Introducing the New Apple Skipper Downwind V2
16.05.2025
Welcome back to AppleTree Surfboards! We’ve got a special feature today, as we’re joined by team rider Jon Mann to dive deep into the brand-new Apple Skipper Downwind V2 — a board we’ve spent over a year developing together.
In this Tech Talk, we’ll walk through the main design updates from the original Apple Skipper Downwind V1, the feedback that shaped the evolution, and how we built this board for both performance and durability. Let’s get into it.
The Evolution: From V1 to V2
Jon and fellow rider Sam (and Appletree’s rep in North America) were already performing well on the V1, but there was still room for improvement. One of the first pieces of feedback was about rocker.
“We missed a bit of the rocker,” Jon explains. “The V2 has a much nicer rocker line — more in the front and tail. It helps with clearance during turns and makes the board feel less flat overall.”
A straighter rocker line can offer more speed, but the added rocker in V2 improves control in bumps and enhances volume distribution. The volume is now concentrated more around the standing area, allowing for thinner extremities and reduced swing weight, without compromising stability.
Bottom Shape: Keeping the Skipper DNA, Evolved for Performance
We’ve completely redesigned the bottom, while keeping the recognizable Skipper identity. Especially in the pulled-in tail and hard rail lines.
Initially, when scaled from the smaller Skipper models, the V1 felt a bit sticky in the tail. The V2 tail is narrower, with the hard rail pulled further back for better release and true downwind performance.
There’s also a subtle V-shape in the nose and tail, which enhances acceleration and helps the board come off the water faster. While the hard rail might look aggressive, the combination of rail edge, bevel, and bottom shape prevents it from grabbing during touchdowns. Water is efficiently displaced sideways and shed cleanly thanks to this carefully tuned design.
“It took us a lot of design iterations to get this rail right,” we noted — but the result is a refined shape that both Jon and Sam are thrilled with.
Lighter and Stronger: New Construction Features
The V2 introduces several updates in construction:
- New finish method: Reduces weight significantly, making the board more responsive.
- Strategic reinforcement: Especially around the rails to prevent cracks from paddle strikes.
- 50K waterproof foam core: No water absorption, even if the board is damaged.
- Extra rail tape: Reinforces critical impact zones.
Despite being lighter, these boards are even tougher. Perfect for long sessions and serious use.
Sizing & Custom Options
Jon currently rides:
- 8’0” x 17.7” (production width 17.5”): His race board.
- 7’4” x 18.5” (105L): His all-around fun board, also used for SUP foil and powered SUP.
The new Skipper DW V2 is now available in stock lengths: 7’0”, 7’4”, 7’8”, and 8’0”, with widths ranging from 18.0″ to 19.5″.
But here’s the best part: custom sizing is available at no extra cost. Choose any of the six standard widths from 17.5” to 20.0” and combine it with any length from 7’0” to 8’0”. We’ve even upgraded our CNC machines and worked with our foam supplier to make larger blanks, enabling us to produce bigger boards with greater precision.
“This board will be my Maui board,” says Jon — built in the longest and narrowest configuration available and perfect for high-performance racing.
Deck Design: Performance Through Every Detail
The standing area features a slightly recessed deck with a honeycomb skin underneath for extra stiffness and durability. This eliminates knee dents and enhances responsiveness.
The step deck design also includes a slight angle to mimic the effect of foil shimming — improving control at speed without adding drag.
“It pretty much feels like you’re riding a prone board,” Jon adds. “The kick tail feel is really helpful when turning.”
Another small but clever feature: a bump behind the standing area that channels water away and prevents pooling on the deck.
The foil boxes have also been moved slightly forward based on user feedback, offering even more tuning options for performance riders.
Available Now — Stock or Custom
The Apple Skipper Downwind V2 is now available for order. While we’ll stock a limited number of standard sizes, most boards will be custom builds with an approximate 8-week turnaround.
We ship worldwide, and we’re always happy to help you choose the size that suits your riding style and local conditions.
For any questions, feel free to email us — or reach out to Jon on Instagram, where he’s always happy to chat gear and give tips.
Thanks for tuning in — and a big thanks to Jon for being part of this incredible development journey.
Get in touch and let us build your next magic board.
See you on the water!