Surfing Waves

Apologies if you've seen this topic so many times already, but anyways; I've been cruising around on this 10' barge that weighs a ton. Mind you I'm 6' 145 lbs sopping wet. I really like the paddle power this thing has and walking around on it is almost too easy. However I've begun to feel that the board is too big for me. Generally I just trim down the line and attempt to dangle some digits. The issues I have with it as I progress are that (tighter) turns are almost out of the question, and I will pearl sometimes at beach breaks. I know that I need to work on rear foot placement and takeoff positioning, but, as others have suggested to me, would something like a 9'2" be more suitable for me and help with these problems? I'm also just considering something a little smaller, as I drive a mustang and a shorter board would look just a little less obnoxious sticking out of my trunk,

Without commenting on the ‘too long’ part, there comes a time in every surfers life when she or he desires to try a different board. Your first time has arrived; it will come many times more...

The key is not to move to a new board too early or make too big a change - but it sounds like you are doing neither. And you have good reasons to move - so go for it, seems like it’s a perfectly justified decision. If you want to stay longboarding then 9ft or do is good; you could also perhaps try a wide 7’6-8ft funboard given your size (will be a different style of surfing but nothing wrong with that)

Bjorn wrote: The issues I have with it as I progress are that (tighter) turns are almost out of the question

Oh really ? check out what this single fin heavily glassed log can do. ( starting at :35 )

Bjorn wrote: I know that I need to work on rear foot placement and takeoff positioning

So you know your problem has a lot to do with your technique. Work on it.

Bjorn wrote: and I will pearl sometimes at beach breaks.

Yeah, I wouldn't ride a 10 footer at beach breaks either.

Ok thanks guys so my own little issues are solved now, but I still wonder, is there such a thing as too much foam for traditional logging?

Bjorn wrote: is there such a thing as too much foam for traditional logging?

Could you please clarify your question or just say what your goal is for "traditional logging".

Of course when it comes to high-performance short boards there's all these volume calculators, but once you're getting over 9 feet, it's all over float anyways. I think more critical to "logging" is the heavy glassing, outline, full 50/50 rails, reverse rocker and such.

Sorry I don’t really have like a specific goal, just more of a general wonderment one could say. Is there any disadvantage or drawback to having a huge longboard; factors such as skill/technique aside?

Airlines and general purpose traveling.Turning around in tight spaces.

If your passion is truly stoked none of that will matter.

Figure out how you want to surf and work to,do it well

So more foam, more fun. Good talk

Bjorn wrote: Is there any disadvantage or drawback to having a huge longboard; factors such as skill/technique aside?

Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely. If you have a giant board ( more foam ) you can catch way earlier and further outside than others on smaller boards. But if you don’t have the skills to bottom turn and trim on the face, you’ll be “stuffing” the other riders.