Much has been written, filmed and spoken about the Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto, which is a multiple award-winning surfboard, made famous by Craig Anderson. Is the hype deserved or are surfers simply vulnerable to brainwashing and clever marketing campaigns?
Based on online reviews and anecdotal evidence, most people seem to love the board. There are complaints about the quality of the GSI variant, which is made in Thailand, but the Aussie-manufactured version gets high praise for construction and durability.
So why does this board work for such a broad range of surfers? I think the reason is simple. Compared to other boards in it’s category, the Hypto Krypto provides more breadth and volume beneath the surfer. The majority of the high performance shortboarding public are riding the wrong boards. They buy the latest model Medina, Bourez or Taj surfboard, and then get frustrated when they don’t surf like their favourite pro surfer.
The Hypto Krypto makes no claims, except to say that you can use it in tiny waves through to 8 foot barrels. Take a look at the shape and you’ll see why. The refined pin tail is a classic design and a stroke of genius by Hayden Cox. It provides surfers with a forgiving yet high performance base from which they can control their ride.
More important however is that chunky chest section. Average surfers are suddenly paddling faster (catching more waves) and making it through fat sections more often. Most surfers spend their days surfing in substandard conditions. If they have been riding a stock-standard performance shortboard, their fun potential is inhibited by their lack of skill and fitness.
Get a bit of volume beneath you and suddenly you’re flying down the line, having a whole load of fun. Therein lies the hype.
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Size matters
Craig Anderson rides and loves the Hypto. He was on a 5’4″ when he dropped into “that wave” at Kanduis.
Ok, so you’re paddling out on your 6’2″ Hypto beast and… no-one cares. Doesn’t matter what size you ride the board, just base your decision around volume. Your ideal volume is determined by your skill and fitness, so go big if you need to.
So it is a board that a pro like Ando will rip on because it is a highly refined machine, yet suits your everyday punter because it’s a fishy, high volume, big-boned mistress. Sound like a winner, no?
Let’s listen and watch what the experts have to say.
1. The Shred Show
“An elegantly designed, straightforward surfboard”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28snWexOWU
2. Hayden Cox Speaks
“I can always paddle out on this board and feel connected”
3. Craig Anderson makes you want to buy a Hypto Krypto
4. Sean McDevitt
“For the average surfer the best size waves would be in the 2 – 4 foot range”
5. Nic Von Rupp’s Hypto Krypto Review
“You can really go low in the bottom turns and put the board up straight wherever you want it”
Nick absolutely shreds in this edit, showing some serious skills despite the board being too big for him. Imagine getting a 5’4″ under his feet.
The Verdict
As an all-rounder the Hypto Krypto deserves its status as one of the best selling boards for the past three years. Hayden has done everything right.
The key is that good surfers need to ride it small, like 5’4″ / 27 litres small. Average surfers need more volume to float those office warrior muscles, so ride it big. Either way, you’ll feel like a legend sporting the trademark carbon rails around town.
But, seriously, the key is that everyone will enjoy the speed granted by the subtle concave, flat rocker and generous slab of foam under your front foot. What you do with that speed is up to you.