Firewire isn’t just another surfboard company. They’ve long pushed the boundaries of surfboard design, blending advanced materials with innovative shapes to cater to surfers who want performance without sacrificing environmental consciousness.
Rob Machado, a name synonymous with style and sustainability in the surfing world, shapes the Firewire Sunday surfboard.
The Sunday model is designed with your relaxed days in mind, those lazy mornings and laid-back family afternoons when you’re not racing against the clock but soaking in every moment of your surf session.
This is an easy board ideal for small to medium waves. With sizes ranging from 5’6″ to 7’3″, it caters to a wide range of surfers.
Its setup is just right for intermediate riders looking to step up their game without going into the realm of professional gear.
Check out the awesome Firewire Sunday here on Jack’s Surfboards
Construction
The Firewire Sunday is built using Helium technology, which is at the forefront of surfboard innovation. It has a lightweight foam core with Paulownia timber rails, wrapped in a high-density aerospace composite skin.
The result is a board that’s not only light under your arm but also exceptionally responsive in the water. This build technique enhances the board’s maneuverability while making it sturdy enough to handle the wear and tear of regular surfing.
The board holds up well against the typical knocks of daily surf. The quality of the materials means less worry about dings and cracks – a common concern with lesser boards.
It also uses eco-friendly materials in line with Firewire’s commitment to sustainability, so its a good option for environmentally conscious surfers.
Shape & sizes
The Sunday features a performance-oriented outline with double concave in the back half of the board and a gentle single concave running in the front half of the board.
The Sunday starts at 5’6″ and extends up to 7’3″. Each size increases gradually in volume:
- The 5’6″ model holds 31.22 liters – nimble and quick for sharp turns and snappy maneuvers.
- The 6’0″ has 38.32 liters – mix of stability and agility.
- The 7’3″ is the largest at 56.66 liters – more buoyant ride, easier wave catching, smoother glide.
Fin setup
The Sunday has a versatile fin configuration:
- Single fin for a classic, smooth feel, good for drawing long, flowing lines.
- Twin fin setup makes the board livelier, injecting a bit of speed and looseness into your rides.
- 2+1 setup (central fin supported by smaller side bites): balance between control and maneuverability, ideal for varying wave sizes and types.
The Sunday is a good choice for intermediate surfers. You can continue to ride the same board as your skills grow, without needing to switch boards frequently.
Riding experience
Source: Firewire Surfboards
The Firewire Sunday isn’t the easiest board to master right off the bat, especially in its mid-length configurations.
It can feel a bit unwieldy initially due to its volume and length, particularly if you’re transitioning from a shorter board.
However, once you get accustomed to its dimensions and handling, the Sunday shows its true potential.
The Firewire Sunday excels in small to medium wave conditions. Its design allows for easy paddling so you catch waves you might miss with a less buoyant board.
The wide, stubby nose gives you stability and lift as you paddle into the wave. Once you’re up and riding, the board’s rocker gives you smooth, controlled rides on small to chest high waves.
With the single fin, the ride is more traditional and measured, great for long, carved turns. Switching to the twin fin setup adds speed and spontaneity for quicker, sharper maneuvers.
The 2+1 configuration gives you more grip and drive when the waves get a bit larger, or when you need extra stability.
Board versatility
One of the Sunday’s best features is its ability to suit a variety of surfing styles and conditions. It’s not just a board for one type of wave or one style of surfing, it can be fine-tuned to match the conditions of the day or your preferences.
For an intermediate surfer, it supports your progression and experimentation with different styles without needing multiple boards.
The Firewire Sunday has a forgiving yet responsive ride, so it’s often recommended for surfers looking to step up from beginner to intermediate levels.
It helps grow your skills while still being fun and engaging. With this board, each session brings a feeling of progression.
Looks and flex
The Firewire Sunday has a sleek, minimalist design that is both visually attractive and functional. The deck is bright white, contrasting sharply with the black-painted rails that taper neatly down to a lighter timber finish at the tail.
The build quality of the Sunday is robust, like most Firewire boards. It combines a light and responsive foam core with strong timber rails and a durable composite skin.
This construction not only makes the board lightweight but also gives it a unique flex pattern that’s different from traditional polyurethane boards.
The flex is designed to be dynamic, with a responsive feel that experienced surfers appreciate, yet forgiving enough if you’re building your surfing skills.
Comparison with other boards
The Firewire Sunday’s versatility and construction are comparable to other high-performance boards, but the Sunday offers unique advantages.
The Firewire Sunday shines with its adjustable fin setups. Unlike many single-setup boards, the Sunday can transform from a relaxed single fin to a lively twin fin or a stable 2+1 configuration.
This means it can effectively replace several specialized boards, making it a great all-rounder in any surfer’s quiver.
The use of Helium technology also sets the Sunday apart from boards constructed with traditional polyurethane (PU). Helium boards are lighter and have a different flex pattern, which enhances wave performance by providing more speed and responsiveness.
Compared to other mid-length surfboards, such as those from the Lost or Channel Islands lines, the Sunday provides a unique mix of ease and agility.
While similar boards might specialize in either paddle power or maneuverability, the Sunday manages to deliver both thanks to its shape and volume distribution.
Aesthetically, the Firewire Sunday also stands out with its sleek, modern design and distinctive rail coloration.
Cons of the Firewire Sunday
Like any surfboard, the Firewire Rob Machado Sunday has its drawbacks:
- if you’re not used to mid-length surfboards, the Sunday can present a steep learning curve. Its size and volume distribution can make it feel cumbersome or tricky to maneuver initially – especially if transitioning from a much shorter board.
- Particularly in its larger sizes, the Sunday can be difficult to duck dive due to its significant volume. This is a disadvantage in heavier surf where duck diving deep is necessary.
- The Sunday is designed primarily for fun, relaxed surfing in small to medium waves. It is not the best choice for charging large, powerful waves or steep, hollow surf. In challenging conditions, you might find the Sunday limiting.
- The innovative construction and materials of the Sunday make it a premium product, which also means it comes with a higher price tag.
- The wide, stubby nose and extra volume towards the back can affect the board’s balance and responsiveness, particularly in sharp turns or during fast sections of a wave.
- While the versatility of fin setups is a plus, it can also be a con if you don’t enjoy playing with your board setup. Finding the right fin configuration for personal style and wave conditions requires experimentation.
Final thoughts
For intermediate surfers, the Sunday offers a nice opportunity to explore different styles of surfing without the need to invest in multiple boards.
Whether you’re looking to carve smooth, flowing lines with a single fin or spice up your ride with the liveliness of a twin fin setup, the Sunday will deliver.
Thanks to the ease of paddling and stable handling, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to spend more time riding waves and less time fighting them.
The Firewire Sunday is a surfboard that can grow with you, and support the progression from intermediate to advanced levels.
Check out the Firewire Rob Machado Sunday here on Jack’s Surfboards
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Photos courtesy of Firewire Surfboards