Words: John Akerman // Photos: Jeff Mathis
With boat waves getting bigger and bigger every year, John Akerman saw the need for a board specifically designed for these man-made swells. With that in mind, he came up with the 2026 Sensei. This brand new design is pretty different from his other pro model, the Ahi, so we caught up with the man himself to see how it all came to fruition.
WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?
The idea for the Sensei came from me wanting to step up my surf game, learn more technical tricks, and be more consistent on my surfboard. The original idea was for me to make a custom competition board for myself that I rode all year in 2025. I was so blown away by this board and I knew it was going to make a big impact on the sport. I like to ride the exact board that you guys can pick up at your local dealer. I was so hyped when P5 was on board with offering this board as a new release! I didn't want to replace my Ahi because it's an OG, but to make it's step up version.
WHAT KIND OF RIDER WAS THIS BOARD DESIGNED FOR?
The Sensei was designed for the kind of riders that are looking to bring their SURF riding to new heights and follow the trend of faster bigger wakesurf waves. After driving the competition boat at the Nautique Wakesurf Series the past few years, I noticed how many riders were intimidated by a steeper wave setting. The Sensei is for riders who want to maximize their wave and ride a board designed for landing big tricks on a steep wave. However, I've found that it works really well for novice riders too that are light on their feet and have a slower reaction time while still trying to figure it all out. This board is designed for advanced riders but is surprisingly good for beginners too.
WHY DID YOU FEEL THE NEED FOR THIS TYPE OF BOARD?
Over the years the boats have evolved so much and the wakes and waves have grown so much. So if the waves are changing and the speeds we surf have increased why haven't our surfboard dimensions changed? I'm fueled by progression and hope to see more riders evolving their gear instead of draining ballast or riding their waveshape at zero. If we want wakesurfing to get the respect it deserves I think we need to follow the ocean surf influence while riding surf style boards and stick to our roots! I want the next generation to ride this board and ask for a bigger wave!
HOW MANY DIFFERENT VERSIONS DID YOU GO THROUGH TO GET THE RIGHT SHAPE?
I made three boards and the third was the winner. The first two were good but felt too small. I normally rode a 53" Surf but since I made the board narrower I lost a good bit of foam and decided to go up an inch in every size. The slightly longer board actually feels way better under my feet. I ride the 54 primarily but surprisingly, I've been riding the 57" Sensei too! During this process I found that I was able to ride bigger fins and it was making the drive of the board even faster while pumping into air tricks.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FEATURES OF THE SENSEI?
My favorite features of the Sensei are the wings near the tail, Ahi nose shape, swallow tail, and the straight midsection. Plus, this board has graphics on the top and bottom thanks to the 2x HD propel lay up! keeping a lightweight feel while standing out on the water. The swallow tail keeps it fast and aggressive while the nose gives you good float while riding revert. The wings pull in the tail and give it an insane amount of control and carves effortlessly. The all black traction pads are simple but one of my favorite features that compliments the loud graphic.
WHERE DID THE NAME COME FROM?
I was driving home from the Keys thinking to myself, “what am I going to name this new board?” I knew how good this shape was and I wasn't going to settle for a name that didn't lock in instantly. Wu Tang came on my playlist and all the Kung Fu samples in the beginning of their song made the word Sensei come to mind. I've always been known as a coach in the sport of wakesurfing that can level up your skills and technique very quickly. I knew that elite riders were going to progress the minute they got their hands on this board. Having my own style already, and since I hand shaped this one myself the Sensei fit this board's personality perfectly. In other words, the Sensei will make you a better surfer!
WHO WOULD YOU SUGGEST GIVING THIS BOARD A RIP?
I suggest this board to anyone who wants more control of their board. The Sensei has a narrow midsection and tail wings that pull the outline under your back foot super tight. The tail of this board is the most important feature because of how easily you can carve on your back foot. If you are a rider who feels like you pearl or nose dive a lot during tricks this is the board for you. Everytime you get pushed fast close to the back of the boat you feel confident you're going to ride it out. I also recommend this board to someone who likes to ride with a true surf style feel.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO YOUR OTHER SURF STYLE BOARD: THE AHI?
The Ahi and the Sensei fit perfectly alongside each other because they both serve a different purpose. The Ahi is a board that carries speed and glides effortlessly on any wave. The wide aggressive moon tail rides on the two points which makes it turn hard but release easily too. The Sensei performs best on boats that produce the big wakesurf waves. The Sensei has less glide than the Ahi because it's so much narrower but this allows you to pump and build speed at a higher rate and unlock steeper sections of the wave you couldn't ride before. These boards pair very well together if you're trying to build your board quiver for your boat crew. "You have to master the Ahi before you can unlock the Sensei"
Ready to ride the Sensei? Check it outHERE!
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