditions"
Important limitation: Taylor notes that "that whole bottom doesn't like big, big waves" - so it's specifically designed for smaller, more manageable conditions.
What fin setup should I start with?
Taylor Jensen provides his specific recommendations:
For 9'0" & 9'3" (Two Plus One Setup):
- Standard setup: 7" center fin + 4.25" side fins (Taylor's go-to configuration)
- Alternative setup: 8" center fin (thinner tip) + 3.75" side fins for "a little more twang"
For 9'6":
- Single fin setup: 10" power drive fin
Fin Style: Taylor rides his signature rake fin with a "fuller tip at the end of the rake" which provides "more surface area" and "more hold through your turn" without the sliding sensation. As he explains: "You don't need to go up in size. You just need more surface area basically."
Pro Tip: If you experience sliding, Taylor advises to "move your center fin slightly back in the fin box rather than going up in fin size."
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