oldbones needs some tips!

[oldbones]

Hey guys. Recently moved up in size from an eight foot Walden Mega magic, to a ten foot board called the modern old skool. Supposed to be an old school shape in slx epoxy. Also a dedicated nose rider. Anyways. I'm finding this board to be a little tough to get into waves. When I'm on the sweet spot for paddling, I can't seem to get the nose down. Moving up closer to the nose helps, but the board paddles like xxxxx. And kinda puts me a little out of position for a bottom turn. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any input. Jim

[jaffa1949]

I looked at the plan and profile of the board I'm not really impressed.
IMO it has way to much nose rocker allied with the nose concave which means you are really paddling a short board profile, and then it has the rocker in the tail to allow radical turns for "progressive" longboarding. Not much paddle surface. Have a look at your board and see if that is what is going on put it on some flat water and look at the wetted area and then put some weight on to simulate where you are when you are paddling in your sweet spot??? think about that Then add the corkiness of epoxy and an offshore wind . Genuine old nose riders had weight as part of their ingredients Mass in volume
Then there is getting 10ft around for a big initial bottom turn requiring a fair size wave.
Take off at an angle you haven't quite got the luxury of a short arc of turning like an 8ft board think semi trailer not volkswagen.
See if you can get a genuine old time board try and compare, the only thing I like about the board is the multicoloured paint job>
But that is an IMO

[oldbones]

Ha ha ha!! Well. Glad you like the color. So. What company makes a true old school cruiser? I'm in the USA. Can ya point a brother in the right direction? Thanks. Jim

[jaffa1949]

Don't know the States scene all that well but look at something by Robert August or Bing, Gordon and Smith any of the old time makers

[oldbones]

On it. Thanks!

[oldbones]

Well. Glad to report that I'm really digging this board! Longboards for the win!

[jaffa1949]

Yippee , so you stuck with the modern old school? What changed in your paddling?
I'm curious, because you weren't too happy with it previously.

Most importantly! Welcome to Mothballs = Member Over The Hill Band of Ancient Long Log Surfers

[oldbones]

Thanks! What really had to change, was my approach to surfing! Riding a longboard is really different. Obvious, I know. But. I think I was a bit arrogant. I thought I could just jump on a longboard and have instant success? As far as padding? Idk? I went from paddling my ass off, and not catching waves, to now just chilling and almost just guiding the board in. What I can say. Longboards are a blast to ride! Nothing like getting in early, and connecting the sections all the way to the sand! Really alot of fun! Converted!!