The MINI-DRIVER …Strikes Back! 2011: 17-year-old Kolohe Andino is burning up the surf scene.After a stellar run through the amateur ranks, he barnstorms the domestic WQS events and sets his sights on WCT qualification. He rapidly achieves it, nailing multiple finals in international 6* and 10* events.Still a child, but pushed by big contracts and big expectations on his young shoulders, he prepares to take on the world. …But not before a dream surf trip to the still relatively uncrowded Mentawais, with a star-studded crew of surfers. I get invited to tag along… “Hey, my dad is coming. You should too!” Why not! We begin building a quiver. Daddy Dino is flexing:“You need air boards, comp boards, and a couple good wave boards. A step-up and back-ups…”All performance, comp-type boards, designed to prepare for battle. But Kolohe is a kid. A kid with not much of a childhood. A professional competitor since his pre-teen years—and he wants something fun.“Make me a tiny little board that can rip proper waves. Fits in the tube, but goes really f***ing fast too. Short and wide, but a tail for good waves… and fast!” The DRIVER was already our premiere comp model—Kolohe’s, and other team riders’, staple. Starting with a wider-than-average Round Pin DRIVER, I cut a few inches off the nose, then re-pulled in (and re-flipped) the tip. The first MINI-DRIVER. We sprayed it highlighter yellow, to glow in the tube, and slapped five fin boxes on it. Sprayed bright and glassed light! Under the ever-watchful eyes of Dad, team managers, media magnates, and multiple filmers/photogs, Kolohe kept things strictly business… only riding his comp-style boards. But one afternoon, at an unnamed, slabbing right barrel, the time was right. He proceeds to paddle out on the MINI-DRIVER and repeatedly knifes numerous blue-water barrels, laying deep hacks and boosting airs upon exit… over and over, until that ultra-bright, ultra-light beauty of a board breaks. First surf. Back on the boat:“Thing is insane! In everything! Make a model!”The MINI-DRIVER was born. For years it became a staple of our line-up (and in surf line-ups) around the world. A wide variety of hardcore surfers, including Mason Ho, were singing its praises. Many rippers continue to order customs today. Over time, with the relentless parade of new model releases, the MINI-DRIVER became relegated to a by-request model for repeat riders and slowly sort of faded from the limelight.
