The Synthetic 84 is a retro-inspired performance hybrid that channels the soul of 1980s surfboard design into a highly functional modern shape. Designed by Timmy Patterson as a tribute to his early days shaping alongside Damian Brawner, this board blends classic design cues—like a beak nose, flat deck, and down rails—with contemporary refinements in rocker, contours, and responsiveness. The result is a high-volume, wave-hungry board that delivers both paddle power and sharp rail engagement.
Positioned perfectly between the Rising Sun and a standard high-performance shortboard, the Synthetic 84 is your ideal middle ground: fast, drivey, and loose, with a bit more forgiveness and versatility than your standard HPSB. The flat-to-single-to-double concave fading into vee off the tail keeps the board lively yet grounded, making it great for carving turns and holding speed through flatter sections. It can be ordered with either a bump squash or bump round tail, with a custom option for belly four channels to boost control and grip under your front foot.
The flat deck pushes foam to the rails, giving this board extra volume—perfect for crowded lineups or smaller surf. To counterbalance the added float, it’s often recommended to go 1/16 to 1/8 inch thinner and about 2 inches shorter than your standard shortboard.
Pros:
High volume and wave-catching ability without sacrificing performance
Retro-modern design with a proven performance lineage
Works well in crowded or less-than-perfect conditions
Sharp down rails and vee tail allow for real engagement in turns
Tail and fin customization (tri-fin standard, optional belly channels)
Cons:
Higher volume may require sizing adjustments to maintain responsiveness
Less suited for hollow or ultra-critical waves compared to narrower shortboards
Summary:
The Synthetic 84 is the perfect board for surfers seeking a performance shortboard feel with a nostalgic twist. It rewards confident rail work, paddles like a dream, and shines in average to above-average conditions. Whether you're navigating a busy lineup or just want a board that keeps the fun meter high, this “missing link” delivers a fast, responsive ride that blends old-school soul with new-school function.