Searching for robust shortboards/shaper

[shreddynck]

Hi everyone

I'm currently having issues finding a board that doesn't break after 20 session...
At the moment I have 2 boards that are buckled in the middle, but not snapped completely..

I'm not sure weather it is because of my style of surfing (I maybe pump a little too hard when generating speed) or because I simply have not chosen the right board.

I'm 6'2 and 173 pounds and ride 6'0 boards at around 30L.

So my question would be if anyone could recommend a shaper or brand that makes boards that are strong and resilient to some more powerful surfing.

Thanks already guys!
cheers

[jaffa1949]

Since this is an international forum, in what country would you like your robust short board shaper?

[shreddynck]

Since this is an international forum, in what country would you like your robust short board shaper?

I'm from Europe (Germany) but I would be looking for shapers anywhere. As long as I find a reliable board I'm willing to pay more so that I'm not just buying one for a single trip.

[jaffa1949]

I’m in Austria but quite a few shapers in Salzburg and Munich, and a few others!

Two in particular from Salzburg that make river surfing boards and oceanic boards .
One is WUUX makes amazing looking boards, recommended and strong, the other is Delight Alliance, i would ask for speciality glassing for an ocean board! Lib Tech boards from Canada which are readily available in Germany ( they also do snowboards )
have a look see what you think, Guys are also using Torq surfboards of the various lengths and are quite pleased !

[dtc]

Short boards are fragile because they are glassed light to be light. Some of them are so lightly glassed you can stick your thumb in it. 4x4 glassing on top with 4 oz on bottom is standard for most shortboards, and individual shapers may go even lighter. By comparison - a mid length will usually be 6x6 glassing on the deck, which is 50% heavier, plus 6oz on bottom, again 50% 'heavier'. Plus short boards may have a very light/thin stringer to save weight. Remember the foam itself isnt particularly strong, the strength comes from the stringer and especially the glassing/covering

If you want a board that is more durable, then you need to either get an epoxy board or a more heavily glassed board (or one of the boards made out of space material such as Lib Tech). The more glass, of course, the heavier the board.

Of course all boards can break/buckle, especially if you hit the ocean floor or a big lip lands on it.

[gsseirik]

You could also try to duckdive with an angle if you are just about to escape the lip of the wave.

[IB_Surfer]

Answer: get a custom board. For my bigger boards I order them with double 4oz on the bottom and 6+4 on top. The cloth is not that expensive, so there is no extra charge for it. Most surfers don't get both sides double glassed because it adds weight, but unless you are doing airs you won't notice it. Most off the rack boards are single glassed 4oz both sides, which makes them super light at the expense of durability. Get one done.

That said, whereabouts are you, maybe some of us can refer you to a shaper that can do what you need. Also, for example, sharpeye surfboards in San Diego ships world wide, you can request additional glassing options through them, and many other shapers. I recommend local so you can talk to them.