Tokyo Hippusutā - Flow
The Tokyo Hippusutā is our interpretation of the timeless Californian log, refined for the realities of British surfing. Inspired by the effortless trim, glide and style of surfing's golden era, yet subtly evolved to deliver the versatility and responsiveness demanded by modern surfers and everyday UK conditions.
The Hippusutā isn't simply about catching waves; it's about how you ride them. Longboarding has never been about forcing manoeuvres or chasing progression for its own sake. It has always been about rhythm, flow and making difficult surfing look effortless.
Designed around generous volume, an almost reverse rocker and beautifully balanced curves, the Hippusutā paddles with ease, catches waves early and carries speed across flatter sections with minimal effort. Despite its generous dimensions, it remains remarkably responsive beneath your feet, rewarding smooth footwork, trim and committed rail surfing rather than brute force.
Whether trimming endless walls at Saunton, cross-stepping across clean peaks at Putsborough or simply enjoying shoulder-high peelers anywhere along the British coastline, the Hippusutā encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach to surfing.
In a world increasingly driven by performance surfing, the Hippusutā reminds us that style never goes out of fashion. Good longboarding isn't measured by how many steps you take to the nose. It's measured by how effortless the whole wave looks.
With its generous volume and traditional outline, the Hippusutā delivers exceptional paddle power, effortless glide and the confidence to catch waves long before most shorter boards have even begun paddling.
Design Philosophy:
The Hippusutā isn't a museum piece.
While heavily inspired by the timeless Californian logs of the 1960s, it was never intended to become a faithful reproduction. We wanted to capture everything we admired about traditional longboarding—effortless glide, graceful trim and timeless style—while creating a board that feels perfectly suited to modern British surf.
Subtle refinements to the rocker, rail profile and bottom contours make the Hippusutā easier to paddle, more forgiving in everyday conditions and considerably more responsive than many traditional heavyweight logs.
The result is a board that rewards patience rather than aggression and reminds us that surfing doesn't always have to be about pushing harder. Sometimes it's simply about drawing better lines.
Design & Construction:
Designed by: Lee Willoughby – Tokyo Surfboards
Master Shaper: Bill Atlee
Concept: Modern Classic Californian Log
Construction: Individually hand-shaped in Britain
Glass Schedule: Traditional 10oz deck with 6oz bottom. The single fin box is reinforced with an additional deck patch, creating a full 10oz lay-up through the fin area for exceptional strength and longevity.
Finish: Hand-polished deck with a matte-finished slick. While a polished bottom looks beautiful, we've deliberately left the slick matte to maximise glide through the water.
Fin Configuration: Classic Single Fin
Size Range: 9'6" • 9'8" • 9'10"
Designer's Notes:
The Hippusutā started with a simple question.
Could we build a traditional log that captured everything we loved about classic Californian longboards while feeling perfectly at home in British surf?
Rather than chasing nostalgia, we wanted to capture the feeling that made so many surfers fall in love with longboarding in the first place.
Every curve, every rail and every contour exists to create a board that trims effortlessly, carries speed naturally and encourages surfers to slow everything down. The traditional glass schedule gives the Hippusutā its beautiful momentum through flat sections, while the balanced outline keeps it responsive enough to remain enjoyable in a wide range of everyday conditions.
The polished deck reflects the craftsmanship that goes into every board, while the deliberately matte slick is one of those details many surfers may never notice—but one we've chosen because performance will always come before cosmetics.
The Hippusutā isn't interested in proving anything. It simply reminds us that style, flow and beautiful surfing never go out of fashion.
Ideal Conditions:
Wave Size: Knee-high to head-high. 2-6'
Wave Type: Beach breaks, reefs and points with long, open faces that reward trim, glide and classic rail surfing.
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced.
Best For: Surfers looking for effortless wave count, traditional longboard glide and timeless style.
Not Designed For: Surfers looking for an ultra-light, high-performance competition longboard or a shorter performance log.
Size & Dimension Matrix:
9'6" — The most versatile size in the range, offering exceptional glide while remaining beautifully balanced beneath your feet. 9'6" x 23 1/2" x 3 1/8" approx 77 ltr
9'8" — Increased paddle power, trim speed and effortless momentum for surfers wanting the classic longboard experience. 9'8" x 23 3/4" x 3 3/16" approx 82 ltr
9'10" — Maximum glide, wave-catching ability and traditional log feel for larger surfers or those seeking the ultimate traditional cruiser. 9'10" x 24" 3 1/4" approx 87 ltr
Custom dimensions are available upon request.
Tokyo Design Philosophy:
Every Tokyo Surfboard begins as a conversation.
Ideas are sketched, prototypes are built, outlines are refined and details are questioned until every element earns its place.
We don't chase annual model releases or passing trends. Every design in the Tokyo collection exists because it solves a problem, offers a unique surfing experience or reminds us why we fell in love with surfing in the first place.
Each board is individually hand-shaped in Britain by master craftsmen using carefully selected materials and construction methods chosen for longevity rather than planned obsolescence.
We believe the most sustainable surfboard is one that remains in the water for decades, not seasons.
Tokyo Surfboards was founded on a simple belief:
Build better boards. Build fewer boards. Build boards worth keeping.
