The Secret Behind Making a 4-Foot Surfboard Fly

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jake Howard | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 2:52 PM ET

When it comes to surfboard experimentation and thinking outside the box, few shapers have the creative genius, natural curiosity and craftsmanship skills to push limits like Donald Brink. Originally from South Africa, currently running his own board building business and raising a family in Orange County, his designs look like something Leonardo Da Vinci would have shaped if there'd been waves in Florence.

Enter Donnie's "U3UNTO" model. Showcased by Dana Point style bandit Kolton Sullivan in the latest episode of "Shralp Stories," the diminutive board has been in Donnie's line for a few years and was developed around the principle that sometimes less is more. The model that Kolton's riding at Salt Creek is a mere 4'3".

Short, wide, flat and asymmetrical, the first time the U3UNTO popped up on my radar was a few years back when Donnie and Dane Gudauskas were working out the kinks of the design at San Onofre. Mind you, San O is the domain of logs and gliders, an adult human making a 4-foot surfboard perform out there is virtually unheard of. But here was Donnie and Dane ripping out the back and connecting turns all the way through to the inside.

Fast forward to present day and Kolton unlocks the secret of what makes this pint-sized craft go so good. It's all about the rail rocker. Busting out the tape measure on three different boards -- one shaped by Donnie, one shaped by Kolton, and the final one whittled by Timmy Patterson -- Kolton offers up a user-friendly, easy-to-understand explanation of nose, tail and rail rocker.

"Flatter rocker boards are for more of a mushy wave, and a higher rocker board is for steeper waves. But don't forget, you're always on your rail, so measure that rail rocker," surmises Kolton.

From down line speed runs, to barrels, airs and blow-tails, the U3UNTO doesn't hold back in the punchy Salt Creek surf. Loose and free, it's clear the board allows Kolton to dip into his creative side, which is where his surfing really flourishes. Sometimes it just takes something a little different to take things a fun, new direction.

When it comes to his ability to work with hands, it's worth pointing out that Donnie was tasked with making the trophies for this year's Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. So, not only can the man build beautiful surfboards, but his talents spill over to a host of other projects and pursuits.