Next Longboard . . . ?

[Silver Surfer]

Hi,

Been using a SouthPoint 10'2" longboard all last summer and early months of this year. Last outing, I realised that while its great for my brother to learn the basics on, I probably need to progress to a new board.

Question is, what next? I feel like I've been driving a bus on the waves, dont get me wrong I LOVE that board, it catches EVERYTHING just a pig to turn, even with the single fin all the way forward. I want to go a bit smaller and I want to sacrifice a bit of stability for a bit more easier manouverability.

So I need new challenges on something a bit more turnable if not quite "flickable" with different fins and rails etc.

Im 43, run 18 miles a week, gym 3 times a week, weight 16 stone or 105 KG and am 6'3" tall.

Current board spec is:
Nose: 18.5"
Mid: 23.78"
Tail: 13.58"
Thick: 3.34"
Fin: Single, ST-9

My ability? I surf spring, summer and Autumn, my popup aint gracefull but I'm getting frustrated at how slow the thing turns!

I've tried out a few 8 and 9 foot tri-fin setups I've hired but nothing grabbed me so far. Any suggestions of boards welcome, should anyone have been in a similar situation!

Cheers All,

[Chriss]

Go have a chat to a local shaper, thing about a custom board, see what they suggest. See if you can try something similar out before you buy is.

[Silver Surfer]

Thanks Chris,

Think your right really. There is no substitute to trying as many boards as possible (even the stuff you think you may not like).

And a local shaper would be able to accomodate dimensions a pop out didnt have. Probably worth the (Large) investment in the long run, definately! (I'd only end up spending the money I'd saved on Cornish Doombar beer anyway)

[esonscar]

No offence dude, but don't forget you might not yet have the ability to turn a longish board fast initially, so if you do get sommit, it will take some time to master it.

Top decision on laying off the beer too !

Good luck and let us know how you get on .

[justloafing]

Actually you may find a local shaper that will make a custom boards for you for about the same price as a decent board off the rack at a surf shop.

[Silver Surfer]

Cheers guys,

Yep I know, I expect a new board with different dimensions to be an uphill struggle (less floaty, harder to paddle etc, LOADS of falling off etc). If it was easy would it be the same fun? (Probably not!)

I'll be hiring some different logs untill I find something I like and checking out local shapers.

However, one things for sure! The old battered 10'2" will always be in my quiver!

I'll let you know what i get next . . . . (sometimes its hard being big)

Thanks for all the advice,

[justloafing]

I just reread your first post. What are the rails? That can be huge in turning also the shape of the bottom can make a big difference.

[Silver Surfer]

Hi Justloafin,

Dont know the exact dimensions of the rails but they are pretty thick. The board does have a fair bit of rocker though and the nose is concave. Not sure that helps much, sorry! Out on it tomorrow so will have another look.

[IB_Surfer]

Two suggestions: 1) A surfboard is as expensive as the bells and whistles you get for it. You can actually get a custom made longboard, 9'6" just a white board with mate finish, for about $575. It's the gloss, paint and pinstripes that make it about an $800 investment. You could, concievably, have a shaper make the board you have, lighter without gloss, slightly thinner and narrower for better performance, so it should glide the same but perform better. So, like they said above, talk to a local shaper.

2) You seem preety athletic. I'm 200lbs, don't jog, just surf 2 or 3 times a week religiously. My longboard is 9'6 x 23 x 3 1/4, you might be able to go even smaller. Still, talk to a local shaper.

[powergrooves]

Noob here!!
but longtime trad longboarder,I shape for friends and family, the first thing I ask is --
what do you want from this new board-that will dictate almost everything!
If this is going to be trad cross stepper then very flat nose rocker with a very high tail rocker, wide square tail, full template through to wide nose, dimensions depend on ability/weight of rider, all this combined with ultra high rails at tail then 50/50 through to very low rails at the nose,--BUT any of this will change with surfer preferances.

I can go on for ages here but if you want further info for super modern rad futristic manoverable longboards do not hesitate to contact me!

PIG

[powergrooves]

sorry guyys,

but is anybody reading things?

[Nasty nate]

^always