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Meet @dan__mann’s balanced fin template.​

Introducing the Firewire Manncave Fin Set, a template designed to be versatile in various wave types and board types that sits firmly in the rake world with a slightly more pivot-oriented outline. This is Dan’s go-to fin that he uses to test all of his new shapes – it’s the variable he keeps constant during R&D. For Dan, a good fin template makes sense for both drive down-the-line and pocket maneuvers, and the foil has to be perfect (foiled both front to back but also base to tip). The Manncaves are constructed in a traditional fiberglass layup, offering a familiar and welcoming flex pattern underfoot.​

Watch the full video to learn more about the Firewire Manncave Fin Set through our link in bio, then head to your local surf shop to grab a set today.​

#FunByDesign​

18. Dan Mann/ Shapers Club

[EN] New episode with Dan Mann on the phone directly from the Shapers Club.

Dan Mann is well known for his collaboration with Firewire, as one of the brand’s early shapers and the designer behind some of their most iconic models—including boards made for the one and only Kelly Slater. We’ll obviously talk about all of that, but also about his personal journey as a surfboard builder, materials and construction, the role of hand-shaping in his process, and of course, his boards.

Dan has accomplished a lot over the years, and his work with Firewire is just the tip of the iceberg.

Eventhough Shapeologie is mainly a french speaking podcast, there will be other english interviews in the future, so, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss the next ones.

You can find many more photos and videos on our website shapeologie.fr and on the link in our bio.

Please check Dan’s instagram @dan__mann to learn more about his work and the Shapers Club’s instagram @shapersclub and their website shapersclub.com.

[PART 2]

Dan Mann shaping at the @shapersclub
📸: @dustydarkroom

#shape #shaper #surf #shaping #surfboardbuilder

18. Dan Mann/ Shapers Club

[EN] New episode with Dan Mann on the phone directly from the Shapers Club.

Dan Mann is well known for his collaboration with Firewire, as one of the brand’s early shapers and the designer behind some of their most iconic models—including boards made for the one and only Kelly Slater. We’ll obviously talk about all of that, but also about his personal journey as a surfboard builder, materials and construction, the role of hand-shaping in his process, and of course, his boards.

Dan has accomplished a lot over the years, and his work with Firewire is just the tip of the iceberg.

Eventhough Shapeologie is mainly a french speaking podcast, there will be other english interviews in the future, so, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss the next ones.

You can find many more photos and videos on our website shapeologie.fr and on the link in our bio.

Please check Dan’s instagram @dan__mann to learn more about his work and the Shapers Club’s instagram @shapersclub and their website shapersclub.com.

[PART 1]

Quick intro by Dan. Listen to the full interview to find out the rest ! Link in bio.

#shape #shaper #surf #shaping #surfboardbuilder

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

The winning design of @Stab In The Dark X. @dan__mann @kellyslater

Swipe for a closer look at the  DRK designed by @dan__mann for @kellyslater, built in our patented I-Bolic 2.0 Technology. Dan drew inspiration for this shape from the original design Dan made for Kelly when first asked to make him some boards in 2015, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel, and head to your local surf shop to grab yours today.

#DrawingNewLines

What a joy to realise the portrait of legendary surfboard shaper Dan Mann, filmed at the Shapers Club in Marennes, France.
Kelly Slater’s shaper, recipient of the 2025 Icon Shape Award, and winner of Stab in the Dark X (2026), Dan Mann is one of the most influential figures in modern performance surfboard design.
This film captures a brief moment with him in France, exploring his approach to shaping, his presence in the surf industry, and the energy and excellence behind his boards 🔥
A Salicorne Films production.

Quelle joie de réaliser le portrait du légendaire shaper de surf Dan Mann, filmé au Shapers Club de Marennes, en France.
Shaper de Kelly Slater, lauréat de l’Icon Shape Award 2025 et vainqueur de Stab in the Dark X (2026), Dan Mann est l’une des figures les plus influentes du design de planches de surf performance contemporain.
Ce film capture un moment passé avec lui en France, et explore son approche du shaping, sa présence dans l’industrie du surf, ainsi que l’énergie et l’excellence qui habitent chacune de ses planches 🔥
Une production Salicorne Films.

