Firewire Groove
The Firewire Groove is a modern high-performance thruster tuned by Rob Machado to deliver serious turns with a friendlier, more forgiving front end. It features extra width and thickness up front for paddle-ability, blended into a pulled-in squash tail for tight, controlled surfing in waves with some push.
If you want a performance shortboard that helps you get into waves earlier, hold speed through sections, and still lets you lay down proper rail turns, the Groove sits perfectly between a hardcore pro model and an everyday all-rounder.
Who Is the Firewire Groove For?
- Intermediate to advanced surfers who want a performance thruster with easier paddling.
- Shortboarders who surf beach breaks, reefs, and punchy points from waist-high to overhead.
- Riders who like Rob Machado’s feel but want a board that’s more HP shortboard than groveler or cruiser.
Design Features
Outline: Width Up Front, Business in the Back
- Extra width and foam forward under the chest makes paddling easier and improves wave entry.
- Pulled-in squash tail gives you bite, release, and control in turns, especially in steeper parts of the wave.
- Balanced template that doesn’t feel “fat” or sluggish but still gives a touch more comfort than a narrow pro model.
Rocker & Bottom Contours
- Performance rocker tuned for waves with some push — not flat like a groveler, not extreme like a step-up.
- Single to double concave bottom for lift, drive, and smooth rail-to-rail transitions.
- Designed to feel lively and precise once you’re up and riding, with no unnecessary drag.
Fin Setup
The Groove is a thruster-focused design, giving you:
- Maximum control and predictability in the pocket.
- Confidence to push hard on bottom turns and top turns without sliding out.
Construction
Depending on the run and size, the Groove is typically offered in Firewire’s advanced composite constructions, combining lightweight feel, engineered flex, and improved durability.
Ideal Wave Range
- Waist-high to overhead waves.
- Waves with some push and shape where you want to carve, hit the lip, and link turns.
- Still goes well in weaker surf, but it’s not a true groveler — it likes at least a bit of energy.
Sizing the Firewire Groove
Because of the extra width and foam up front, many surfers size the Groove similarly to their standard shortboard, sometimes with a touch more volume for paddle power and consistency:
- Advanced surfers: ride it at or just under your usual performance shortboard length at comparable liters.
- Intermediates: consider a bit more volume for stability and easier paddling.
Compare the Groove
- Firewire Dominator 2.0 – Friendlier all-round hybrid for more varied conditions.
- Firewire Cymatic – Tomo’s more radical high-performance shortboard.
- Shop All Shortboards
Shipping & Pickup Options
We ship Firewire surfboards nationwide via UPS with live rates in your cart. Typical ranges:
- Boards under 5'11": usually $65–$120 depending on destination.
- Boards over 5'11" or wider than 21": typically $150–$240.
Free pickup options:
- In-store pickup at Rider Shack (Los Angeles).
- Free Central Coast pickup in Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Lompoc.
Every purchase from Rider Shack supports a small, family-run, surfer-owned core surf shop.
Firewire Groove FAQ
Is the Firewire Groove a groveler?
Not exactly. Rob Machado designed it as a high-performance thruster that still paddles easily. It works in weak waves, but he doesn’t call it a groveler.
What wave range is the Groove designed for?
The Groove is designed for roughly waist-high to overhead surf, especially waves with some push and shape.
Is the Groove good for beginners?
It’s better suited for intermediate and advanced surfers who are already comfortable on performance-style shortboards.
What fin setup should I use?
The Groove is built as a thruster, which offers the best balance of control, predictability, and performance in the pocket.
How does the Groove compare to the Dominator 2.0?
The Dominator 2.0 is more of an all-round hybrid daily driver, while the Groove is more performance-oriented for waves with a bit more push.
