Meet the new LINE Sakana DS — the surfy, swallow-tailed freeride ski with a fresh Dylan Siggers twist

Posted by Hillcrest Ski & Sports on Nov 14th 2025

Meet the new LINE Sakana DS — the surfy, swallow-tailed freeride ski with a fresh Dylan Siggers twist

Few skis are as instantly recognizable as the LINE Sakana. The wide shovel, the swallowtail silhouette, the surf-inspired stance — it carved out (literally) a category of its own the moment it hit the snow. For 2025, LINE introduces the Sakana DS, a limited-edition evolution of the fan-favorite, built with a fresh Dylan Siggers design and meaningful construction updates that push its freeride versatility even further.

If the original Sakana brought the surf style to skiing, the Sakana DS brings the freeride creativity. More durable, more capable, and still unbelievably fun.


What’s New With the Sakana DS?

The Sakana DS retains the core geometry and vibe that made this ski famous, but introduces several refinements:

1. Dylan Siggers Limited Edition Graphic

The DS graphic marks a collaboration with LINE team rider Dylan Siggers — known for high-speed butters, natural features, and surfy freeride lines. His influence shows in the ski’s aesthetic and subtle functional tuning aimed at creative skiers who blur the line between freeride, freestyle, and powder play.

2. Updated Tail Shape

LINE gave the iconic swallowtail a slightly more turned-up finish, making the DS smoother during switch landings and more forgiving when slashing in and out of features. You still get the classic Sakana release and float — just with more play built in.

3. Reinforced Durability

To match the way Siggers skis, LINE added targeted durability updates to the layup. The DS is built to handle harder hits, tighter tree skiing, and the occasional rock encounter without giving up the surf-flex personality.


Specs That Matter (and Why They Matter on Snow)

  • Sizes: 166 / 174 / 181 cm

  • Shape: ~150 / 105 / 138 mm

  • Sidecut: ~15 m (174 cm)

  • Weight: ~1770 g per ski (174 cm)

  • Profile: Camber underfoot with early rise tip and swallowtail

  • Construction: Sintered base, sidewall construction, reinforced layup

These numbers put the Sakana DS in a sweet spot: wide enough to float, shaped to turn, and built to hold up at speed. The shorter-than-average turning radius gives it an addictive “carve-surf-carve” rhythm on soft snow and groomers alike.


How the Sakana DS Rides

In Powder:
This is where the Sakana lineage really shines. The huge shovel and naturally rearward stance give the ski outstanding float without forcing you to sit back. Instead, you stand centered and let the shape do the work — a true surf sensation that feels stable yet nimble.

On Groomers:
This is the Sakana DS’s party trick. For a ski this wide and directional, it can absolutely carve. The camber section bites into harder snow, the short radius encourages tight or laid-over turns, and transitions feel buttery smooth.

In Mixed Off-Piste Terrain:
Chop and trees are no problem. The reinforced DS construction provides improved confidence in variable snow, while the swallowtail helps the ski release smoothly from turn to turn. Quick pivots are easy, and slashing is part of the fun.

In Freeride / Natural Features:
This is where the DS separates itself from previous Sakana editions. The slightly upturned tail helps with switch takeoffs/landings and provides a more forgiving feel when airing off rollers, side hits, and natural terrain. It’s still not a park ski — but it absolutely encourages creativity.


Ideal Riders for the Sakana DS

  • Skiers who love soft snow, surfy turns, and playful freeride riding

  • Intermediates through experts who want something fun but still technical

  • Riders who hit natural features, like side hits, wind lips, and small cliffs

  • Skiers who want a powder ski that still rips groomers on the way back to the lift


Who It’s Not For

  • Pure groomer-only riders

  • Beginners seeking a super-forgiving, entry-level ski

  • Skiers who want a traditional twin-tip park ski (the DS is freeride-first)


Recommended Setup & Mounting Notes

  • Bindings: Look for an all-mountain or freeride binding in the 12–14 DIN range. The Sakana’s factory mount point places you slightly behind true center — perfect for float and directional performance.

  • Boot Flex: Medium-stiff boots (100–120 flex) give the best balance of power and play.

  • Tuning: Keep the base well-waxed for its sintered material, and consider a slightly detuned tip/tail for slashing in mixed snow.


How the Sakana DS Compares to the Original Sakana

Feature Original Sakana Sakana DS
Swallowtail Classic flat swallowtail Slightly more turned-up for smoother switch landings
Durability Lightweight freeride Reinforced for feature-based skiing
Graphic Classic LINE designs Limited-edition Dylan Siggers artwork
Performance Feel Powder + carve Powder + carve + playful switch/creative freeride

The DS is essentially the Sakana with a touch more versatility and rowdiness.


Image Ideas to Pair With the Blog Post (Non-Product)

If you plan to upload lifestyle images alongside this blog, here are ideas that fit the Sakana DS story:

  • Powder surfing shots with big overhead plumes

  • Close-ups of the swallowtail silhouette in deep snow

  • Natural-feature hits (rollers, lips, side hits)

  • Carving action shots showing the ski’s tight-radius turning

  • Backlit sunrise/sunset freeride photos with skis on shoulder

  • Dylan Siggers–style creative freeride images (without showing the actual product graphic if licensing doesn’t allow it)

I can also generate images if you want me to create custom lifestyle or action visuals.


Conclusion: The Sakana DS Is the Most Creative Sakana Yet

The LINE Sakana DS represents everything that made the original a cult favorite — float, carving power, and unmistakable style — while layering on a new level of durability, playfulness, and all-mountain creativity. It’s not just a beautiful limited-edition ski; it’s a legit evolution built for the way modern freeriders ski the mountain.

Whether you're slashing pow, hunting side hits, or drawing smooth arcs on groomers, the Sakana DS brings unmatched style and stoke to every run.