Anyone got any credible info on this? Love the SB and LB but a recent bulged disc flare up has got me thinking of which option is easier on the back thus keeping me in the game longer.

I would stay away from either altogether until you get your injury right. From experience I know that a crook back stops you from jumping to your feet properly . That is critical because if you're blowing takeoffs because of a crook back then its best to not even be out there.
Get to a sports physio and some core strengthening. If you have a history of a bad back you will need to be doing exercises pretty much every day to stay on top of it. I ended up having surgery on mine and out of the water for nearly 2 1/2 years. I ride a 666 now or a belly board but hoping someday i can ride a longboard again. Good luck and a lot of it is up to you and maintenance.

Yep some great advice from smh.
its all about management if it flares up stop doing it, take note and avoid it like the plague.
like smh surgery for me. thats why i dont do a lot of other things i use to.
but there is light at the end of the tunnel,i never played golf for 5 years and after six months back playing
a 64 Yeeeeeeew

Yep..I agree with both weiry and SMH...stretches every day and anti inflamatories when needed help me..I gave it all away for 5 months and the back came good (arthritis) ..bulged disc is serious stuff so listen to the medical pros..

At that stage I went to a McTavish Razor Tuflite so I could knee paddle it to catch waves..and that helped ease me into the surf again...It is very frustrating when something like that hits but keep an open mind..a reputable sports physio should be able to help..Good luck dude.

good stuff surfbroker
totally agree.. find what works.
i dont want to say it but 666 has helped a lot of people with bad backs

including me

Select to expand quote

weiry said...
good stuff surfbroker
totally agree.. find what works.
i dont want to say it but 666 has helped a lot of people with bad backs

including me

Same same

Select to expand quote

chrispy said..

weiry said...
good stuff surfbroker
totally agree.. find what works.
i dont want to say it but 666 has helped a lot of people with bad backs

including me

Same same

Me too

Cheers for the good advice guys, it is not far off 100% but I am not gonna be doing anything silly so it can heal properly.

Have no bias to switching craft, got 2 shortys, a mal and a lid in the quiver atm so another type wont do me any harm

Just doing short surfs atm (1 1/2 hours max) and getting into the pool and stretching a few times a day. Gonna look into Pilates to get the core bulletproof and with any luck can keep enjoying the surf.

Select to expand quote

Souwester said..

Cheers for the good advice guys, it is not far off 100% but I am not gonna be doing anything silly so it can heal properly.

Have no bias to switching craft, got 2 shortys, a mal and a lid in the quiver atm so another type wont do me any harm

Just doing short surfs atm (1 1/2 hours max) and getting into the pool and stretching a few times a day. Gonna look into Pilates to get the core bulletproof and with any luck can keep enjoying the surf.

Pilates is the way to go, but don't do a group class where they all work on the same things. Go find a quiet little class, or a one on one session with an experienced instructor who knows your injury. Just bowling into a class and doing the wrong exercise will stuff your back just the same as lifting a 40 kilo midget. Ask me how I know.....

Once you've found the right Pilates instructor, work on your core and the lower back muscles, and stay away from any kind of hard crunches, where you bend forward, like sit ups. Laying on your stomach and slowly arching upwards, much like a pop up, will help lenghten and gap your vertibrae, but you'll need to take it in steps, not all at once. It also helps if you don't spend too much time sitting on your arse, and if you do, concentrate on your posture. Remember too, not every stretch or exercise will work for every case, so make sure your Pilates person understands what is actually wrong with you, and don't expect an overnight cure.

Good luck, I know exactly how you're feeling and thanks to some long term Pilates, the bulging discs are staying out for a change.