VISSLA PRESENTS: THE POSITIVE FORCE PREMIERE AT HOBIE RIVER STREET
This Thursday, we’re teaming up with our friends at Hobie Surf Shop to celebrate a special board and a moment in time that helped define modern surfing. Join us for The Positive Force Premiere — an evening dedicated to the craft, creativity, and chaos of surfing’s wild transitional era.
Event Details
Where: Hobie River Street Marketplace
When: Thursday, October 23rd | 5–8pm
Featuring: Live music by Pacific Ocean Relics, a short film premiere, and drinks provided.
A Board Born from Change
In the early 1970s, surfing was shifting fast. Single fins were giving way to experimentation — outlines tightened, rockers flattened, and shapers everywhere were pushing foam and fiberglass into uncharted territory. Somewhere in that mix, Hobie Surfboards introduced a model called the Positive Force — a forward-thinking shape that captured the energy of a generation looking for something new. It was a board built for speed, flow, and progression — a reflection of surfing’s restless evolution.
The Modern Revival
Fast forward to now: shaper Nick Melanson and glasser Max Caldwell have joined forces to resurrect the Positive Force in true Hobie fashion. Using original templates and inspiration from the archives, they’ve brought new life to a board that helped shape the future. Each board in this limited collection was hand-shaped and glassed locally — blending classic design with modern precision.
A Night for the Community
The premiere is more than just an unveiling. It’s a gathering of the people who keep the craft alive — surfers, makers, dreamers, and everyone who appreciates a clean rail and a good story. We’ll be screening a short film that dives into the process behind the Positive Force and spinning live tunes from Pacific Ocean Relics to keep the vibe flowing.
Also featured at the event is artist Dan Severson, whose artwork brings the Positive Force story to life. His event poster captures the vibrant energy of the 70s surf renaissance — bold, colorful, and full of motion. Dan will be on hand signing and hand-numbering a limited run of hand-screened posters, created exclusively for the premiere. A perfect keepsake for those who still believe that good design — like good surfing — is equal parts art and soul.
Come hang, talk story, and see the boards up close. Because some ideas — just like good design — never really go out of style.
Vissla Presents: The Positive Force Premiere
Hobie River Street Marketplace
Thursday, October 23rd | 5–8pm
Live music by Pacific Ocean Relics
Short film premiere | Drinks provided