Surfing Waves

I'm looking at two board. My local break is Rockaway where it is a beach break. It's not easy to catch a wave here because the ride isn't very long. It only gets steep when it is about to break on shallow water.

The two option that I'm looking at: 7'6 NSP E+ funboard
https://www.nspsurfboards.com/product/e-funboard/

Torq 8'6
https://www.torq-surfboards.com/long-86.html

Always been a Torq fan but I rented the old version of NSP funboard last year. https://www.hawaiiansurfing.com/catalog ... -betty-76/ and I had a lot of fun. It has a nice rocker and I felt like it was good for when it gets above 3-4 feet. I used the Torq 8'6 plenty of times but when it gets it gets gnarly, I'm always worried snapping the board. I've seen so many people break their board at my local break when it gets big.

Based on the size and board shape, what could you tell me about the boards?

7'6 sure is a good board but I was only able to surf that when I keep my paddle strength up. I don't think this would be suitable for summer waves and I already had one bad experience of the 6'3 board that I bought. Therefore I've decided that I'm just going to get the 8'6 so I can surf small waves all summer. If it gets big and my paddle is good, I could always rent or buy another 7'6!

Buy both...that is always the answer

I wouldn't get the 7'6" NSP Fun, I would recommend you get the 7'2" NSP Elements Fish. Volume on the 7'2" Fish is 51.3 compared to the 7'6" Fun at 54.4, so not to far off. For a beach break I would go with a Swallow tail not a Round Pin. I know you heard me say over and over that beginners shouldn't get swallow tails, but the construction of these Elements are really durable. I wouldn't get a 8'6" for dumping beach break. Here in Japan, it's mostly beach break and I use the NSP Elements 6'4" Fish and catch a ton of waves.

I've rented 7'6 and 7'2 Torq. Currently 7'6 is my threshold for catching waves. My swallow tail 6'3 Torq has been in the bag forever as I can't catch any waves in that. I understand that you're saying the 7'2 Fish with swallow tail has good volume but I'm really not sure that I can catch any waves with that. I'll have to see if I can find a shop that the board you suggested.

Here are a few videos that I previously posted of the local break when it is pumping. It can be hard to catch the wave because of how busy it is and it breaks at around waist to chest high. Plus most of the time it is just a wall and does not break nicely.

The only guys who made it was on a shortboard in videos 3 and 4. ( not all the way in video 3 and a flying popsicle sticks after a closeout in video 4 ) An 8'6" aint going to make the wave. In my opinion, that place is perfect for pulling in on a bodyboard.

The videos were taken during the summer where the beach is flooded with beginners hence why they are not catching those waves. I do occasionally see pro surfers out there ripping the waves easily. Yes, you're right that I most likely won't be able to ride any board in that kind of condition. Most of the time it is 1/2 that size so a 7'6 or a 8'6 will easily do. I won't get much of a ride but it's fine.

You put bodyboard into my mind. I've never done it and why did I never thought about it?! All that waves gone to waste. Would buying the cheapest bodyboard out there do the trick? I guess I don't need the fins? I do have snorkeling fin. I can always try to see if I would like it.

BaNZ wrote: Would buying the cheapest bodyboard out there do the trick? I guess I don't need the fins? I do have snorkeling fin.

STOP STOP, do a bit of research first. You will need fins ( flippers ) to bodyboard. But NOT snorkeling fins that are narrow and long. You will need short and wide fins for quick burst of speed. If you find something on craiglist or a recycler store, post it up so we can give you advice. I've found good fins at the goodwill store for $3 once.

I haven't ever boogie boarded however my wife does and I can tell you some boards rapidly fall apart so a better board might be worth it in the long run (and if you have a dog maybe even a good one deteriorates faster)

I don't know if I'll like boogie boards so I don't want to spend too much on it. I might just get a cheap one just to try it. I rarely see any people on those boards at the break.

oldmansurfer wrote:(and if you have a dog maybe even a good one deteriorates faster)

I am on the Vintage Bodyboard Collectors group on Facebook, and the worse enemy is CATS and they're cats scratches.

