Behind The Design: Skybrid D/LAB

The Skybrid D/LAB is described as a revolutionary new board. What makes it stand out in the Duotone lineup?
Finn: The heart of this project is the Hollow Shell Composite construction. It’s the most advanced construction we’ve ever put into a foiling board — ultra-light, super stiff, and more than 30% lighter than the Skybrid SLS model. In practice, that weight saving translates into the lowest swing weight you’ll find in any full-volume board. It feels almost like riding a prone board, but you still have the volume and buoyancy for freeride, freefly, or parawing. That combination didn’t exist before in our range — that’s why we call it a benchmark.

Is there any details you can share about how it’s built?
Finn: The board is built in a complex moulding process, using special high spec Biax Carbon Sandwich. There’s an internal composite stringer system which integrates the foil tracks in a smart way. Additional stringers in the stance area give the boards extra strength under the feet. Overall this makes a very strong and stiff shell, without the need to fill all this volume with EPS, what you’d usually use. There’s some more details, which we cannot share.

How did the shape evolve from the previous Skybrid?
Jeffrey: The 2025 Skybrid SLS model gave us a great foundation, so we kept its proven DNA but made refinements. The longer, narrower outline improves glide and helps you get up on foil faster. We introduced a new diamond tail for smoother release, paired with a wider, more stable deck, allowing you to get a nice offset stance for great control. The pronounced rail bevels give you clearance and agility in turns. The result is a board that’s easier to handle, but also sharper and more precise when you push it.

What about control and handling once you’re on foil?
Finn: That’s where you really feel the difference. The recessed deck locks you in closer to the foil and the stiff Carbon shell translates into direct feedback. Every pump, every carve makes you feel connected. The extended carbon tracks supply a huge trim range for different foil setups, and it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re riding lightwind freeride, linking swells in freefly, or carving smaller waves, with its incredibly low weight the board reacts instantly. For me, it really bridges the gap between prone foiling and the stability of a full-volume shape for winging or parawinging.

What kinds of riders will benefit most from the Skybrid D/LAB?
Jeffrey: It’s aimed at riders who want the very highest level of innovation and responsiveness. If you’re into lightwind sessions, dynamic freefly, small wave riding, or downwind parawinging, this board unlocks another dimension. It’s not just about going lighter — it’s about having more flow through instant reactions and the ability to push your riding further with less effort. With the low swing weight and direct response, the D/LAB isn’t for novices – but riders with advanced level will unlock another dimension on the Skybrid D/LAB.

Are there any small details that might go unnoticed but make a big difference?
Finn: Absolutely. The air vent and drain plug may sound minor, but they’re important for safe decompression and easy maintenance, especially when you travel. It’s the kind of detail you only notice when it’s missing. Also the finely tuned rocker line and our bottom shape are key to make our Skybrid shape to confidence-boosting and at the same time so user-friendly, even though it’s clearly a high-end product.

How would you sum up the Skybrid D/LAB?
Jeffrey: For me, it’s the pinnacle of foiling innovation — a board that combines the lightness and agility we’ve only felt in much smaller boards with the versatility of a full-volume design. It proves what’s possible when you take construction technology to the next level.