First Longboard Help...

[XiloRider]

Hi,

I've been stoked watching the longboarders at my favorite spots, and given that summer is coming up (hopefully the beaches will be open) I'd like to try out a longboard on the small waves.

Not sure what to get. I'm 170-175 lbs; 5'11"; male; I'd say above average fitness for a 47 year old; low intermediate level. I surf Cowell's in Santa Cruz mostly, but I also hit the other usual low-key spots in the surrounding/Bay area. Cowell's seems to have long, rolling waves.

I currently have a Torq "Mod Fun" 7'6" board that I like learning on, but you can't really do "longboard stuff" on it, and it feels better for bigger, pitching waves anyway. Some sort of versatile nose rider with a single fin is what I think I need, but not sure about the details and brands. People often say "Go to a local shaper" but I don't think that's an option right now with the Corona thing.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Brands/Models, general board type, even a good shaper. I'm all ears, and I'm down to just order something online if need be.

[waikikikichan]

The makes, brands, shapers, designs, ideologies, gizmos and most of all "opinions" vary too much. I would suggest you find things on-line that you think might suit your needs and then post them so we can give our input.

[XiloRider]

The makes, brands, shapers, designs, ideologies, gizmos and most of all "opinions" vary too much. I would suggest you find things on-line that you think might suit your needs and then post them so we can give our input.

Cool. What about this?

https://www.arrowsurfshop.com/product-page/formula-one-model

[waikikikichan]

It a 2+1 set up, so just leave out the side bites and run a single 9 inch fin.

Pearson Arrow shapes board for one of my favorite surfers Josh Mohr.

But since you're used to the durability of a Torq molded-epoxy board, you going to have to get used to shatters and dings on a "traditional" manufactured PU/Poly board. How about a 9'0" Torq ?

[XiloRider]

It a 2+1 set up, so just leave out the side bites and run a single 9 inch fin.

Pearson Arrow shapes board for one of my favorite surfers Josh Mohr.

But since you're used to the durability of a Torq molded-epoxy board, you going to have to get used to shatters and dings on a "traditional" manufactured PU/Poly board. How about a 9'0" Torq ?

So traditional-type boards are really easy to ding? I like the idea of having my first "real" board, but I'm cool with a Torq if need be. People seem to talk a lot of trash about them on forums tho.

I was even thinking of getting a 9'6" since it often gets really tiny in the summer and I heard that's a better size for cross stepping to the nose.

[waikikikichan]

I heard that's a better size for cross stepping to the nose.

And why do you think "they" say that ? So why not then a 10 footer, if longer is better ?

What's the difference in cross-stepping on a 9'0" versus 9'6" ? ( of course 6 inches, but beyond that )

[XiloRider]

I heard that's a better size for cross stepping to the nose.

And why do you think "they" say that ? So why not then a 10 footer, if longer is better ?

What's the difference in cross-stepping on a 9'0" versus 9'6" ? ( of course 6 inches, but beyond that )

If I recall, more than a few people were saying that, given an average step size, your foot would end up right at the nose after N (whole number) steps if your board is 9'4"-9'6" which *seems* to make some sense.

[waikikikichan]

That does seem to make some sense. For awhile everyone was ordering 9'4"s ( especially in Japan ) because that was what Joel Tudor's Donald Takayama's DT-3 model was. But I kept asking people "are you as tall as Joel is ?" since most people in Japan are shorter.

Adjusting the board length to your "Gait" ( I guess your stride when you take a step ? ) , is thought provoking. So maybe the opposite would be true also. A lot of people end up a foot from the nose and have a problem getting toes over. So maybe if they shorten the length of the board, they can decrease the distance gap.

[alex_k]

It might be worth writing or calling some local shapers, even if there are closures currently. Any skilled local shaper should be able to take your description of surfing Cowells and your abilities, and quickly help you settle on a general design and things like whether you want a 9 or a 9' 6". My personal experience was that EPS/epoxy is more durable than PU, so it might be worth requesting that construction if you are concerned about durability.

Surfline did a feature called "shapers alley" in which they featured a lot of reputable shapers around Santa Cruz, though it seems to be down at the moment, that listed many well known shapers. All have their distinct personalities and specialities, and you'll find out pretty fast looking at their websites, then writing or calling, whether you mesh with them.

[XiloRider]

It might be worth writing or calling some local shapers, even if there are closures currently. Any skilled local shaper should be able to take your description of surfing Cowells and your abilities, and quickly help you settle on a general design and things like whether you want a 9 or a 9' 6". My personal experience was that EPS/epoxy is more durable than PU, so it might be worth requesting that construction if you are concerned about durability.

Surfline did a feature called "shapers alley" in which they featured a lot of reputable shapers around Santa Cruz, though it seems to be down at the moment, that listed many well known shapers. All have their distinct personalities and specialities, and you'll find out pretty fast looking at their websites, then writing or calling, whether you mesh with them.

I already emailed Pearson Arrow and Doug Haut. Still no response. I think an important criteria moving forward is whether or not a shaper responds to emails. Prompt and good replies will likely get my money lol

[alex_k]

Indeed! It is possible that they are down for the shelter though and not monitoring emails, not that that that is an immediate help for your board needs. I've had good experiences with two SC shapers, will send you a DM.

[XiloRider]

Anyone have experience with a Walden "Magic" board? Local shop recommended it. It's not the GSI one, but made in Ventura.

Said it nose rides but that it's more versatile too.

[dtc]

Magic boards are very stable and easy to surf boards. Would be an excellent choice, whether a GSI model or a PU shaped one.

[waikikikichan]

whether a GSI model or a PU shaped one.

Or the 3rd choice, since Steve Walden has now signed on with Surftech.

[dtc]

He's everywhere! I wonder which shaper has had his name on the most boards from different manufacturers at the same time (plus the boards from his own shaping bay, presumably).

The Walden mega magic is what I'm getting when I'm old and arthritic and fatter; those boards seem to catch everything early and easily and as a result annoy me insanely in the line up. I want to be one of the annoying old guys one day.

[waikikikichan]

He's everywhere! I wonder which shaper has had his name on the most boards from different manufacturers at the same time (plus the boards from his own shaping bay, presumably).

True. I used to compete on a Walden Magic when it was made under the Boardworks label, before their quality ( and paint jobs ) went to poo. The board though can be ridden on the nose and off the tail really well.

Interesting note: "In fact, Walden still holds the record for the longest noseride in competition history with an epic 25.5-second ride."