Surftech Surfboards Wayne Rich - Checkmate - NFT Blue - 9'2” x 22.5” x 3” - 69.5L

9'2” x 22.5” x 3” - 69.5L

Wayne Rich Checkmate – The Ultimate Performance Longboard

Game over — this board wins.
The Wayne Rich Checkmate is a take-no-prisoners performance longboard designed to push your surfing to the highest level. Originally shaped in the 1980s as a contest board during the Donald Takayama and Dewey Weber–led revival of longboard competition, the Checkmate still stands as one of the most complete performance logs ever created.

Fast off the bottom, nimble rail-to-rail, and powerful off the tail, this board is built for surfers who want to link tight pocket turns, smooth wraparounds, and confident down-the-line bottom turns. It’s modern, energetic, and highly responsive — everything you want from a performance longboard.

But that’s only half the story. A soulful outline, timeless bottom contours, and a classic 60/40 rail give the Checkmate the glide, trim, and nose-riding flow you’d expect from a traditional log. A subtle nose concave adds lift and acceleration when you’re perched on the front, while a hidden hard edge in the tail provides drive and control during powerful turns.

The result? A board that blends high-performance manoeuvrability with classic longboard elegance.

Originally designed for Santa Barbara’s long point waves, the Checkmate excels in head-high and under on extended walls, but it’s equally capable up to a few feet overhead at reefs and beach breaks. It’s a perfect choice for surfers wanting to expand their repertoire, refine their turns, and rediscover what a truly dialled-in longboard can do.

If you’re an old-soul surfer ready to learn a few new tricks, the Wayne Rich Checkmate is for you.

Natural Fiber Technology (NFT) Construction

The Checkmate is built using innovative Natural Fiber Technology (NFT), delivering a unique, responsive, and environmentally conscious feel underfoot.

Natural Fiber Reinforcement (Flax)
Half of the board’s reinforcement (by volume) is made from naturally derived fibers, with the other half composed of high-quality E-glass. These layers are vacuum-bagged under pressure to increase bond strength, minimise excess resin, and achieve an impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
The natural fibers don’t just replace traditional fiberglass — they enhance dampening, giving the board a smooth, predictable, and organic feel. (Flax colour may vary slightly.)

Fused Cell EPS Core

• Provides increased flotation and a lively, responsive feel.

Clear HD-Epoxy Resin

• High thermo-mechanical performance resin for durability and lasting flex.

Premium E-Glass Fiberglass

• Industry-standard reinforcement known for reliable strength and consistent performance.

Natural Fiber Reinforcement

• Renewable, resilient, and remarkably smooth — both in appearance and in the way it rides.