Oldschool craftsmanship versus Newschool Technology

At Fatum we strive to give every surfer the best possible board.

Also we like to incorporate as much feedback into our designs as possible. So making the move to CAD-shaping was a natural step for us to take. A lot of surfers out there still believe, that only a handshaped board is the real deal. Sorry guys, you are wrong! Shaping surfboards is really about precision. Even the smallest details matter. While we do agree, that magic things can happen, when the shaper carves a board from a blank old school style, we know, that these magical events will happen everytime, when the same shaper uses a machine.

Since we started the transition to digital in late 2007, we took our boards to a new level. It allowed Gero to focus on what really matters: board design. Precise volume distribution, perfect scaling, exact specs. This allows for a wider, more specific range of boards and a perfected customizing process. Feedback from our riders is injected directly into our different models, allowing each one of our customers to benefit.

This one’s for you

To us every board in our range ist just a starting point. We like to make them the way you want/need them. So remember: your board will not just be a standard proven shape. It will do exactly, what you want it to do – maybe even a little more. It will be your board – and there only be one made to those exact specs.

When you order a board from Fatum, Gero will want to talk to you (the oldschool way: by phone or in person. No Emails here!) From beginner to pro, from basic fun-shapes to specialized shortboards – Gero will pry enough information out of you to give you a perfect ride and to take your surfing to the next level.

Building Blocks

At Fatum we use high quality blanks from Surfblanks Ltd. South Africa. After the lathing-process the blanks are handfinished (airbrushed, if desired) and treated to our premium glass coat with BGF Aerialite fibreglas and Silmar Resin.

A Few word about fins:

With our boards we proved with a choice of FCS, Futures or Lokbox fin systems.

Our fin system of choice is the FCS Fusion. Here’s a couple of reasons:

1. Strength. Fusion is the strongest pre-glass system on the market. This was achieved by incorporating a double parabolic outline. (read: unique peanut shape) which offers constant curves that prevent the straight line shearing that fiberglass is prone to. A high density foam foundation is also incorporated: a patented installation feature that creates a material gradient using a bonded high density foam underneath the system to dramatically increase the impact resistance and break strength while keeping the board light and lively.

2. Performance lateral pressure. Because the fins are held in place by two screws that push against the base of the fin, base flex is greatly reduced. The fins feel much more rigid at the base and allow the direct transfer of power from your feet into your turns.

3. A shorter footprint to allow more natural tail flex in the board giving it a livelier more responsive feel.

4. Reduced Weight. Fusion is the lightest pre-glass fin system available.

5. Adjustability: We wanted to offer some forward adjustability for people who wanted to fine-tune their board’s performance by moving their fins.

6. Accuracy: Gero feels it is very important to see the shapers dots, as they tell you at a glance, that the fin system has been installed accurately. While all other box systems require removal of the shapers dots, fusion does not. We know that a quarter inch difference in fin placement can make a big difference on how your board performs. FCS Fusion gives you that quality assurance at glance without complicated measuring.

Accuracy includes cant angles as well. Because fusion has different cant angles built into the system, it’s easier to install for the manufacturer because it matches the contour of the bottom of the board better. This allows for a better stronger installation with truer fin cant angles every time.

7. Also FCS has the most diverse fin collection in the market, allowing us to provide our clients with the best, most specific, reliable and appropriate fins for our wide range of board models and surf conditions. This allows our clients to get the best of their board, turn after turn and wave after wave,