Second board advice

[Kalvin29]

I am 62 years old, active, but only surf about once a month and have been surfing for 2 years. I have a 9' Boardworks Froth foamy that is 23.5" wide, 3.25 thick and about 80L I think. I am 6'1" and 190. I have been hankering to switch away from a foamy to find a board that is faster and more maneuverable. I surf in Oregon where the waves are inconsistent and can be steep pitched. We commonly have onshore winds.
I have had two shoulder surgeries and that and my age might explain why I tend to get into waves late. I would like a board that is a super easy wave-catcher, even easier than my present one. And if easier to turn, so much the better. But mostly I want my wave count up so that I can practice turning more.
A local shaper suggested making me an epoxy board that is about the same dimensions as my current board, for $800. He says it will accomplish what I want. I have not tried his demo yet.
For less than $500 I can get an NSP or Torq or other epoxy board and maybe go up to 9'6". I don't mind paying the extra $300 if it would make a difference but I am not sure that it will. I will likely demo one of the shaper's boards and a Torq and see if there is a discernable difference, but I wonder what others might say in the meantime.
(I could show you a video of me going down the line in Costa Rica on vacation. I look unsure of myself, tenderly keeping balance but trimming and getting the job done for a good long ride until the wave closes out. But what the video doesn't show is my surfing instructor yelling "paddle and go right" and then giving me a push into the wave! Thank you.

[dtc]

The Torq boards arent too bad; but with a local shaper you can make some tweaks to get just what you want. For example, a slightly wider tail will make the board a better wave catcher. Maybe a bit more tail rocker to assist in turning and to help on those steep waves (although keep in mind, that if you get a long and 23 inch wide board, 'better turning' is all relative - definitely should be better than the foam board, wont be a 5'11 fish). Longer boards (eg 9'6) can actually be harder on smaller steep waves, because there isnt the 'room' in the curve to fit the board into the wave.

Also the main reason for getting a locally shaped board - you can get a great and unique spray job. Tired of something white or pale blue - go full on orange and purple with lightning. Or something like that.

Anyway - I think any board you get will be better than what you have, in theory a custom board can be tweaked to add that extra little bit but it does depend on the shaper (some shapers just whack out their standard template regardless). A Torq board is a reasonable choice as well.

Don't agonise too much - you are on the right track and either will be fine. As someone with some custom boards and self designed spray jobs, I think they are 'more special' than off the rack boards; but not necessarily 'better'.

[Kalvin29]

dtc, thanks for taking the trouble to write and for the encouragement.

[dtc]

no problem - have you had a chance to demo any of the boards?

If you wanted a really easy wave catching machine, then the Walden Mega Magic is just such a board. Its very wide and stable - unfortunately even more expensive; however but I'm sure your shaper could draw some 'inspiration' from it, should you want.

[IB_Surfer]

Hi, the molded epoxy boards (NSP, Torq...) have a lot of float and are very durable, but when windy and choppy they don't cut through the chop as easily as a heavier fiberglass board. So, I would suggest a nice big 10ft fiberglass longboard, either buy one used or have one made. A shaper is a good idea, if you get one with no gloss or color you can get one for about $700'ish, it's the bells and whistles that bring up the price. Lastly, if you get one made, you pay half upfront, and half when it's done a month lager, so it's like you are financing it

[Kalvin29]

No, haven't demoed because conditions awful. Mega Magic is 4" thick and 24" wide, 100L in a 9' length! I am sure my shaper could copy. 10' poly boards tend to be super expensive used around here--$1100 or more in shops. I certainly like the feel of poly but we don't have strong off shore winds here usually and I think I'd trade for the durability of epoxy, but I am tempted. Thanks to both of you for your input.

[IB_Surfer]

What city in the world are you?

[Kalvin29]

Portland, Oregon