The Rusty '84 is a legendary design brought back to life—a faithful tribute to the board that powered Mark “Occy” Occhilupo through his explosive breakout year. Dubbed the “Raging Bull,” Occy was nearly unstoppable on this template, and now modern surfers get a taste of that same timeless energy in a board that blends retro flair with user-friendly versatility.
Designed with a relaxed rocker, a flat deck, and boxy rails, the '84 offers excellent paddle power, down-the-line speed, and a forgiving feel underfoot. A flat bottom under the front foot provides solid acceleration, while a shallow vee with scooped-out panels through the fins helps release water off the tail corners—making this board feel lively and maneuverable without being twitchy.
The signature beak nose is a nod to its 1980s roots, helping pack in volume without sacrificing the outline’s performance feel. While it was built for high-performance surfing in the '80s, the '84 remains incredibly accessible for a wide range of surfers today—from intermediate riders looking to add some classic flair, to more advanced surfers seeking down-the-line glide and smooth rail surfing.
Pros:
Relaxed rocker and flat deck deliver excellent paddling and speed generation.
Vee and scooped tail panels create smooth, responsive rail transitions.
Boxy rails and beak nose provide added forgiveness and volume without sacrificing maneuverability.
A versatile, retro-modern board that works well in a variety of conditions.
Cons:
Not as reactive or vertical as modern high-performance shortboards.
Flat bottom can feel skatey in steeper or more critical sections if not properly engaged.
Summary:
The Rusty '84 is a retro-inspired board with proven performance lineage, designed for surfers who appreciate speed, flow, and timeless style. Originally shaped for Occy’s breakout year, its relaxed rocker, classic contours, and scooped-out vee tail make it both a piece of surf history and a seriously fun everyday board. Whether you're charging points or cruising beachies, the '84 is a smooth operator that blends heritage and rideability in all the right ways.
