Mad Max Swift Water Race Board 12'6" / 14'
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
MAD MAX Elite Race PaddleBoard
All-Water Race Board. From down winding to flat water. Carbon-Armalight Technology, Made in the USA!" ...anything else needed??
"All the features of this shape combined with the durability of Armalight - this board is the best "swift-water board" being made! -Tony P.
Shaper:
Jason Zawadzki and Team
Early 2016, I was approached by my friends and racers Joe Threadgil and Brett Saquid to make an elite race board that would compete with the fastest boards in the world out of our proprietary Armalight. My first response was the truth, I didn't know if we could do it. I knew that our Elysium model was fast and riders love it, but to make a board that was as fast as the fastest elite boards in the world was a lot of pressure.
Brett and Joe made the point that the ultralight board fad seemed to be dying out as people realized that ultra-light also means ultra-fragile and ultra-expensive and doesn't necessarily equate to a faster board. This is especially true if there is any wind or roughness to the water.
So, the first thing I did was hit the books and put in weeks of research. I studied the fastest Olympic race kayaks, speedboats, underwater missiles, and of course other race boards. Hull Shapes, water release points, rocker lines, and finding the balance between stability and speed.
We started building and testing prototypes. Every little detail counts and there are so many variables that you have to consider. The small difference of just seconds could be the difference between1st place or a 7th place finish.
What we came up with is what we call our Mad Max Elite Racer. The name came easy. We joked that, because of its durability, you could run other racers right off the racecourse.
The shape is as unique as everything else that we do around here. We borrowed our hybrid displacement/planing hull design from our Elysium but with more of an emphasis on channeling water down the entire length of the board versus allowing it to be displaced off the rails. Then we used carbon fiber to stiffen certain areas to give the ideal flex pattern and weight.
Finally, our work resulted in a board that rides high and swiftly in the water. The Mad Max time-tested faster in various conditions than any other board we tried. It performs extremely well in flat water, open ocean, and downwind conditions. For a stronger paddler, meaning a rider who has trained to win a race, we are convinced this board is the fastest board we can build and that you will love it!
Skill Level: Intermediate to Pro
Ideal Water Conditions: All-water Race Board
- Vent/Handle System: 2020 models have a Custom Carbon Fiber Handle and Self-Regulating Gore-Tex Vent
- Fin System: Hand-built Hydrus Race Fin
- Traction: Custom Hydrus Traction Pad
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Construction: Hand-built by us right here in Idaho. Armalight plus Carbon, Fused EPS Foam Core
SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH/WIDTH
12'6" x 26 (289L, 28.5lbs), 12'6" x 28 (308L, 31lbs) 14'x22" (273L, 29lbs), 14'x24 (302L, 32.5lbs)"
Hydrus: Quality First, Always
At Hydrus, we're not just in the business of crafting exceptional boards; we're creating a movement rooted in quality, value and a love for the water. Here's a quick glimpse into our philosophy and how we operate:
Limited Batches, Unmatched Quality We've become renowned for our obsessive attention to detail, unparalleled craftsmanship, and treating customers how we'd like to be treated. This reputation and our steadfast commitment to quality mean our limited batches often sell out sooner than expected. Here's how to secure your piece of excellence:
- In-Stock: If a product shows as in stock, it's your golden opportunity! Grab it before it's gone.
- Pre-Sale: See something listed as a pre-sale? We're close to crafting more units. Lock in your board at the sale price.
- Waitlist: Out of stock? Join the waitlist. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and we'll let you know when your desired board is ready.
Unwavering Commitment, Unbeatable Prices Our fans know that Hydrus stands for top-tier products at remarkable prices. How do we do it?
- Smart Manufacturing: We craft in small batches using premium materials and superior construction techniques.
- Efficient Operations: Our streamlined, low-cost operations enable us to focus on what truly matters: quality.
- Honest Practices: We skip the marketing gimmicks, paid reviews, inflated mark-ups, and other unnecessary costs that would only weigh you down.
Our philosophy is simple: create the best, and let the product speak for itself. We rely on you, our cherished customers and supporters, to spread the word about the quality we live and breathe.
Welcome to Hydrus
Hydrus 30-Day Test Ride: Love It, Exchange It, or Return It
We want you to fall in love with your Hydrus gear, and we’re here to ensure it meets your expectations.
Satisfaction Guarantee
If you invest in a Hydrus board or gear and feel it doesn’t significantly enhance your experience, or if you’re not entirely content with its quality and performance, we’ll facilitate a return and issue a full refund. Your satisfaction is our sincere priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you have the proper equipment for your needs.
Easy Exchanges
Choosing the perfect board can be tricky, and we’re here to make it easy. Within 30 days of your purchase or receipt, you can exchange your board for another model in our range. Our team will work closely with you to find the best fit for your style and preferences. If your returned board is unused and in like-new condition, no restocking fee applies—you’ll only be responsible for return shipping and any price difference if applicable.
Restocking Fees for Exchanged Boards:
To maintain fairness and quality for all customers, we inspect all returned boards. If the board shows signs of use or is no longer in like-new condition, a restocking fee of 5-10% may apply. This fee helps us cover the costs associated with cleaning, refurbishing, and restocking used products. We aim to keep this process transparent and reasonable, ensuring a fair experience for everyone.
