The Grom from Slyde

A totally new product is about to hit the market and here (in the kick-starter campaign) is your chance to get it first. The campaign has already been funded and production is happening, all that remains is if you want throw some cash at the guys and get your board first and for an awesome price.

The board is called the 'Grom' and it's Slyde's first foray into making a soft beginner orientated board for everyone to use. I am biased as I have owned a Slyde handboard for coming on 3 years and I can tell you, once you buy one, there is no turning back. They are a functional work of art with that moreishness about them equivocal to normal surfboards. The 'Grom' is no different but the price point is staggering.

How is this possible? To find out more we reached out to Steve Watts, co-owner and founder of Slyde Handboards.

SB: Hey Steve, the 'Grom’ looks great. Is the shape based one one of your previous models?

Steve: Thanks we think so too. In short no, this was a complete rethink. We took careful consideration into who we wanted to design the Grom handboard for and who our target rider was.
At Slyde we are always innovating, evolving, testing new materials and processes.

I come from a design background, and that’s a natural way for me to go about things. In fact I have had to force myself to reign it in and really understand, the who it is that I am designing for, instead of being a mad scientist. After all, as great as trying absolutely everything is, it's far more productive to understand your consumer and what it is he or she really wants.

Over the last 7+ years in creating the handboarding market, we have come to realize that, although there’s need for the high-end shapes, based off of experienced riders like Sean Enoka’s Bula board (which is just an incredible board in steep and fast wave), the market was evolving.

As the market started to grow, a gap starting to form. People were starting to wake up to how much fun the sport is and really want to try it, but the cost was prohibitive and the materials and shapes seemed above their ability. Through that realisation, we knew we needed a less aggressive, more fun looking and feeling board. Something that anybody, no matter their ability or skill level could get into. A board that performed amazingly and was made with bump friendly materials, that any parent would approve of.

We also thought very long and hard about why we do what we do, and apart from the obvious that what we do is just fun, we also have a deep dedication to creating an “all inclusive community”. We wanted this board to tell a story that the ocean is open to everyone, that you don’t need to be dropping in at pipeline or the wedge to have fun.

We truly believe the more people that get to experience the ocean in a fun and enjoyable way, the better because in the end it's really just about fun.

SB: Is ‘The Grom’ going to work as well as your other more expensive models? Is it really meant for Groms and beginners?

Steve: I recently spent a week in Costa Rica and we had some over head swell come through and I took the grom out and it handled just perfect, in fact it over performed. With the Grom, I caught a few of my longer waves. Think of it like this, I can take out Kelly Slater's 6.0 and probably not going to surf like Kelly. I guess what I am trying to say is that the board will perform as well as you can perform, and adjusts really well to your own ability.

Like I said in the previous question it was designed with the Grom/ Beginner in mind, but if you have great ability in the ocean there is no stopping you going out and getting a bombs. Below is a great example from one of the best bodysurfer in the world and the Bula shaper Sean Enoka,

Sean Enoka’s quote: 
“The GROM board is a very nice compliment to what Slyde has in its stable.Perfect blend of soft foam and functional shape = excellent fun-board. Something that I'm not worried will take out a tooth, but can give a big boost of lift & speed. Looking to get some massive womp sessions. I got really good waves out at sunset. Super long rides on good sized 4-5ft sunset. Got a bunch of comments from tourists”

SB: This will make your products more available to everyone with a lower price point. Is this in a way going to help support development of some of your more expensive models?

Steve: Absolutely, the lower price and great quality becomes a perfect entry level for someone regardless of their skill. Allowing everyone to try it and see if they like it. Perhaps ride it for a year, and then graduate to one of the more performance orientated boards.

From the start of Slyde way back in 2010, and even on the first ride on the first prototypes, I got out the water and knew that all someone needed was to try it and they would be hooked. The Slyde stoke has happened a lot already, just take a look at our instagram and facebook community images/videos #Slydehandboards and you can see how much fun it is. The Grom board, opens up an entirely new market of riders that were gun shy for either the price or the idea that the handboards are too “pro” for their ability.

We’re beyond stoked to bring this board to life with your support on Kickstarter.

Reserve your Grom board HERE & prepare for an epic summer 2017.

SB: Update: Funding has reached 20k and the Army & Pilsner Color has been unlocked. If funding goes to 30k look out for the sea blue and yellows hitting the  the shelf!!