REVIEW WITH ALANA & COREY LOPEZ >
The DRIVER3.0 represents the latest and most refined iteration in a line of high-performance shortboards, evolving directly from the Driver2.0 over the past three years. Developed closely with some of the world’s top surfers—including Griffin Colapinto, Yago Dora, and Kolohe Andino—this board reflects continuous fine-tuning based on elite rider feedback and competition demands. It was first publicly introduced in 2022 and quickly gained attention after near victories at the StabInTheDark event and Griffin Colapinto’s WCT wins in Portugal and El Salvador.
At its core, the DRIVER3.0 builds on the foundation of the Driver2.0 but introduces key design enhancements. The tail rocker is slightly increased, paired with a deeper double-to-single concave through the rear half of the board, resulting in greater lift and speed. The deck in the tail area is scooped out with boxier, lower rails that follow the bottom contours to slice smoothly through the water. This combination allows the board to carry speed through tight, powerful turns with precision.
The hip section between the feet is narrowed, providing added grip and stability without compromising maneuverability. Meanwhile, the round tail is wider and forgiving underfoot, but tapers at the last few inches to maintain control in critical, pro-level pocket surfing. To balance the more aggressive tail design, the forward section features slightly more width and volume, contributing to improved glide and drive off the front foot.
The board runs thicker along the stringer for better paddle power and overall drive, but incorporates a higher angle vee deck to reduce volume and enhance rail engagement with a moderate, rounded rail shape. This thoughtful volume distribution makes the DRIVER3.0 both powerful and responsive.
Standard dimensions and volumes are more generous compared to previous models, reflecting input from top-tier athletes. For example, Griffin rides a 5’11” x 28.5L version, Yago opts for 5’11” to 6’0” around 29.5L, and others fall within that range, indicating the board’s adaptability to different surfer sizes and styles.
Pros:
* Enhanced tail rocker and concave design provide excellent lift, speed, and tight turning capability.
* Narrowed hip increases rail grip and stability for confident performance.
* Balanced forward volume promotes effortless glide and drive off the front foot.
* Thicker stringer and vee deck improve paddle power without sacrificing flex or responsiveness.
* Round tail design offers forgiveness without losing control during aggressive maneuvers.
* Proven performance backed by extensive pro-level testing and competitive success.Cons:
* The more generous volume and dimensions may feel less nimble for surfers accustomed to very minimal boards.
* Its high-performance focus means it might be less forgiving or suitable for beginners or intermediate surfers seeking easier paddling and stability.Summary:
The DRIVER3.0 stands as a leading model in modern performance shortboards, expertly balancing speed, control, and responsiveness. Developed with input from the world’s best surfers and tested in the most demanding competitive environments, it offers a versatile yet highly capable ride. While best suited for advanced surfers aiming to push their performance, the thoughtful design and volume distribution provide enough paddling power and glide to make it a valuable tool across a wide range of conditions and skill levels.