Refunds
For items returned in like-new condition within 30 days of purchase or receipt, we provide a 100% cash refund. Customers are responsible for the return shipping fee and a 15% restocking fee if the item has been used or shows unusual wear. This policy ensures we can continue offering this generous return assurance while maintaining the quality and performance of our products.
Hydrus: A Journey from Passion to Innovation
Founded in 2013 by two brothers and a close-knit group of friends, Hydrus was more than a business venture – it was a vision and a passion. A vision to craft limited editions of top-quality boards, infuse innovative ideas, pursue responsible manufacturing, and elevate customer experience to the heart of everything we do.
Located just outside Boise, Idaho, amidst the tranquil beauty of lakes and rivers, Hydrus has come to stand for personalized service, remarkable durability, inventive spirit, elegant minimalism, and the highest quality in the market.
Here's what our proud owners have to say:
- "Top-notch boards, excellent service, fair pricing, and a conscientious company!" – Tim M., JoyRide XL Inflatable owner.
- "Exceptional quality! I now own three boards and couldn't fathom opting for any other brand! Hydrus is extraordinary!!!" – Greg H., owner of two Hydrus iSUPs and an Armalight Board.
- "River surfing is demanding, and this board's resilience is second to none..." – Derek D., owner of a Revo SUP and ToughBlade Paddle.
Our approach to sales is as unique as our products. Instead of traditional methods, we embrace a Community Direct approach, investing in what strengthens our sport and community. For us, word-of-mouth and the self-evident quality of our products speak louder than advertisements. What we save on marketing, we give back through unparalleled customer service and continuous innovation.
In recent years, we've introduced cutting-edge technologies such as Armalight Construction, CrossBoards, composite reinforced iSUPs, Tough Blade Paddles, and boards robust enough to come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Hydrus's mission is distinctive. We're wholeheartedly committed to promoting the sports we love and building our community. Although our boards may be among the most expensive to produce globally, we find ways to remain competitively priced. Our approach is transparent and honest, steering clear of exaggerated marketing, gimmicks, and irresponsible manufacturing. With almost everything done in-house and referrals as our primary sales channel, the savings are passed directly to you.
We believe in investing in research, designing each product ourselves, and maintaining a quality that truly stands out.
Thank you for believing in Hydrus, where your passion for paddling fuels our dedication to excellence. We're immensely grateful for your continued support and excited to participate in your water-bound adventures. Welcome to the Hydrus family! 🌊
The Art of Armalight Boards: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
At Hydrus, each of our Armalight boards is meticulously handcrafted in the USA. This hands-on approach ensures an unparalleled commitment to quality, though it may lead to slight variations in weight and appearance. Such differences, within a range of +/-3lbs, are entirely normal and do not affect the board's performance. In fact, slightly heavier boards offer better durability and retain speed more effectively between paddle strokes.
Balancing Durability and Weight: Creating a handmade-rugged board may result in excessive weight. Our goal is to find the perfect equilibrium between resilience and weight, considering both the intended use and the preferences of the rider.
Innovative Surface Design: Inspired by cutting-edge watercraft, our matte finish gives our boards a mildly textured surface. This texture reduces the water's surface tension, allowing the board to glide more smoothly.
Care and Caution: There are a few factors that can threaten the integrity of any SUP, such as standing on it while on dry land, strapping the hold-down straps too tightly, or exposing the board to excessive heat without a cover. Be especially mindful of radiant heat from vehicles, which can reach the softening point of our premium EPS foam, around 190°F.
Simple Repairs: Fixing an Armalight board is often easier than repairing fiberglass or plastic. Need help? We're here for you – just reach out, and we'll guide you through the process.
Protection Recommendation: We strongly advise using one of our Heat Shield Board Covers to preserve your board. Insulated board bags are also suitable, but we advise against board socks.
Welcome to the world of Hydrus's Armalight boards, where attention to detail, innovation, and the joy of paddling converge. Our commitment to quality ensures a board that is not just a piece of equipment but a trusted companion on the water.
Innovative Surface Design: Inspired by cutting-edge watercraft, our matte finish gives our boards a mildly textured surface. This texture reduces water's surface tension, allowing the board to glide more smoothly.
Care and Caution: There are a few factors that can threaten the integrity of any SUP, such as standing on it while on dry land, strapping the hold-down straps too tightly, or exposing the board to excessive heat without a cover. Be especially mindful of radiant heat from vehicles, which can reach the softening point of the premium EPS foam we use, around 190°F.
Simple Repairs: Fixing an Armalight board is often easier than repairing fiberglass or plastic. Need help? We're here for you – just reach out, and we'll guide you through the process.
Protection Recommendation: To preserve your board, we strongly advise using one of our Heat Shield Board Covers. Insulated board bags are also suitable, but we advise against board socks.
Welcome to the world of Hydrus's Armalight boards, where attention to detail, innovation, and the joy of paddling converge. Our commitment to quality ensures a board that is not just a piece of equipment but a trusted companion on the water.
Feel free to make any adjustments, or let me know if you'd like any specific changes!