New 'Fish' Purchase .... Epoxy or Fibreglass - Custom shop??

[moscomusic]

Hi Folks....

I have been surfing for around 5-6 months now and am looking at getting a 2nd board. I currently surf a 9ft 10' (Epoxy) Longboard and have progressed pretty well, catching waves pretty consistently etc, but I want something a little smaller with a bit more maneuverability and speed etc.

After much swatting up and asking plenty of advice I have narrowed my search down to getting a 'Superfish' (if that's the correct term!?) as will be surfing mainly in Christchurch, New Zealand, so this will work in most conditions here hopefully

Basically, I'm 6ft4 tall and around 105kgs (220lbs) so wanted something bigger to keep my wave count up but something I can move around a bit and just try 'different' things to when I'm on my Tank of a longboard!

At the moment I am stuck between 2 choices:

* Option one is to buy an 8ft '7S Superfish XL' from a local surf shop. I am really interested in the 'Epoxy' board as apposed to the glass board. I'm wondering if anyone with experience of using either, both, or the 'Epoxy' version of this board could comment? I like the idea of the toughness of epoxy and maybe slightly more buoyant (although I've heard the 8ft Superfish is pretty buoyant even for someone my size ?).

* My second option is to get a board made by a local shaper. I love the idea of this as the boards he make look really nice, and also its supporting a 'local' shaper etc. He has more flexibility I know, with regards to sizing, design, colour etc, but for some reason I just like the idea of the Epoxy board?!

I'm in no rush and the price is pretty close for both so thats no issue. I do feel that maybe I should wait to get a board 'designed' for me as I feel after my short time surfing I may still be prone to damaging etc (another reason why I'm swaying towards the epoxy board for now and maybe selling that and getting one custom made next year or something!?). But then again am thinking why wait if I can do it now

Anyway, any advice or moral support much appreciated.

Cheers,
M.

[esonscar]

moscomusic

OUTCOMES :

* Option one an 8ft '7S Superfish XL' from a local surf shop.
You get a popout that might be awesome but may have questionable build longevity.
The $mark up to the shop for a (china?) board is huuuggeee.

Later, if needs be : For Sale, second hand shop board.

*Your second option, to get a board made by a local shaper.
You get a board you want (style, fins sets & graphics) built by someone who can translate your ability into a surfboard, who you can relate the feel back to, and have better and better boards made as you progress.
The $mark up to the shaper ain't so great, and you know you are paying for his skill and knowledge as applied to you and you future board(s) so it might be more deserved.

Later, if needs be : For Sale, second hand custom surfboard. Specialist graphics (and so on ).


A custom 'feels' more personal too - It's yours and no-one else has one quite like it. I know what I would do !

[Hang11]

If you're surfing at scabs or scumner stick with a big log - the waves are shite and gutless

I've got a 7S superfish, it's an OK board for what it is, but I've been drooling over some of the boards that Sadhana guy has on his website. RJD on here has just ordered a beautiful looking mal off him. I'm really tempted to go for a couple of boards off him too, but will wait and see how Rob's goes first

[moscomusic]

Hi guys... Many thanks for your reply.

It is a tricky one as I really want to support my local shaper (yeah, its Jay at Sadhana). Spoke to him the other day and sounds like a good guy. Didn't give me any sales bull**** just told me how it is. Also said I was welcome to demo the boards first etc which I though was mighty decent of him!

Only thing is I am probably swaying towards an 'epoxy 7S Fish' simply because of the durability and slightly more buoyancy factor... Will definitely keep Jay in mind and consider getting something made up next year perhaps.

I will be surfing predominantly at 'Shhcumner' Hang11 but I already have my longboard which is great, but wanted something different that I can maybe take up the coast every now and then and try out a few different spots, plus also use at Sumner on those slightly 'bigger' days. I love the longboard but feel fairly limited at the moment, and being a fairly newby to surfing I want to try out a 'shorter' board to see how I get on, or whether I prefer it to Longboarding etc.... Really just as something 'different' if that makes sense.

I did see that RJD had purchased a board from there.... Be good to see how it goes Anyway, supposed to be decent this week so hopefully Sumner will live up to its pumpin' reputation

[Hang11]

You can't miss RJD, he's a hard b4stard who surfs all year in purple budgie smugglers that have never been washed. It's not pretty when he paddles out on his knees. I'm sure he'll let you have a go on his new pride and joy

[RJD]

Only if your wearing purple budgie smugglers!

hey moscomusic hows it going - how well are you gettibng on with that longboard? IMO switching board types around which need quite a bit of a change to your surfing will probably only end up being counter productive anyhow, but go borrow a demo board from Sadhana see how you get on!

[moscomusic]

Oooh the old Purple budgy smugglers. Been a while since I pulled them outta' the underwear drawer! ... My Mrs will be pleased!

Hey RJD, yeah, I know what your saying. I just feel I need something a little different to progress and want to try as much out as possible, as I feel I've missed out on 25+ years on the must fun and addictive sport ever!!

I think I'm possibly swaying toward a 7"3' Epoxy Superfish, simply due to the fact of ease of reselling it on to the masses in a year or so's time, then getting one made by Jay @ Sadhana. It'll be interesting to hear how you go with yours. I see there's a bit of a buzz on the 'other' (more local) surf forum about it Jays got some lovely looking boards there, so will be keen to get him on the case eventually.

Anyway, hopefully I'll see you out at Scarbs someday... I'll keep an eye out for the flying purple flash of light!
All the best,
M.

[moscomusic]

You can't miss RJD, he's a hard b4stard who surfs all year in purple budgie smugglers that have never been washed. It's not pretty when he paddles out on his knees.

Ooh now there's a though I'd rather not think about

[Hang11]

My superfish is a 7'4" I think, though not the epoxy one. It's a good enough board, although I'm a longboarder at heart and only really break it out for some low tide close out fun. You'll easily sell it. I'm 6'3" and slim but highly toned (in places - like my left ankle) and have to say that for me, the superfish is totally pointless to even try to ride at Scumner or Scabs, I just catch more waves on a longboard, and even then, it's a big chunky 9'6" instead of a smaller one - I've been surfing for nearly 25 years, so pretty sure it's not a skill thing for me.

But for New Brighton when it's closey, or up the coast, it's a good laugh. I had some great waves at Mungas on it, and it's nice in waves with a bit more shape and grunt.