Shane Dorian’s not the first guy that comes to mind when you think of twin fins. He’s not the last, but he’s probably pretty far down the list. Dave Rastovich, on the other hand, might be somewhere near the top.
Dorian’s not just a guy that surfs stupidly big waves. Of course, he surf regular-sized waves, too, but in the last decade or so, he’s pretty much had the big wave scene on lockdown–and has not been making waves in the twinnie scene. Dave Rastovich, soul surfer/environmentalist/everyboard man, absolutely rips on a twin fin. But in the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Championships (twin fin division), the big wave god stuck it to Rasta with a 15.60 heat total.
“I never ever ride twin fins,” said Dorian. “I didn’t really know how to approach it or how I should ride it, but it felt good. The waves were fun and really good for twin fins, fast and down the line. I would never have thought I would have beaten Rasta, in the finals, on a twin fin in good waves.”
The event had a pretty amazing showing for one that you’ve probably never heard of: Neco Padaratz, Harley Ingleby, Brad Gerlach, and Sofía Mulánovich were all there, just to name a few.
“It was an absolute pleasure having the opportunity to surf in the final against Rasta, a real treat,” said Dorian. “I’m just stoked to be here. Even though I didn’t feel comfortable on that board, it was amazing to see Dave, Harley (Ingleby) and Neco (Padaratz) and how good they can surf those different boards.”
Rastovich, who was kind of expected to walk away with the trophy, is now leading the pack for the Champions Trophy.
“Shane and I have surfed heaps over the years and to see him on a twin fin was rad,” Rastovich said. “Seeing him flairing in waves like that, I was pumped, really good vibes all day. The waves were fun, nice, clean and glassy. Look where we are, we’re in paradise.”
