Hey everyone! Awesome site.

My question is about buying my second board.

I've had a Starboard Whopper for about 9 months and surfed on it most days and really, really become hooked. I can trim down the line, do an OK bottom turn and some kind of top turn and a bit of nose-riding but now I think I want something better for the waves. I'll keep the Whopper for family and friends and mucking about. BUT how short should I go? I'm tall and weigh 95 kg. I was thinking about 9'5" Starboard wide point but will that be too similar to the Whopper? Would it be better to go for a shorter board, maybe a Hypernut or something. OR, given my relative lack of experience, should I stay pretty long but go narrower?

Any advice would be awesome.

Thanks!

Hi surgingsurf,

Glad you are loving paddle surfing, and great that you are looking for the next step to progress.
Dropping size and volume is generally a gradual progression as too large a jump can make it too hard to balance and catch waves. As FRP says you should try some boards to see what you are comfortable with, whether they are mates boards or a demo day etc.... and see what works for you. Just beware testing boards in flat water as it is a big difference in stability once you get out in the waves and chop.

If happy with the 31 to 32 width and 9'5 length can consider reducing volume and/or more refined rails.
Sounds like you're doing better than me on the waves and I ride an 8'8 Speeed but I am only 65-67 kg.

I reckon something like a 9'5 Widepoint would be reasonable at your weight and if you are tall. If you were shorter I would say reduce width as it impacts paddle technique due to angle. If you want to gamble and go shorter an 8'6 Hypernut, or a aappropriate length Shroom or Skate could be ok depending on wave type. The Speeed I have is way beyond my capability but has helped me improve . Also love the nose kick because it saves my ass from nose diving in beach breaks that I normally ride .

You also have to consider the type of wave . Better riders can advise. I am a hack. But if I had access more often to a non busy point ride with long soft waves I would go longer than shorter . For beach breaks shorter and more nose kick would be my preference . Personally I hate busy breaks because of the stress it causes. A big board in a busy area spells trouble . I avoid at all cost

I'd look at a more performance based allrounder, such as a Sunova Steeze or Jimmy Lewis Striker. Perfect for allround conditions and can rip if you have the skills. 9 foot (ish) would be safe, and a big step up in performance from the whopper. Or if you like a more tradtional longboard: The Smik Stylelord is awesome, as is the Sunova Style / Surf, Infinity New Deal, Deep Dogman etc...

The only time I wouldn't recommend these boards is if you are surfing super steep/hollow beach/reefs. If you are, look for something with a more pulled in nose and a bit more rocker. Boards like : Sunova Flow/Creek , JP Surf Wide, Smik Spitfitre, Jimmy Lewis Worldwide. Still Stable, but with higher performance.

I wouldnt look at a Hypernut yet.

FRP said..
Surf

The other thought is take a close look at the "buy and sell" on this site. There are many, many very good boards that come at a fraction of the price of new. I suspect that what ever your next board is you will soon be looking for another board as you are at a point where your skill is improving quickly. Finally with the money you save consider buying a very good paddle.

Cheers

Bob

I think that's a great suggestion especially as I will have a custom Speed, 9'5" x 31.5" 160 litres that should appear in the for sale section tomorrow :)

surgingsurf said..

sgo said..

FRP said..
Surf

The other thought is take a close look at the "buy and sell" on this site. There are many, many very good boards that come at a fraction of the price of new. I suspect that what ever your next board is you will soon be looking for another board as you are at a point where your skill is improving quickly. Finally with the money you save consider buying a very good paddle.

Cheers

Bob

I think that's a great suggestion especially as I will have a custom Speed, 9'5" x 31.5" 160 litres that should appear in the for sale section tomorrow :)

Sadly I'm not in Australia, so delivery may be a problem

No problem, the board paddles well !
Good luck with your choice.

Which continent?