New short board/ hybrid

[kork]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to add a new board to my quiver, I would say I'm at an early intermediate level of surfing, can cut back and bottom turn etc, I currently have a 8"3 custom gun, a 9"3 nsp longboard, 7"6 bic minimal and a 6"3 custom thruster that is being repaired.

I am looking for something that I can surf at 2ft upwards for them days when i don't want to go out on the longboard or minimal so ideally it needs to have more volume than my current short board but still agile and fast. I'm around 140lbs and 5ft 9 with a good fitness level.

I've been considering the al Merick dumpster diver or the tiki ffs composite model, has anyone had experience with either of these boards or can recommend something from a similar situation?

My local break is saltburn north east uk and can see swell of 10ft in the winter but can also be a mushy 2ft.

I am going to see a local shaper on Saturday but am trying to gather any advice possible before that.

Cheers.

Kirk

[pandarturo]

Get a fish! Lol something thick abs wide maybe even an egg?

[kork]

Get a fish! Lol something thick abs wide maybe even an egg?

Any recommendations of makes or sizes? I've seen a couple of fish' online, do you ride them a few inches sorted than your usual short board?

[pandarturo]

Well a true short board is only a few inches taller than you at most. But yes if you want a fish get something just as tall as you our possibly shorter if you think you can manage it. Dimensions aren't really what your want so much as the shape, you want a very full nose and a minimal rocker to allow faster/easier planing of the board. If you aren't comfortable there are pretty fishes that are bigger for heavier surfers like me but I've been on a 5'11 20 2 1/2. I'm six foot two hundred pounds but I also surf everyday. Try taking out a demo board and see what you like!

[kork]

Pandarturo, I went with your advice and went with more of a fish style board, I went to see my local shaper and he incorporated exactly what I wanted into the design.

Just for anyone else in this situation, going to see a local shaper is by far the best advice, you can discuss everything from how deep you want a concave up to how much rocker will affect your paddle and determine what is the best for your style of surfing and where the board will be surfed most.

[pandarturo]

No worries it took my a pretty penny to realize that it's much better/easier to get a custom board that just a pop out.