#surfing #surf #shapers

#dan_mann

#shapersclub

@dan__mann’s winning shape. @kellyslater @stab

Introducing the DRK in I-Bolic 2.0 Technology designed by @dan__mann, as seen in @Stab In The Dark X starring @kellyslater. Dan drew inspiration from the original shape he crafted for Kelly when first asked to make the 11x World Champion some boards, the DRK is a refined version of the FRK designed for high-performance surfing in good waves. Updated from the FRK, the DRK has a change in the rail and foil to be more balanced under chest, as well as the wide point pushed forward slightly in the outline, making the back half of the board more narrow and more sensitive than the FRK. The DRK came to be with great care to keep the features that make the FRK a great board, like bottom contours, rocker, and fin placement. It’s a high-performance, refined, simple, and clean version of a high-performance shape that is surprisingly versatile in various conditions. Pair with our @slaterdesigns Endorfins KSR Fin Set for the best experience, and experiment between both Quad and Thruster configurations.

Tap into our link in bio to watch the video and learn more, then head into your local surf shop to throw one under your arm today.

#DrawingNewLines

From @Stab In The Dark X to your quiver. @dan__mann @kellyslater​

Available on 04.16.26 Pacific Time.​

#DrawingNewLines​

Bienvenue Dan Mann 🙌🐐🥐🤌 quel plaisir ! En plus d’être un des meilleurs shapers de la culture surf perf, sa joie de vivre est contagieuse, plus que quelques jours pour le rencontrer et faire shaper sur mesure sa magic board par ce Master 🤩🫠💝
.
.
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#shapersclub #danmann #danmannsurfboards #shapersclubhouse #surfboard

Sharp game. MK’s in France, coming up. 🥐@shapersclub

Sharp game. MK’s in France, coming up. 🥐@shapersclub

I’m coming to France 🇫🇷 to shape some boards with @shapersclub. Hide your croissants.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨 @stab @kellyslater​
​
Sometimes referred to as “the World Title of shaping” — because the surfer remains a constant while the boards are the variable — Stab In The Dark is one of the purest tests in surfboard design. We couldn’t be more proud of Dan Mann for this achievement. Fresh off his Icons of Foam win at the 2025 Boardroom Show and now a Stab In The Dark X victory, the moment speaks for itself. We’ve always known how talented Dan is and anyone who’s ridden one of his shapes can attest — it’s about time the rest of the world does too.​
​
Anyone who’s spent time around Dan knows he’s not only an exceptional craftsman, but an exceptional human too. His range is truly rare. From shaping boards for 4x World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, to pioneering the wildly popular “Potato” models (Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, and more), to engineering high-performance precision equipment for Kelly Slater — Dan’s understanding of hydrodynamics runs deep. Add that to his own world-class prone paddling achievements, including Catalina channel crossings on boards he designed himself, and you start to see the full picture.​
​
The throughline in all of it? The commitment to his mission that is making performance surfing more accessible to all through thoughtful design: Dan simply wants to make everyone surf better, more easily.​
​
Filmed in early 2025 on the Gold Coast of Australia, this project is the 10th installment of Stab Magazine’s media franchise that is a blind surfboard test featuring a chosen test pilot with shapes created by the world’s best shapers. ​
​
Congratulations, @dan__mann, watch the full series on Stab Premium.​
​
#DrawingNewLines

Despite @pyzelsurfboards brilliant reasoning he expressed in episode 1 of Stab in the Dark for putting a leash cup in perpendicular to the stringer, I forgot. I also did not order enough black fin boxes. Finished up this 7’6” for myself last night.

Despite @pyzelsurfboards brilliant reasoning he expressed in episode 1 of Stab in the Dark for putting a leash cup in perpendicular to the stringer, I forgot. I also did not order enough black fin boxes. Finished up this 7’6” for myself last night.