One of our most asked questions ....
At Bywater Surf, we’ve crafted over 220 boards in our workshop over the years, and without a doubt, the Dawn and V Dawn are our most popular designs. With their undeniable appeal, these boards have become the go-to choice for a wide range of surfers—from beginners to seasoned pros. And let’s not forget the Gould—it’s definitely up there in popularity too!
What Makes "The Dawn" So Popular?
The answer is simple: They’re versatile, high-performance boards that have been tried, tested, and trusted by surfers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your limits, the Dawn and V Dawn deliver an exceptional ride.
V Dawn vs. Dawn: What’s the Difference?
The V Dawn (6'10" - 7'10") is a more compact version of the original Dawn (8'6" - 10'3"). But don’t let the shorter length fool you—the V Dawn still packs in plenty of performance and versatility, making it the ideal choice for surfers who want a high-performance board with a bit more agility.
The V Dawn is designed for easy turning and quick rail-to-rail transitions, thanks to its smooth entry rocker, flat bottom, and chined rails that blend into a rolled V tail. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a stable ride on small waves or an experienced surfer aiming for more manoeuvrability, the V Dawn fits the bill. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a board that sits between longboards and shortboards—offering stability and fun without compromising on performance. Featuring a typical 3-fin (thruster) setup, it can be customised with a stub nose, round nose, or rounded point nose.
The 7’6” length is a classic, offering great wave-catching ability, but going longer provides even more success in smaller surf. For novice surfers, the V Dawn offers a forgiving ride that makes catching waves a breeze, while more advanced riders can enjoy it as a stable nose-rider or a stepping stone to a more performance-oriented board.
The Dawn: A Classic Longboard for All Waves
The Dawn is the quintessential longboard—built to perform on everything from knee-high slopes to overhead barrels. Its design features a deep concave nose, a flat middle, and a rolled V tail, making it incredibly responsive and smooth through a wide range of wave conditions.
This board is all about style. If you love the idea of cross-stepping and hanging ten on the nose, the Dawn is your board. It gives you the chance to embrace the laidback, graceful flow of longboarding while also offering the performance you need when the waves get bigger. The wood grain finish shines through beautifully on the Dawn, paying tribute to the early surfboards crafted from timber.
Customisation is key with the Dawn, particularly with the tail shape, where you can choose between a pintail or round tail for different wave types and riding styles. Typically set up as a single fin for a smoother, more stable ride with less drag, the Dawn will definitely turn heads at your local surf spot—especially when paired with a custom timber fin.
Choosing the Right Board for You
When selecting a board, it’s all about personal preference, experience, and what kind of surfing you want to do. Whether you lean toward the agility of the V Dawn or the classic style of the Dawn, there’s a board for everyone.
Not sure which one suits you best? No worries! Reach out to us, and we’ll help you find the perfect match - create your own stoke