Paige Alms dropping into a massive wave at Peʻahi.
Photo: Erik Aeder / VogueSean’s reputation was forged in the heavy water of Peʻahi. Under the SOS Shapes name, his guns have been ridden by Paige Alms and Albee Layer—surfers whose equipment has to answer to extraordinary conditions.
Volume where it counts.
The double-concave deck is an important part of the story. It allows volume to remain in the board while bringing the rider closer to the rails. In her SURFER interview, Paige Alms describes the feeling of paddling in the board, rather than on top of it.
Built for a rider. And a line.
The Sprocket and Sushi are specific responses to Jaws. In the same interview, Sean discusses designing around different takeoff positions and lines on the reef. The aim is equipment that works with the rider’s approach to the wave.
Paige’s 9-foot-11 SOS gun carried her through a repeat Peʻahi Challenge victory in 2017. Her account makes the collaboration tangible: rider input, small refinements, and a shaper who understands the demands of the place.
Further reading: Original source
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