Tokyo Rogu – Glide
The Tokyo Rogu is a modern interpretation of the Chris Jones Retro Log, refined for Tokyo Surfboards by master shaper Steve Hendon. It takes the classic longboard outline, effortless glide and beautiful trim of Chris's original design and brings those qualities forward for today's surfers.
The Rogu is about simplicity. A traditional outline, soft rails, low rocker and single fin combine to create a board that carries speed naturally and settles beautifully into the wave. Rather than asking you to force turns or manufacture speed, the Rogu rewards good positioning and allows the wave to do much of the work.
Designed to suit surfers of all abilities, the Rogu is equally at home introducing someone to the pleasures of traditional longboarding or giving an experienced surfer a board they can simply relax and enjoy. It encourages smooth footwork, flowing turns and long, clean lines across the face.
Whether you're learning to cross-step, finding your trim for the first time or already comfortable spending time on the nose, the Rogu offers the same thing — the simple pleasure of a great longboard moving effortlessly through a wave.
Glide isn't about going fast. It's about making speed feel effortless.
Design Philosophy:
The Rogu begins with a classic longboard outline because some things simply don't need fixing.
The proportions, rail line and rocker have been carefully refined to preserve the characteristics that made the original Chris Jones Retro Log so compelling — paddle power, stability, trim and effortless glide.
The result is a board that feels immediately familiar beneath your feet. It carries momentum through slower sections, holds its line beautifully and allows the surfer to move naturally around the board without fighting against it.
The Rogu isn't trying to reinvent the longboard.
It is about respecting a proven design, refining it carefully and allowing it to continue doing what it has always done best.
Find the trim. Find the glide. Let the wave do the rest.
Model History:
The Rogu has its roots in the Chris Jones Retro Log.
Following Chris's passing, Steve Hendon developed a close relationship with Chris's family and continued to work closely with them around his designs. Steve was even given the honour of shaping the final blank Chris himself had prepared.
With that unique connection to Chris's work, Steve was perhaps better placed than anyone to refresh the Retro Log while preserving the qualities that made the original so special.
The Rogu is Tokyo's interpretation of that evolution — retaining the classic outline, glide and trim of Chris's design while refining it for today's surfers.
Design & Construction:
Designed by: Lee Willoughby & Steve Hendon – Tokyo Surfboards
Original Design: Chris Jones Retro Log
Master Shaper: Steve Hendon
Concept: Classic Traditional Longboard
Construction: Individually hand-shaped in Britain.
Glass Specification: 10oz deck / 6oz bottom with Volan reinforcement patches, providing the substantial feel, durability and smooth flex characteristics expected from a traditional longboard.
Fin Configuration: Traditional single fin.
Construction Options: Available with custom resin tints, pigments and bespoke artwork.
Designer's Notes:
The Rogu started with a genuine appreciation for what Chris Jones achieved with the Retro Log.
Rather than attempting to improve something simply for the sake of being different, the intention was to understand what made the original work so well and carefully preserve those qualities.
Steve Hendon's relationship with Chris's family gave the project a level of continuity that would be difficult to replicate. His knowledge of the original design allowed the Rogu to evolve without losing its character.
The result is a longboard that feels familiar, timeless and beautifully uncomplicated.
Some designs become classics because they chase nothing.
They simply work.
Ideal Conditions:
Wave Size: Knee-high to overhead. 2-6'
Wave Type: Beach breaks, reefs and points with enough open face to allow the board to trim and glide.
Skill Level: All abilities.
Best For: Surfers looking for classic longboard glide, effortless trim and smooth, flowing lines.
Not Designed For: Surfers looking for an ultra-light high-performance longboard or aggressive multi-fin setup.
Size & Dimension Matrix:
9'6" x 23" x 3 1/4"
Classic longboard glide and effortless trim.
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.
