New surfer and new Mini-Classic board concerns/help

[3Crows]

So you meant to say a 2+1 fin setup, where there’s a long center box and two sidebites boxes on the sides.

If you like the In-the-Pink so much ( for me I hate it with a passion ) and don’t want to purchase the molded epoxy version made by Surftech, why don’t you order a hand shaped made in California Hawaiian Surf Designs Donald Takayama In-the-Pink ?

I do not know that I like it (ITP) so much, other than it seems to be a popular nose rider board with a bit of a performance edge to it and intended for beginner to expert. I read you seem to like the Beach Break model and that might be just jiffy for me as well. I want a high volume, 6'6" relatively traditional long board with a nod to nose riding. I do like the Surftech Tuflite construction, if that is a respected company that does not support slave labor then I would have no issue purchasing from them or through their dealers. I will check out your other recommendation as well. I am not buying now, just learning. I have two boards to futz with now for my next trip.

Yes, I meant 2+1 fin set up, sorry for that confusion.

I do have a new friend, who is a designer and a shaper, knowledgeable and very friendly, I bought the Mini-Classic from him, I just do not want to insult him by asking for a design other than his own if and when I go for a 9+ longboard. But I also value the opinions of those on this board including yours. Thanks for your help.

[dtc]

Shapers vary - all will tweak their own designs if you want, but it’s true that some will not ‘take inspiration’ from other shapers and some will. If the shaper has an existing nose rider board then it’s a risk asking for something else, but if they don’t make a nose rider then you can definitely say you want something that is like an ITP and work through the design features of that board that you like and come up with a design (not a copy). And some shapers are happy to work with you to create a bespoke design regardless of their own catalogue

One thing about ITP (which I’ve never surfed so waikikichan may tell me I’m wrong) is that the narrow tail isn’t a feature that helps with small waves - fat tails provide a really good small wave pick up.

[waikikikichan]

I do not know that I like it (ITP) so much, other than it seems to be a popular nose rider board with a bit of a performance edge to it and intended for beginner to expert. I read you seem to like the Beach Break model and that might be just jiffy for me as well.

All makers say the same thing. That's marketing. No one promotes their board as "hard to catch waves" and " terrible at turns". I DO like the Donald Takyama Hawaiian Pro Designs " Beach Break "model, but for most people I wouldn't recommend it. I like it, YOU may not. Same goes for the In-the-Pink, I HATE it , you might love it.

I do have a new friend, who is a designer and a shaper, knowledgeable and very friendly, I bought the Mini-Classic from him, I just do not want to insult him by asking for a design other than his own if and when I go for a 9+ longboard. But I also value the opinions of those on this board including yours.

Best thing is to be HONEST and UP FRONT with your shaper. Tell him your thinkings and that you might like the In-the-Pink shape. Then he will give you options of his stock models and their pros and cons in comparison to the ITP. Also a good thing to inform him of is what shapes you DON'T like. That will help him get a better understanding.

By the way, here is me riding the In-the-Pink Surftech construction in a one board contest where every competitor was on the same board.

So the board definitely works for noseriding, I just don't like it overall.