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The 2018 Pocket Rocket builds on an already impressive legacy, featuring refinements inspired by ongoing feedback from top surfers like Griffin Colapinto, Yago Dora, and Joan Duru. Originally developed in 2015 for Kolohe Andino to tackle the varied beach breaks of Europe, the Pocket Rocket was designed to combine tight pocket surfing with explosive speed across flats—a true high-performance shortboard built for competitive edge and versatility.
Updates for 2018 include a slightly wider and more forgiving forward outline, a more relaxed central rocker, a defined edge with a square rail in the tail, and refined bottom contours. These tweaks have especially benefited the “Bro” sizes (Every Day Dims), making the board more accessible to average surfers without sacrificing performance. The lower, blended rails improve responsiveness while maintaining overall volume, making it a contemporary high-performance design that balances control and speed.
The Pocket Rocket’s smooth continuous rocker allows it to fit perfectly into the pocket, while concaves and tail curves provide rocket-like acceleration and tight, whippy turns. Its two tail shapes—Kolohe’s squash tail for softer surf and lead-footed riders, and Yago’s round tail for more powerful waves and finesse—offer tailored options for different wave conditions and surfing styles.
This board has gained significant traction among the professional ranks and talented “bros” alike, becoming a staple quiver piece for surfers from Taj Burrow to Mason Ho, Bruce Irons, and Jack Robinson. With a proven track record in competitive WCT and WQS events, the Pocket Rocket continues to be a go-to choice for high-performance wave riding worldwide.
Pros:
* Versatile rocker and refined concave deliver speed and control in a variety of wave conditions.
* Two tail shapes cater to both soft and powerful surf styles.
* More forgiving forward outline and lower rails make it accessible to a wider range of surfers.
* Proven competitive performance from elite pros worldwide.
* Smooth, continuous rocker blends projection with tight turning ability.
Cons:
* High-performance focus may be demanding for beginners or casual surfers.
* Narrower, more reactive design might feel less stable in very small or mushy waves.
* Custom sizing and tailoring may be required for surfers outside average builds or skill levels.
Summary:
The 2018 Pocket Rocket is a finely tuned evolution of a modern high-performance shortboard, balancing aggressive pocket surfing with speed and responsiveness across flats. With input from some of the world’s best surfers, it offers a tailored, dynamic ride that caters to both competitive pros and advanced everyday surfers. Its dual tail options and refined outline updates make it a versatile and reliable choice for those seeking precision and power in a contemporary shortboard.