The Asylum is a design from Jim Snyder. He calls it “neuveau-retro" because it follows the "happy wing" principles of the classic mystery master designs of the last century but is short enough to pick up on the dynamic cartwheel and screw abilities of newer designs. 

Jim was trying to get away from sharp corners on the hull of the boat- which tend to wear faster.  This led him to a design which surfs well but is not a flatspinmobile like so many designs are nowadays.  There are many characteristics of flatspinning boats which compromise wing principles when the boat is being used for mystery moves.  Jim went right for the throat and designed a boat which is smooth, dynamic, and controllable underwater. This allows infinite tweaks and charc adjustments which combine to render a fluid performance. You are not "bossed" by sharp corners (a tracking feature), dominating flats, or harsh sidewalls. The boat is softly rounded and comfortable. This gives it a slinky feel that is not unlike cruising through plush carpet in comfy slippers.

The main thrust of the design is "no compromise" mystery and screw performance.  Jim designed it to help develop the new "Loop" maneuvers he has been perfecting the last few years.  A Loop is a radically fast past vertical Black Attack.  "I just added up how many minutes I was surfing and debated the performance sacrifices I was making for flatspins during a few of those surfing minutes.  I figured flatspins win rodeos- but I'm a subhuman mysterydawg, and I'd rather ride a well rounded fishything."

The Asylum is tweaked for comfort with generous knee and foot bumps which should accommodate paddler with up to 32" inseams and unlimited foot size up to 17st.