Surfing Waves

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/d/ ... 51599.html

This popped up recently in my local listing. Owner says the dimensions are 7'10" x 21 7/8" x 2 15/16".

How is this board for a beginner? Should I bother to go check it out? The brand "KKY" seems to be out of business (can't find anything on Google).

weight, height, sex, fitness level, type of waves you'll be surfing? Experience/skill level

Board looks in pretty ok condition, but ‘LOL’ at ‘only ridden a few times’. Whether it suits you is a different question

dtc wrote:weight, height, sex, fitness level, type of waves you'll be surfing? Experience/skill level

Board looks in pretty ok condition, but ‘LOL’ at ‘only ridden a few times’. Whether it suits you is a different question

145lbs, 5'9, male, average, Bay Area surf (Pacifica; Santa Cruz; but mostly @former beach break with 2-4ft waves, low period), beginner trying to improve

Why LOL at that?

ConcreteVitamin wrote:Why LOL at that?

Its not exactly a new board... which is completely fine, just an amusing thing for the seller to say. I guess s/he only rode it a few times.

For your weight and experience I think the board is toward the shorter/smaller end of what you should be looking for, but its by far not the worst board you could choose; its an ok length and good thickness, nice rails. A 9ft board or a slightly wider board would be easier (more stable, easier paddling) but this one is still a pretty good choice.

From the photos it looks to be in reasonable condition, but obviously you should check carefully (eg make sure the wax isnt hiding anything). There is some browning around the nose which seems to be just sun (sun 'yellows'' the foam in the board) rather than water (water also yellows/browns the foam); just check it (make sure its not soft under your fingers, that there are no cracks in the glassing). But discolouration by sun is fine and normal for an older board

The only thing that is a bit odd is the side fins; there are some dark circles on the deck (top) and I cant see if that is the fin box coming through or just some paint work. One of our regulars, waikikichan, is much more familiar with unusual fin systems and perhaps can comment. Its possible it was originally just a single fin and the side fins were put in later on (again, not an issue if done properly). It probably doesnt matter either way, just unusual.

I cant comment on the price as I dont know the market for your area. The fins in the photo are the bottom of the range fins but are completely fine for most surfers, look to be a suitable length (but the fins are something you could play around with if you wanted and if you bought the board)

I suppose, in short - its a pretty good choice. Subject to your inspection and subject to you being happy with the price/value for your region.

See the FCS decals on the deck right above where the fin plugs are ?
See the dimensions written without the shaper's signature.
See the zig-zaggy wavy lines around the center fin box ?
That screams made in China. If you go to look at it, check out the glassing on the tail. Some/most are over sanded in that area and weak. $320 no way, rip off for used.

dtc wrote:there are some dark circles on the deck (top) and I cant see if that is the fin box coming through or just some paint work.

Here are what the decals look up close. I've never seen local glassers in Hawaii use them. It comes with the FCS installation kit. They just throw them out. I keep them in my beach kit, because they make good temporary ding/shatter covers, strong, stick on well and they're free. Next time you're at your shaper's factory, ask if they got any they don't use.

Huh, I’ve never seen those decals. ‘My’ shapers uses ‘surfinz’ boxes but would never stick a brand name on his boards anyway (other than his, if course); he is pretty anti big business

Wkk- do you think the fin boxes might be later additions? They look much newer than the board

Well, concreteV - you have the answer. Board is a cheap board, so the price is high. Personally if you can bargain it down then still worth a look; but you may feel more comfortable on another board

Thanks dtc and waikikichan. Yeah, I think a brand new 7'6--7'10 NSP/Torq funboard would only cost $400-$500. Might as well do those

dtc wrote:Wkk- do you think the fin boxes might be later additions? They look much newer than the board

I would bet not. The white area around the plugs stay with since they usually add a bit of pigment to the resin. Also most of those China-made boards were gloss polished to hide the sanding burns, so it wouldn't be worth it to install FCS plugs after the fact and have that area be gloss polished.