The Spaceship, shaped by Mike Woo in collaboration with Kelly Slater, is a true high-performance shortboard designed for world-class waves. Developed through decades of refinement and brought to global attention during Kelly’s unforgettable sessions at Kirra in March 2024, the Spaceship is the latest evolution of a performance design lineage rooted in precision, control, and tube-riding mastery.
Mike Woo, known for his experimental yet purpose-driven shaping, first worked with Kelly on the Great White Twin—a board inspired by the fluid curves of a shark. The Spaceship represents the next step: a more conventional high-performance outline, tuned specifically for hold, drive, and control in fast, powerful surf. It’s Kelly’s go-to shape for good waves, whether threading reef barrels, carving on point breaks, or attacking clean beach breaks.
The Spaceship features a rounded pintail that enhances hold through the face of hollow waves and offers smooth release off the lip when driven hard through turns. The bottom contour begins with a single concave under the front foot for lift and acceleration, transitioning into a double concave between the feet for control and responsiveness. This blend delivers both speed and sensitivity, allowing precise adjustments mid-turn without losing flow.
The rocker profile is tuned to fit the curve of quality waves—enough entry lift to handle steep takeoffs, and a touch of tail kick to hold deep in the barrel while maintaining drive through the pocket. Paired with performance rails and finely foiled volume distribution, the Spaceship rewards confident surfers who know how to engage a rail and commit to the face.
Kelly prefers pairing it with his Endorfins KSR Fin Set, sizing up to Large for power and control in bigger surf, and dropping to Medium for smaller, faster conditions.
Pros:
Exceptional hold and control in powerful, round-faced waves
Tuned rocker and pintail make it a standout tube-riding board
Smooth rail-to-rail transitions with excellent drive and projection
Ideal for travel to quality surf: reefs, points, and clean beach breaks
Designed and proven by Kelly Slater himself in world-class waves
Cons:
Performance-oriented—best suited for experienced surfers
Not ideal for weak or flat surf; thrives on power and shape
Narrow tail requires precise foot placement to unlock full potential
Final Verdict:
The Spaceship is a precision-built high-performance shortboard designed for surfers chasing world-class conditions. With a refined outline, advanced concave setup, and Kelly Slater’s stamp of approval, it’s a board that thrives in barrels, carves powerfully on rail, and holds steady in fast, hollow surf. For advanced surfers who want the same board Kelly rode during his legendary Kirra sessions, the Spaceship offers a direct line into that level of control and connection.
