Slater Designs Boss Up I-Bolic 2.0 Surfboard

The Boss up is the bigger brother of the S Boss, Kelly's first-ever midlength. Designed by Dan Mann in partnership with Kelly Slater and Kevin Schulz, this utility midlength is the most well-rounded and versatile shape in the Slater Designs range, crafted to cruise across weak wave faces and grind through cavernous overhead tubes.

The Boss Up is the board you would travel with if you could only bring one board with you. Your one board quiver with maximum performance in a purely versatile package. Recommended to ride roughly +13 liters more volume than your standard shortboard, paired with the KS1 5 Fin Template configured as a Quad.

"It’s a utility mid-length for anyone who wants to cruise and catch waves and have fun. —Kelly Slater

Wave Type
This is the most versatile board in the Slater Designs range, it works in everything from smaller surf to barrels. The crew has been loving it in punchy surf with an open face, a perfect board for carving and linking turns. While many look at this shape for small and gutless surf, it would work well at a big point break like Pavones or Rincon, or even a big day at Sunset.

Board Features
The Boss Up is an elongated evolution of the S Boss, with bigger dimensions and a longer rail line for enhanced drive and versatility across all conditions. This shape is one that doesn't command you dial-in your volume perfectly - any single surfer can ride the Boss Up in a variety of sizes. Around +13 liters of volume more than your standard shortboard is the team's recommendation.

I-Bolic 2.0 Core Technology

I-Bolic 2.0 is Firewire’s second-generation composite technology — designed to deliver maximum strength-to-weight performance, tuned controlled flex, and long-term durability. Unlike traditional PU boards that rely on a central wood stringer, I-Bolic 2.0 features a patented composite I-Beam stringer system combined with high-density parabolic rails, distributing flex energy throughout the entire structure. The result is a lively, responsive, and incredibly durable surfboard that maintains consistent performance session after session.

The I-Bolic blanks undergo 3 shaping stages:

1. CNC-cut EPS core
2. Deck cut I-Beam and deck installation
3. Rail and bottom cut
4. Final finish shaping

I-Bolic 2.0 Technology Core
At the heart of I-Bolic 2.0 is a 1.5 lb fused-cell EPS core, precision-milled and engineered through a combination of high-density foam and lightweight EPS that internally balances buoyancy with rebound response. Running through the center is the I-Beam stringer, constructed from GR-80 aerospace-grade high-density foam. This core beam is capped with 2.0 lb high-density EPS flanges on both the roof and floor — creating a true I-Beam geometry that controls both torsional flex and longitudinal stiffness.

Flanking the structure, 2.0 lb high-density EPS parabolic rail inserts provide progressive flex control and reinforcement through the turn radius, allowing the board to store and release energy efficiently. The deck skin is made from MPP (Modified Polypropylene) and is bonded to the top deck using a 2.5 oz e-glass, enhancing bond strength and durability while providing a smooth, consistent flex response across the surface. A 2 inch Engineered Carbon Fiber Inset Tape runs along the bottom deck rocker for longitudinal strength and durability.

All components are bonded through a vacuum-laminated sandwich process using Entropy Bio Resin, the same plant-based epoxy system used across all Firewire and Slater Designs boards, ensuring consistent flex integrity, lower VOC emissions, and superior environmental performance.

I-Bolic Technology Materials

• Core Foam: 1.5 lb Fused-cell EPS (lightweight + high-density blend)
• I-Beam Stringer: GR-80 aerospace high-density foam
• I-Beam Caps (Roof & Floor): 2.0 lb high-density EPS flange
• Parabolic Rail Inserts: 2.0 lb high-density EPS
• Deck Skin: MPP (Modified Polypropylene) bonded with 1.8 oz epoxy fiber cloth
• Top Deck Lamination: 1 x 4 oz fiberglass layer
• Bottom Deck Lamination: 2 x 4 oz fiberglass layers + 2" engineered carbon fiber inset tape
• Resin System: Entropy Bio Resin (plant-based epoxy)
• Outer Shell Finish: 2K UV Stability Spray Finish (keeps the board white longer and prevents yellowing)

Freshwater Performance & Buoyancy
EPS foam performs better in freshwater wave pools due to its higher relative gravity profile, which provides superior buoyancy. EPS/epoxy boards deliver approximately 2–3% more net flotation than PU boards of the same volume in freshwater, where reduced water density affects board lift.

Example estimates (freshwater, same volume):

• 30 L board: EPS +2.2% lift advantage (~0.6 kg)
• 35 L board: EPS +2.2% lift advantage (~0.7 kg)

I-Bolic 2.0 Technology Key Tech

• GR-80 Aerospace I-Beam Stringer: Central beam distributes flex and resists torsion.
• 2.0 lb HD EPS I-Beam Flanges: Enhance stiffness along top and bottom planes.
• 2.0 lb HD Parabolic Rails: Maintain rebound energy and flex control through turns.
• MPP Deck Skin + 1.8 oz Epoxy Fiber Layer: Maximizes bond strength and surface durability.
• 1 x 4 oz Top Deck Lamination / 2 x 4 oz Bottom Deck Lamination: Balanced flex and reinforced structure.
• 2" Engineered Carbon Fiber Inset Tape: Runs along the bottom deck rocker for longitudinal strength and durability.
• Entropy Bio Resin System: Used in all Firewire boards for high strength, durability, and sustainability.
• 2K UV Stability Spray Finish: Keeps the board white for longer and protects from UV degradation.

I-Bolic 2.0 Summary
I-Bolic 2.0 delivers a crisp, responsive feel — fast and energetic underfoot with exceptional control and strength. It combines the lightness of EPS with the precision and power of a structural composite, giving surfers that “connected yet alive” feeling unique to Firewire technologies.