Hi guys,

Been surfing (trying) consistently for a few years now, tried a few different boards, but only now beginning to I guess feel/appreciate the subtle differences and understand a little better how different design elements may come together, well as far as my abilities allow. But anyway, for maybe a year before my latest board I have been using this retro looking twin fin fish thingy, it was massive though (6'8) but was right for the time being as allowed good paddle speed, could catch waves early, but no matter how much looser it was say compared to a long board it was a boat nonetheless.

So maybe a few months ago now, got myself a 6'2 x 21 1/4 x 2 3/4 squash tail quad, wide through the nose and generally heaps of volume. When I was looking at it at first, I was worried it may be too short and wouldn't give me the paddle power I need/want. To my biggest surprise though it turned out to be quite the opposite and after the first session I regretted not going shorter. Had a lot of fun on it, but I feel like it is maybe a bit too bulky, don't know how to explain best, but feels like I could use something with less volume but better performance maybe.

Anyway, so I guess my question is, would you go similar dimensions fish, but just shorter, or would you rather go maybe a longer board to keep same volume, but narrower ? Or would say a same length/shape board, but not as thick be looser but could also give you similar paddle speed/potential to get into waves early? Or is it just the volume that matters?

I'm around 170cm/65-70kg probably. Surf down south a bit, been to Indo a couple of times, but on average find surfing waves maybe little overhead to be where I feel comfortable and can have fun.


Cheers

I'd go narrower mate...keep that wide 6'2 for when its small or really fat with flat sections. For better waves you could get a 6' or 6'2 x 20 x 2.5. It will still have plenty of paddle power, but will handle steeper waves, just make sure you get something that has a medium rocker. Too much & it'll be harder to paddle into waves, too little & you'll be nose doving on steeper waves & late takeoffs. Maybe have a chat to Dave at Katana surfboards Ozy Pk, he'll be able to point you in the right direction.

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MickPC said..

I'd go narrower mate...keep that wide 6'2 for when its small or really fat with flat sections. For better waves you could get a 6' or 6'2 x 20 x 2.5. It will still have plenty of paddle power, but will handle steeper waves, just make sure you get something that has a medium rocker. Too much & it'll be harder to paddle into waves, too little & you'll be nose doving on steeper waves & late takeoffs. Maybe have a chat to Dave at Katana surfboards Ozy Pk, he'll be able to point you in the right direction.

thanks mick hey dsb I just made a demo scud should be finished this week its 6"1x21 x2.5 low volume rails its also my rehab board
sounds like just what you need .

you are lightweight similar to myself (65kg).....my latest board has been perfect for the small waves we have been getting...
basically around 28 litres .....5'10"x 19'5/8" x 2'3/8", and that's a touch on the big side for me

Thanks guys, yeah I've been meaning to come have a chat for a while now, just haven't got around yet, you build a couple of boards for my mate Dave and he's been a happy fellow ever since ;)

Sounds a bit odd to me DSB..

Sounds similar to me experience wise (you maybe more so). Except I'm old and about 6'1" and 80kgs.

I flogged a horrible 6'8", (that I was talked into when i started 2 years ago).

I've now got two 6'2" boards I love and they're both pretty foamy. Original one is about 40ltrs and a boat, the other recent acquisition New Flyer 6'2" 20 1/2x 2 5/8 @35ltrs. Still wide and thick, but love it. I'm hoping to try a shorter board or two over christmas with my barnacle brother over east.

Mate , I'm serious though, I'm no spring, and I find these heaps easy to paddle in, so you're 170cm and 10kgs lighter ???

Have another talk to Dave, but some of the other chargers forget what it was like when they started I think..

Wider boards tend to get a bit bucky when landing floaters in bigger waves. I don't think 21' wide will give you much diversification considering your current board if you keep it. But that demo will give you an idea on how they go...20' to 20.5 wide would be the go I reckon, 20 1/4 could even be the sweet spot. Depends on if you want PU or Epoxy too...personally I think PU is the way to go from my perspective. Coz I prefer the way they flex & find them much easier to repair myself. Another point of consideration, epoxy are generally more buoyant compared to PU provided the surface area is the same, width & length has more effect on buoyancy than volume does. So maybe a 6 x 20 x 2.5 in Epoxy or a 6'2 x 20.25 x 2.5 in PU. That way you've got a board for small/fat waves & a board for better waves.

this is were i believe having a good relationship with a shaper counts most. im 85 and 5"10. im paddle fit and surf ok. my board is 6'5x21x2 3/4 at 40 litres. most people will laugh that it is so big and i could go smaller....well they are all car park critics. as im getting all the waves and they are sitting neck deep missing waves i laugh. my board is far from a fish,the rails are refined and could surf waves that would frighten my old fat arse
thing is i wanted to drop down some litres not long ago,swapped boards with a mate and realised i was being stupid...and he wanted to keep my board
imo if you have gotten to the end of the line with your board learning wise...well go speak to a local shaper and i am positive they will sort you out...DO NOT follow what the pros are riding or what your mates tell you....LISTEN TO YOUR LOCAL SHAPER,he will be the biggest improvement to your surfing

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

Chrispy did i miss something? WHats the board in your Pick, looks great

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jbshack said..

