I’m 33, 6’2", 215 lbs. My home town is Santa Cruz, CA. I moved to NJ 3 years ago for work. I go on 2 surf trips a year. My most ridden board was a 7’0, 20 1/2, 2 3/4, rounded pin. I saw some video of me surfing solid surf in El Sal on the 7’0. Just embarrassing. The board was so slow and just couldn’t float me. The board was a waist of time in any surf so I sent it and two 6’8"s to a 185 lb friend of mine back in CA. I want a fresh start. I’m not looking to rip but I do want a board that’ll encourage a laid back shortboard surfing style. This is what I’m thinking…Two Merrick boards: the Flyer II, 7’4", 21 1/4, 3 for medium surf, waist to overhead & the M13, 7’6", 21 1/2, 3 for both small surf ( < knee high) and bigger surf (double overhead +).
If you want to try something different and didn’t want to go with any more length I can highly recommend Geoff McCoys Nugget designs. Someone your size could easily get by on a 6’10" - 7’0" nugget which will handle knee high waves to double overhead - standard operating range for a nugget. Tail width and thickness is the key to their speed and float from such short lengths. They can be somewhat of an aquired taste, but I know for me they worked fantastically well.
If you want to try something different and didn’t want to go with any more length I can highly recommend Geoff McCoys Nugget designs. Someone your size could easily get by on a 6’10" - 7’0" nugget which will handle knee high waves to double overhead - standard operating range for a nugget. Tail width and thickness is the key to their speed and float from such short lengths. They can be somewhat of an aquired taste, but I know for me they worked fantastically well.
I’d be suggesting an inch wider. If you want to rip go wider not thicker. If you feel your old board was too slow, go wider. That will give you more planing surface. I’m 195-200# and 6’2". My 6’8" underconstruction is 22" wide with a wide tail. Now I’m not much of a short boarder but planning surface over corky is my thought. Put some hips in it like a the CI Flyer and it will still turn well even with all that width.
I’m 6’2", 215 lbs. I’ve got about 10 years on you though at 43. Last year I was out at the cliffs at Huntington in about 3 ft. surf. A guy let me try his Merrick. It was a 7’6" M13 in Tuflite. I was impressed. For a “shortboard” it paddled fairly well. Once up it had nice drive and was really quick rail to rail. I ride longboards these days, and after the little test drive I decided if I get one I’d get the 8’ model. The 7’6" was plenty quick so I figure the 8’ will be close in quickness and give me that little extra float I like. Again, I’m 43.
Hey Brian…I’m pretty much the same dimensions as you - ('bout 10lbs more actually - and trying to reduce cos my wife reckons it’ll improve my snoring!)
I surf a 6 10 x 20" x 11.5 nose x 14.5" tail…this is pretty much as small as I can go and still enjoy myself…this ain’t true tho’ of Sunny Garcia…(rides a 6 3 x 19 ish) or Pancho Sullivan - another big guy who rips on small equipment. Maybe alot of this has to do with the waves they ride… or the rocker they use… or the tail width… or how far the width is taken back on their board… or their extreme talent or all of those factors…maybe someone well informed knows?
I guess what it comes down to for people of “normal” surfing ability is weight to planing surface area…
A 75 kg (150 lb) guy on a 6 3 x 19 scales up to a 7 6 X 20" for a 100 kg (220lb) guy.
Think about it next time you’re on that 7 x 20.5 potato chip…everything’s relative!
Bulkley and Griffen make some sweet large guy quads. I think a quad would suit you well, as they gain/hold speed well and turn easily. Those guys could set you up with some nice boards.
Here is a little mix for you…I am your age and got you by 20lbs. I ride 6’8’’ and 7’2’’ and sit out with the Longboarders. Mccoys are a very good choice…but they will run you over $1000 now with shipping. It’s crazy. Granted, they will last you over 10 years as well.
Well I am your exact age, hieght and weight. I generally ride longboards but when it is bigger and throwing out more I will switch it up with my 7’8" Bing Retro Good Karma, It has float, speed (minimal rocker), and turns on a dime. I would recommend any similar style board if you want true all around funcitionallity in any size wave. For me, I like the versions that have more pulled in tails, I find I get sharper turns and can get away with a bigger fin. Heres a pic
how do I learn more about this forstall character. The photos you attached look real good to me. I’d love to get my hands on a blow up version of that 6’10”quad. Thanks, Brian.
I’m 6’3" 230lbs 27 years old though and do lots of push ups/paddling training.
My thrusters are 6’6 and 6’7 x 20 1/2 x 2 7/8
my fish 6’0" x 22 x 3"
My longboard 9’6" x 22 x 3"
my retro single fin shortboard 6’4" x 21" x 3"
My step up board 6"10 x 20 1/2 x 3"
I’ve never noticed the slow surfing w/ my thrusters. Maybe I just stay high on the wave though as I’ve never actually seen footage of myself surfing.
Maybe its the rocker in the board, maybe the nose rocker is to much and pushes water, maybe its your style of surfing…who knows. If it ain’t working though for you…don’t take my word for it.
Nothing wrong w/ having the right equipment that suits you.
