Slater Designs SITD DRK
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The Slater DRK: Kelly Slater's Personal High-Performance Shortboard
The Slater Designs DRK is the board Kelly Slater reaches for when conditions sharpen up and he wants maximum response under his feet. Born from the same relentless pursuit that produced the FRK, the DRK takes that platform and pushes it into a narrower, more refined outline built for surfers who ride with precision and intention. If the FRK is the quiver workhorse, the DRK is the race knife.
In Slater's own words: "It is a quest to create something different in a slightly different way that appeals to where I want to go on a wave. Discovering a new feeling under my feet, drawing a new line, or taking a completely different track on a wave is something I never stop dreaming about. Now being able to share and grow that idea with others is what keeps surfing fun for me."
Outline and Rocker: Drawn for Speed and Commitment
The DRK carries a pointed nose that sharpens the entry and keeps the rail engaged early on steep takeoffs. The outline pulls in through the hips and carries a narrow template into the tail, which means every input from the surfer translates directly to the rail with very little lag. This is not a board that forgives hesitation. It rewards the surfer who commits early and drives through the turn.
The rocker is tuned for punchy, hollower surf rather than long, walled-up faces. Entry rocker is relaxed enough to generate down-the-line speed through the flat sections, while the tail rocker kicks with enough lift to release cleanly off the lip and pivot hard in the pocket. The result is a board that accelerates out of turns rather than stalling through them.
Bottom Contours: From Entry to Tail
Under the nose, a subtle single concave begins to gather water speed and direct it toward the fins. As it moves through the midsection, the single transitions into a double concave that separates the flow under each rail, creating the lift and drive that define the DRK's trademark snap. Through the tail, the double channels the water cleanly off the back edge, giving the fins something organized to work with and making the board feel lively and responsive even in weaker sections of the wave.
Fins and Tail Shape
The DRK is set up as a thruster, the configuration that best complements its tight, pivoting outline. Three fins give the board the drive and hold needed to push into steep faces and the release to redirect sharply off the top. The pulled-in round pin tail reinforces this character: it holds through the critical part of the turn and lets the tail break free when you want to snap. Surfers who prefer a looser feel can explore a quad setup, which opens up the rail-to-rail speed and gives a more skatey feel in weaker, mushier sections.
Construction: Ibolic
The version carried at Island Water Sports is built in the Ibolic layup, a sandwich construction that places a lightweight foam core between composite skins for a board that is noticeably lighter than a traditional PU build while retaining the flex and snap that high-performance surfing demands. The result is a board that feels lively off the bottom, responsive under the back foot, and durable enough to handle repeated sessions in punchy surf.
Who the DRK Is Built For
The DRK is designed for intermediate to advanced surfers who surf with an aggressive, rail-to-rail style. It is most at home in head-high to overhead surf with some punch, whether that is a hollow beach break, a reeling point, or a round, bowling peak. It is not a paddle machine and it is not built for gutless waves. It rewards the surfer who can generate their own speed and wants the board to amplify every committed turn.
Florida surfers will find the DRK best suited to the clean overhead days that come through during swell season, when the Atlantic peels with shape and the Gulf side packs a short, punchy lip. It is also an excellent travel board for surfers heading to reef and point breaks where precision surfing matters.
Select your size using the variant selector on this page. For help dialing in the right volume for your weight and surf style, visit Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach or call us at 954-427-4929.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Slater Designs
- Model
- DRK
- Construction
- Ibolic
- Board Type
- High-Performance Shortboard
- Fin Setup
- Thruster (quad compatible)
- Tail Shape
- Round Pin
- Designed By
- Kelly Slater
- Best Conditions
- Head-high to overhead, punchy surf
- Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Gender
- Unisex
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'5" | 18" | 2 1/8" | 21.4L |
| 5'6" | 18 1/8" | 2 3/16" | 22.5L |
| 5'7" | 18 1/4" | 2 1/4" | 23.7L |
| 5'8" | 18 3/8" | 2 5/16" | 24.9L |
| 5'9" | 18 1/2" | 2 3/8" | 26.1L |
| 5'10" | 18 1/2" | 2 7/16" | 27.2L |
| 5'11" | 18 11/16" | 2 1/2" | 29.0L |
| 6'0" | 18 13/16" | 2 5/8" | 31.0L |
| 6'2" | 19" | 2 11/16" | 32.6L |
| 6'4" | 19 1/4" | 2 3/4" | 34.7L |
| 6'6" | 19 1/2" | 2 3/4" | 36.3L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does DRK stand for in Slater Designs?
- DRK stands for Dark, a name that reflects the board's intent: a darker, more focused, higher-performance take on the FRK platform. It is Kelly Slater's personal high-performance shortboard design, refined for committed surfing in quality surf.
- What is the difference between the Slater Designs DRK and the FRK?
- The DRK carries a narrower, more pulled-in outline compared to the FRK and is tuned for steeper, punchier conditions. The FRK has a slightly fuller template that makes it more versatile across a wider range of surf. The DRK is the more specialized of the two, rewarding surfers who already have strong rail technique.
- Is the Slater DRK good for beginners?
- The DRK is designed for intermediate to advanced surfers. Its narrow outline and responsive rocker require the surfer to generate their own speed and read the wave accurately. Beginners and early intermediates will find a fuller, higher-volume shape more forgiving. If you are unsure whether the DRK is the right fit for your level, stop by Island Water Sports or call us at 954-427-4929.
- What wave types is the Slater Designs DRK best for?
- The DRK is most at home in punchy, head-high to overhead surf with some shape. Hollow beach breaks, bowling reefs, and round point break peaks all let the board express its design. It can handle smaller surf in the hands of a skilled surfer, but it really comes alive when conditions are solid and the pocket is steep.
- What fin setup does the DRK use?
- The DRK is set up as a thruster, which suits its tight, pivoting outline and keeps the drive organized through steep, critical turns. The box configuration also accepts a quad setup for surfers who want more down-the-line speed and a looser feel in mushier surf.
- What size DRK should I ride?
- Size selection depends on your weight, fitness level, and the conditions you surf most often. The complete manufacturer dimensions and volumes for every size are in the size chart on this page. Use the variant selector to choose your size, or contact Island Water Sports at 954-427-4929 if you want a personal recommendation.
- What is Ibolic construction on a Slater Designs board?
- Ibolic is a sandwich composite construction used by Slater Designs and Firewire. It pairs a lightweight foam core with composite skins to produce a board that is lighter than traditional PU glass, has a lively, responsive flex pattern, and holds up well over time. The DRK at Island Water Sports is built in this construction.
- Can I surf the Slater Designs DRK in small Florida surf?
- The DRK is designed for quality surf with some punch. In truly small, weak surf it will feel stiff and slow compared to a groveler or fish design. For Florida's overhead days and clean swell pulses, it is an excellent choice. For the mushy summer days, a higher-volume board with more outline curve will serve you better.