THE BOARD
Normally, we’d open a surfboard review with a quote of what the shaper’s website says about the model. Shyama Buttonshaw doesn’t have models listed on his website, which is very him if you’re familiar with SB’s mystical personality. His twin fins, however, all have a similar personality to them, stemming from years of testing and refining on the long walls of WinkiPop near his shaping bay in Victoria. Like Shyama himself, they’re a chimera of retro steez fused with next gen performance. Something you’d ride if you want the drive of a thruster with the trim charisma of a twinny. The Glide Fins Shyama have adapted for this are a bit of a hybrid as well. Half way between a keel and an upright, they dance between two worlds in a fine line that serves up ultra-tasty slices.
The dimensions tested were: 5’10’’ x 19 ½’’ x 2 ½’’. Here’s the breakdown.
SHAPE
Subtle bottom curve, a straight outline and a balance of rolled-rails while keeping foam volume – this thing is a broadsword of epic proportions. There you go, Shyama – The Broadsword. New model name. That or Katana because of its twin characteristic and refined sensibilities. The board has honed edges along the back of the tail, a mild concave to the bottom and fins that are set back further than your ‘normal’ twin. This combination gives it plenty of shine, allowing you to both cut and thrust in equal measure. I’ve seen variations of this shape that have a beak on the nose, but mine is smoothly finished which completes the refined feel of the foil.
You can’t mention a Buttonshaw board without talking about the colour as well. Every combo he creates is like a microdose of ecstasy for the eyes. Check his Insta for the understated glory of his sprays. Rail/deck combos, accentuated fibreglass cuts for attention to detail, the odd psychedelic twist. Beautiful without being over the top
WAVE TYPE
A lot of the time you’re sliding a twin fin into your quiver as a small day fun board. Not so much here. While the SB twin goes okay in 2ft beachies, it really comes into its own on 4ft, long walls. Reefs or points are the order of the day, with forehand surfing getting a further nod over backhand shenanigans. Who wants to go left anyway?
Jokes aside, it does perform when going backhand compared with a lot of other twin fins I’ve used over the years. It has more hold, so allows you to go more ‘up and down’ without getting the dreaded twin skids. Still, rounded, carving turns more suited to frontways surfing feel absolutely amazing on the SB Twin. If it’s head high rights, it’s the first board I grab from my quiver every single time.
PERFORMANCE
I ride this board more than any other option I have at the moment, because it feels so dreamy under my feet. The speed pick up right from take off is impressive, and it builds up a true head of steam if you’re chugging down the line. Washing that off with a satisfying sang is what surfing should always feel like. It drives right through carves without sliding out like many twins do, so there’s no need to nurse your turns. It glides over flat sections then lets you jam your back foot when things cup out too. The only time it doesn’t go incredible is when you’re surfing slabby waves. The straighter rails and flat rocker aren’t built for air drops, so if you’re hitting a short, dredging reef, there’s better shapes out there to suit. Backhand it does perform, so it’s fine when you’re surfing peaks, but if it’s a point that only goes ‘the wrong way’, I’d also consider swapping it for something more built-for-purpose. For anything else between chest high to head-and-a half, it’s absolute money.
VERDICT
The most versatile twin fin I’ve ridden. There’s not many two-fin boards I’d take as the lone option on a strike mission but I’d happily run this in just about anything. Forehand points it’s pure magic, so if you’re a natural footer who hits Snapper, Winki, J-Bay etc a lot, it’s a shape you’d do well to put on your wishlist. The biggest draw of this board is that it feels/looks like a twinny but surfs closer to a thruster. You don’t have to adapt your surfing style as much when jumping on it straight from a performance shortboard. That makes it a plug and play sled for surfers who like to switch things up but hate first-wave teething issues.
It just looks fucking epic too. The spray is delightful and anytime you order an SB shape, you know it’s going to come out tops. If you want a board to do airs on or chase slabs with, you’ll be disappointed. If you want something that feels like putting a Tesla engine in a ‘74 Falcon GT, you’re about to fly down the aquatic highway on overdrive.
The Wins:
- Goes great in a range of conditions, especially forehand.
- Looks and feels amazing
- Carves like a Katana
The Challenges:
- Not ideal for short, slabby reefs
- Probably not great for airs, but I don’t do them so really wouldn’t know.
The Shyama Buttonshaw SB Twin is not widely available globally, to be honest if you want one you should really just DM Shyama yourself via his Instragam (here). There’s a couple of retailers, like Pilgrim over in NY (here) but beyond that you’re wasting time. Just DM they guy and make some dreams come true (mainly yours)
Price wise you’re looking at around $1300 AUD, which ain’t too bad considering this is a board that’s got a strong glass job (Tim has ridden non-stop for two weeks and it’s held up really well) and will no doubt last you a long time. And you also end up with a one of kind tint job as well, and that’s quite beautiful. Extra points as you get a set of SB Twin fins with the board too. Fins that Shyama worked with Glide fins on and are elite.
