April 03, 2024Accessories

HELM Weekender Review - Modern take on the Mini Simmons

"Weekender" Surfboard Review by: @thomyesurfs

Check him out. He has great reviews and some other footage of the Weekender and our other boards.

Great ready for Spring/Summer waves with this ultimate wave-catching machine 🌊

Small wave cure
Turn mushy, 1-3 ft, uninspiring days into fun days and be the only one out smiling.
Can handle waves with more size, as you can paddle into waves earlier and the short length fits in the pocket.
Shockingly easy to generate speed
Due to all the inquires we have added and in depth fin recommendation on very bottom of this blog for those interested.

One more Youtube Short from Thomye Surfs link below:

***Give or take 50 Waves in 3 hours

https://youtube.com/shorts/aqSSbjf8MdA?si=NMYHcuoypYU-yU3S

Inspired by Bob Simmons’ groundbreaking design, the Weekender is our rendition of the mini-Simmons. Contrary to its atypical appearance, the mini-Simmons is recognized as one of the fastest planning hull surf craft.

The wide/parallel outline provides stability, unbelievable wave-catching ability and gets the board flying down the line with minimal effort. The unexpected short length combined with quad fins, allows this super fast board to fit in the pocket and curl of the wave yet maneuver shockingly well with minimal drag.

Merging these concepts with a modern approach, The Weekender is so fun you're going to want to keep it a secret.

Weekender Fin Recommendation
Our 1st recommendation would be the FCSII Split Keel Quad, 2nd would be the Machado Seaside quad or any Normal Quad template from FCS: (Performer, Carver, Reactor, or any rider / shaper series that have similar templates)

- The Split Keel is very user friendly, has just the right amount of hold to push hard / confidently through turns but also releases when needed. The weekender is naturally skatey / fast and these fins provide a good balance of liveliness and stability.

- The Machado Seaside quad enhances speed and skatey-ness, it is loose and very fast. The front fins having a Keel template produces more drive, paired with the smaller rear fins makes them snappy and fun.

- We do lean a bit more to the Split Keel as the Seaside Quad is pretty loose and does require a bit more finesse, but some people may prefer the drive and speed it provides embracing the skatey-ness.

- The Normal quad templates are perhaps the most balanced set up, so can't go wrong with those either.
Very familiar feel, but with a bit less drive than the fins mentioned above.

All the above fins work, just depends on what type of surfer you are / what you're looking for. One last thing, other fin companies make similar templates but the actual fin sizes / specs can vary. This could change the outcome greatly, so make sure to check the fin sizes if you are purchasing other company fins.

Enjoy the journey.