Loaded Loaded Longboard

Please See Technical Specs Tab For Setup OptionsInspirationWe launched the original Dervishin June of 2007. In 2006 we had shifted ourentire line to bamboo, which opened thedoors for us to create a flexy drop-through board.All previous drop-throughs we'd built as protos hadeventually fractured due to stress on the oak cores.We've made subtle changes to the Dervish since then (cutoutand keyhole modifcations and graphics), but its now time tochange it up in a more significant fashion. We've learned a lotabout compound contouring in the last few years (as seen on theTan Tien) and felt it was time to step up and rethink the Dervish.Name & GraphicSama is the Sufi ceremony focusing on active meditation as a tool for the individual'sspiritual journey. The origin of this practice is credited to Rumi, apoet and founder of the Mevlevi order of whirling dervishes.ThroughSama, the individual aims to ascend from the confines ofthought to attain heightened maturity, perfection, and closeness toGod. For this boards graphic we continue to explore the whirlingdervish theme, although this time in a more abstract form. The artwork wascreated by Diana Gracida of Nana Studios.WidthFor the width we explored many different width and shape options whileprototyping the Dervish Sama. We came to the realization that there isno "right" answer and that theres an inherent tension between stabilityand liveliness. Using sophisticated (for us) design software and curvaturecalculations, we extensively tested various different widths and subtle changesto the deck shape. We then collectively decided that this new 9" wide shape (theold Dervish was 8.5" with a different neck curvature) provided a satisfactory balance of comfort, edgecontrol, and responsiveness.ConcaveThe Dervish Sama also received a more pronounced concave profile, which is further augmentedby the increased deck width. The result is improved edge feel for turn initiation and extra control while sliding.Nose & Tail KicksTo keep up with the current calibre of freestyle riding, we gave the Dervish the mosttasteful of nosejobs. After testing several new shapes and sizes, we lengthened the tips for additionalleverage, widened the neck to increase durability and ensure a consistent flex pattern through the entiredeck, and added subtle kicks to increase pop and to lock your feet in. The kicks are reinforced with an extralayer of fibreglass for added stiffness and durability.Grip TapeA six-piece symmetrical grip tape pattern was designed with performance and elegance in mind.The two sections at the kicks use an aggressive, rougher-grit grip to provide enhanced control and securityfor manuals and freestyle tricks. The four middle sections use a milder, finer-grit grip (comparable to streetskate grip) to facilitate dancing and footwork manoeuvres. The segmented design yields functional coveragewithout interfering with the board's flex pattern.CamberThe Dervish Sama's versatility lends it to many disciplines, but at its heart lies a deeply rootedpassion for carving. The cambered platform and weight-tailored flex pattern work together synergistically toprovide a lively, flowing ride. Press your weight into a turn to preload the deck's curvature; unweight as you finish the carve and feel the board snap back with positive energy return.FlexModifications to the width, concave, and thickness of the deck also resulted in a new overall feel to the ride. The flex pattern remains very consistent throughout the entire length of the deck and is also much more damp, tight, and controllable. The Dervish Sama gave us an opportunity to re-examine our current flex options. We found that even on the softest flex Dervish (flex 2), it was difficult for riders weighing less than 140 lbs to generate enough force to fully engage the deck's flex during normal riding. The introduction of a third, even softer flex allows lighter riders to more easily "play" with the cambered standing platform as they pump and carve, achieving a much more lively and comfortable riding experience. A softer flex rating will give you more control and tighter turns at slower speeds and make it easier to slide, but tends to lose stability at higher speeds. A stiffer flex provides more energy potential, is more stable at higher speeds, and holds up better to hard landings, but will not be as forgiving and lively when cruising.ConstructionA vertically laminated bamboo core is sandwiched between layers of triaxial fibreglass anda bamboo bottom veneer. The deck is pressed with concave and cambered curvatures to create a lively,responsive ride with high energy return. Localized fibreglass reinforcement at the nose and tail kicks(spanning neck to tip) ensures strength under hard riding.Design Process & OverviewOur design team faced a unique challenge: the Dervish is a board that we continue to enjoy riding and encourage others to share in this experience, so how do we enhance thefeatures of the original board and at the same time increase its versatility? After brainstorming flex patterns, durability, construction and most importantly performance, we arrived at a multifaceted goal: to enhance edge control, lively response and carving; to increase trick potential (with the added benefit of durability), to increase concave with subtle adjustments to the camber, and to make the board more accessible by expanding our flex ranges. The Dervish Sama, through intensive back-and-forth within digital environmentsand physical prototyping, serves up a platter of carving and freeride goodness. We're stoked on the continuing refinement of our design processes and how what weve learned from the development of the Dervish Sama in particular (regarding methods of communication, prototyping, and testing procedures) will impact our ability to continue exploring the boundaries of skateboard design. More importantly, we're stoked on this board and excited to share it with all those who are gonna enjoy it.