Chrispy did i miss something? WHats the board in your Pick, looks great

mmm that is my new summer destroyer to replace my lonboard...the chrispy chip more to be revealed next week......
wow i got a red,did i upset someone selling chinese ****...well if i did **** you and yeeeeew

Thanks for your advice guys! I don't think I have outgrown the current board as such, but it just feels like all that extra volume is useless after you actually on a wave, having said that, love the extra foam under the chest when paddling I guess it is always a trade off. It is still great for small/fat stuff but even then something about it just doesn't quite click sometimes. Kept the last board for way too long also, and want to avoid doing the same again, as my surfing improved heaps since I swapped, notwithstanding the lack of decent conditions lately (some may disagree, but I'm not big on surfing when it's 30knots onshore! )

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chrispy said..

jbshack said..

Chrispy did i miss something? WHats the board in your Pick, looks great

mmm that is my new summer destroyer to replace my lonboard...the chrispy chip more to be revealed next week......
wow i got a red,did i upset someone selling chinese ****...well if i did **** you and yeeeeew

Cool. can't wait to get some more picks and details.

I hanging for my next trip up to the Goldie..I really think we like similar waves. Shame i think we are booking for Mainly next year though..

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DSB said..

Thanks for your advice guys! I don't think I have outgrown the current board as such, but it just feels like all that extra volume is useless after you actually on a wave, having said that, love the extra foam under the chest when paddling I guess it is always a trade off. It is still great for small/fat stuff but even then something about it just doesn't quite click sometimes. Kept the last board for way too long also, and want to avoid doing the same again, as my surfing improved heaps since I swapped, notwithstanding the lack of decent conditions lately (some may disagree, but I'm not big on surfing when it's 30knots onshore! )

The Katana Skud has plenty of foam up front to help paddling into waves......but you''ll never find a board that covers all conditions, if you do please let me know ....keeping your old board for those smaller/fat waves, the board would go better in those conditions than a board built for better conditions.....growing up in Perth I found those 30 knot onshore days down at "Mets for Sets" were some of the best days of the year, no one out & some fun waves coming through

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MickPC said..

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

I agree mick normaly would be those dims however I just need a bit more stability till I can get surf fit
I will do a couple of smaller skuds for the rack

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katana said..

MickPC said..

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

I agree mick normaly would be those dims however I just need a bit more stability till I can get surf fit
I will do a couple of smaller skuds for the rack

Oh might need to organise a test one of these days.. Probably after chrissy now though..

How long till you're allowed to get wet Dave

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katana said..

MickPC said..

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

I agree mick normaly would be those dims however I just need a bit more stability till I can get surf fit

For sure mate & I hope your well on the mend...I was quoting what I would recommend DSB @ 170cm/65-70kg. Every time I've seen you you've been a stocky guy of I guess about 85-90kg

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jbshack said..

katana said..

MickPC said..

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

I agree mick normaly would be those dims however I just need a bit more stability till I can get surf fit
I will do a couple of smaller skuds for the rack

Oh might need to organise a test one of these days.. Probably after chrissy now though..

How long till you're allowed to get wet Dave

no worries jb any time had my first paddle on my kids 7'0 softie arms and shoulders are killing me got get paddle fit asap

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MickPC said..

katana said..

MickPC said..

^This ...& narrower (20 - 20.5)

I agree mick normaly would be those dims however I just need a bit more stability till I can get surf fit

For sure mate & I hope your well on the mend...I was quoting what I would recommend DSB @ 170cm/65-70kg. Every time I've seen you you've been a stocky guy of I guess about 85-90kg

almost there mick ,closer to 90kg now with 13weeks out riding the street surfer skatie now I reckon that helps get flex back.

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chrispy said..im 85 and 5"10.

I knew you were old, but not that old.

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chrispy said..
this is were i believe having a good relationship with a shaper counts most....LISTEN TO YOUR LOCAL SHAPER,he will be the biggest improvement to your surfing

I have a pretty good relationship with my shaper but we have slightly different philosophies. Latest one 5'11" x 18 1/2". He just rolls his eyes.

ye

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Legion said..

chrispy said..im 85 and 5"10.

I knew you were old, but not that old.

chrispy said..
this is were i believe having a good relationship with a shaper counts most....LISTEN TO YOUR LOCAL SHAPER,he will be the biggest improvement to your surfing

I have a pretty good relationship with my shaper but we have slightly different philosophies. Latest one 5'11" x 18 1/2". He just rolls his eyes.

yeh ok legion your new one is looking crazy nice. i still dont get what you like about them lock box fin systems. what makes you like them so much? either way jd has made some more magic...your stick even has a cool name

i wanted a board way narrower and dell told me to **** off to be truthful i will get one just to push myself....but after riding one , i think it would be hardly used. my board is just so much fun....big boards dont have to be a retro/fish set-up.

Lokbox was a great system, but it's dead now. The duopoly and blinkered surfers doesn't allow for other systems, superior or not. The box is a tapered wedge fit and the screw and barrel have stainless threads. You do them up with a big flathead screwdriver, as tight as you can. I damaged some older fins by doing them up too tight. You can put your full weight on the handle and maximum torque and it won't strip. A little metal tab holds the fin down. Supposedly if you hit reef the metal will bend out of the way and the fin will pop out without damaging the box. Supposedly. The flange is an oval.

Downsides? Never gained momentum except in SoCal. Taylor Knox was an owner but he seems to have dropped out. Limited fin selection. Harder and slower for shapers to route a two level box.

I will stick with them for a little while, until I can't get fins or boxes. The new fin guy I'm using makes great fins and I can still source boxes so next couple might still have Lokbox but I'm keeping track of the alternatives.