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Crafting Success: An Inside Look at the Flying Fish Freedom – The Board that is Taking the Race Scene by Storm!

We are so excited to bring back John Meskauskas to TotalSUP this year to talk about all things boards! Handcrafted in Florida, the United States, Flying Fish Board Co. is an innovative stand up paddle board company that has made a wide range of award winning boards such as the brand new Freedom “Shrimpy” Pro model. What primarily launched Flying Fish Board Co.’s immediate success was the concept that every single board designed was custom made for each individual paddler. Now that Flying Fish is soaring to new heights, we are gracious for John to take a moment to explain to us the three primary models of boards they have now, the thought process behind these boards, and what paddlers should know about why these boards are literally winning designs.

Photo courtesy of the Euro Tour

Hey John! Thanks for coming back to TotalSUP! We’re stoked to talk about all things boards! Let’s start with the Freedom Pro! What are the key features of the Freedom Pro model?

The Freedom Pro was designed to be the ultimate all around board for paddlers of all levels. Key features include a combination of outline, rocker and rail design allowing the board to have optimal performance regardless of the conditions. Ultra Lightweight carbon construction, with reinforced nose, tail, and rails for durability where you need it most. Multi textured deck pad designed for comfort and grip. The most important feature we have with all our models is the ability to customize to the paddler’s needs, length, width, volume, deck depth, handle placement and of course colors! This allows our customers to take our proven race design and tailor it to their needs.

Photo courtesy of Warren Won

How does the Freedom Pro compare to the previous models in terms of performance and design?

There is no comparison, our entire line up of the Freedom models have been a progression project from the beginning. Since our boards are not mass produced in model years like our competitors, it allows us to evolve quickly, and make small tweaks on the fly making the newest Freedom and Freedom Pro the most advanced all around boards we have ever produced.

Photo courtesy of Warren Won

That is incredible! Are there any specific improvements or upgrades that have been made to the Freedom Pro? The Freedom? And the Freedom “Shrimpy” Pro board models?

Freedom: This is our most stable board design in the Freedom line up, great for beginners or for advanced riders looking to ride the narrowest board possible for optimal results. The Freedom has the exact same buttery smooth nose design as the Pro but the rail design, rocker profile and tail shape make this board very fast and comfortable to ride.

Photo courtesy of Warren Won

Freedom Pro: This is our best all around board designed for intermediate to professional riders. The rail, rocker profile, and outline are designed to give the paddler ultimate control and maneuverability while tackling all conditions thrown their way. Specifically designed for optimal drafting, foot steering, and bump riding.

Photo courtesy of Warren Won

Freedom “Shrimpy” Pro: This model is a modified version of the Freedom Pro, designed 100% with performance in mind. Changes include, a higher side rail for increased secondary stability and a full length deck pad with ultimate grip and arched tail kick pad, forgoing a bit of comfort for traction.

Photo courtesy of the Euro Tour

Wow! That is great! Thanks for explaining! Can you provide information on the pricing and availability of the new Freedom Pro?

Freedom models start at $3499. We have a variety of sizes available on demand and custom boards are available with a 4-6 week delivery.

Have there been any reviews or feedback from paddlers who have already used the new Freedom Pro?

I think the best review is when the world’s best paddler chooses the Freedom Pro as his board of choice. We were beyond excited when Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki asked us to build him a custom board and after testing joined Team Flying Fish. Also, great feedback is the results we continually see, our customers at all levels of racing are consistently making the podium and seeing improvements in performance.

Photo Courtesy of the Euro Tour

That’s absolutely fantastic! With that being said, how user-friendly is the new Freedom Pro for beginners?

Freedom Pro is certainly ok for beginners, the board is very easy to learn. The best analogy we have to describe the Freedom vs. Freedom Pro is a skateboard.  The Freedom is like a skateboard with tight trucks and the Pro is like a skateboard with loose trucks. We just find that most beginners love the Freedom because they can just jump on it and go!

What has been your favourite part about designing and creating the range of boards you have?

The team for sure, it takes a tribe! I definitely can’t take all the credit for the progression of the Freedom. Our team plays such a huge role in creating our board designs. Having such a diverse team of super talented athletes makes all the difference in the world. Board design and race strategy seem to always be the topic when the team is together.

We have also been stoked watching athletes who ride Flying Fish boards make the podium! So congratulations on that! Are there any customization options available for the models, such as color choices, weight, or additional accessories?

Yes, all of that, we offer custom colors, handle locations, GoPro mounts, bungee cords, even custom logos giving a customer the ability to advertise their business or just custom artwork. Our boards range from about 9KG to 11 KG depending on width and volume. Most competitive race boards in the 20 to 23 inch range are going to weigh between 20lbs to 22lbs (9kg and 10kg). Wider boards with more volume are going to range roughly from 22.5lbs to 25lbs (10.2kg to 11kg).

Can you share any details we may have missed that you would like paddlers to know about the range of Flying Fish board models?

I think we covered it all, but if anyone has extra questions they can always reach out to us for an answer!

Thank you for your time today John, and we can’t wait to see more podium finishes for your team! Flying Fish Board Co.’s dedication to custom-made boards for every paddler definitely sets them apart in the industry. The meticulous design process behind models like the Freedom Pro showcases innovation and performance at its finest. With a team of talented athletes and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Flying Fish Board Co. continues to soar to new heights in the world of stand up paddle boards.

To find out more about the the Flying Fish Board Co. visit www.flyingfishboardco.com
Follow Flying Fish Board Co. on Instagram and Facebook
Follow John Meskauskas on Instagram

About the Author

Maddi Leblanc

Maddi Leblanc is a Niagara born, Canada-based stand up paddling athlete for Team Canada, SUP instructor, and lake surfer. Maddi is also the events and community co-ordinator at Surf the Greats. She has been paddle boarding for over ten years, competing in SUP for seven years, and surfing the Great Lakes for seven years. She is also a masters alumni from Brock University in Recreation & Leisure Studies. Find her on Instagram.

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