BaNZ wrote:I don't know if I'll like boogie boards so I don't want to spend too much on it. I might just get a cheap one just to try it. I rarely see any people on those boards at the break.

Post a photo before you buy it. There are some that won't last the day.

I would have to go check out their collection at my local shop.

I do purchase a lot from an online shop and they only have two brand. Vision and Sniper. If I get one, will most likely be just the cheapest one they offer at $41. The flippers actually cost more than the boards! They start around $50+.

https://www.surfdome.us/vision_bodyboards_-_vision_spark_bodyboard_-_royal_blue/_green-293144

What area do you live ? I might be able to find a Vintage Bodyboard Collector member on the East coast who could help you out. Also need your height, weight and foot size.

Are those videos all from the same day? Looks like the swell is coming from a bad direction (and maybe it’s low tide)? Not a great surf beach on that day...

Bodyboarding with diving fins would be funny to watch...

I live in NYC. But honestly, when I get my board. I don't think I'll even bother with boogieboards. Even if it is bad like that, I'm going to try and get out with it. There have been a few times where I went out and had to sit in the water for a good 30-40 minutes waiting for a smaller set so I could come back in.

The last 3 videos are of the same day. Rockaway is like that when it is overhead. Some of the jetties do break nicer with a longer and more rideable wave. However I don't go there because I can't duck dive and it is really for shortboard. It breaks fast and you can get barrels.

BaNZ, been waiting to see a photo of your new automobile in this forum thread. How about after you install the roof racks you mentioned in another thread along with the board on top.

billie_morini wrote:BaNZ, been waiting to see a photo of your new automobile in this forum thread. How about after you install the roof racks you mentioned in another thread along with the board on top.

BaNZ and I paddled out last weekend and he was nice enough to give me a ride. His car is great and is soooo much better than taking the subway! I have one of those soft quick strap racks but he didn't want to use it so I left my board at home and we just rented. It was us and two of his friends - a total beginner and a beginner to intermediate so a nice group of kooks. It was fun, and even though the waves weren't amazing, there were a few fun ones and it was a really weird variety - small and glassy, then it got foggy and bumpy and then the wind picked up and there were some really steep ones I ate it on.

BaNZy, I'll be out there this Sat morning most likely, but will probably ride my bike so will need to rent - let me know if you make it out.

Rachelle, ths is a lovely story. Thank you for sharing! Also, thank you for the invittion to surf Rockaway with you guys. billie

waikikikichan wrote:I wouldn't get the 7'6" NSP Fun, I would recommend you get the 7'2" NSP Elements Fish. Volume on the 7'2" Fish is 51.3 compared to the 7'6" Fun at 54.4, so not to far off. For a beach break I would go with a Swallow tail not a Round Pin. I know you heard me say over and over that beginners shouldn't get swallow tails, but the construction of these Elements are really durable. I wouldn't get a 8'6" for dumping beach break. Here in Japan, it's mostly beach break and I use the NSP Elements 6'4" Fish and catch a ton of waves.

Reading through the tail guide on the forum "The swallowtail, like the baby version, combines the rail drive of the squaretail and the sensitivity of the pintail. The swallowtail is an easy one to spot for the novice! This is the tail shape used on fish surfboards. The wider tail gives better paddling power and increased drive in smaller waves."

I looked at the 7'2 Fish. I'm assuming it is this one? Elements HDT fish. It's out of stock so I will have to go for something else.
https://www.surftech.com/surf/elements-hdt-fish

https://www.surftech.com/surf/nsp-e-fun 7'6
From their website e+ is the next generation which is even more durable

https://www.surftech.com/surf/nsp-elements-fun 7'6
Element is about $50 cheaper.

https://www.surftech.com/surf/nsp-eleme ... -longboard
There's also the 8'6 that I'm looking at. Don't want to give up the dream of being able to hang 5 or nose ride one day.

Last but not least. I'm actually also looking into getting a costco wavestorm. My reason is that my local spot is a zoo during summer. It will hurt my pocket much less if I break a wavestorm than a $500+ board. Plus I'll most likely not surf during the winter season.