Hi everyone, i’m new to the forum and I know other questions will crop up in the future, but there’s one i’ve been dying to get a few honest/knowledgeable opinions on…
My main board is a 5’9 Webber hybrid mini fish. I love it to bits and don’t see any signs of parting with it. It holds great in up to head/slightly overhead surf and is a dream to ride. When it gets bigger and more hollow though, as you all know a fish, no matter how similar to a shortboard, will not quite cut it… Therefore i’ve been looking for a second board, but it hasn’t been easy: I’m only 16, but i seem to be one of the only young surfers who isn’t in to all the crazy ‘epileptic fit’ style of surfing that is common nowadays. I’m into the ‘older guys’ like Tom Carroll, Tommy Curren and Gerry Lopez, or what people call power/soul surfers. I watch those guys, particularly Tom Carroll all the time and try to replicate his/their style. All of them ride slightly bigger boards/proper sized boards and i was wondering if anyone could suggest a few slightly longer shortboards that can be used in bigger surf and are best for big carves, powerful snaps and clean lines (Tom Carroll style surfing). I’ve already looked at a few; maybe somebody could tell me if i’m on the right track?
Simon Anderson-DSC
Rusty-Traveler
Rusty-Terminator
Al Merrick-MX
Moss research-jm-fs
Moss research-Spacecake (my personal favourite, yes i know it’s a single fin.)
Al merrick-msf g2
Ps: i’m slightly over 5’9 and, thanks to surfing, i’m about 9 1/2 stone or 65kg
Cheers for your help guys, happy surfing, good vibes!!!
Definitely consider a single fin. I just started riding one, not in bigger surf, but it feels great. I’ve had a few waves with enough speed to just fly then burn it all on a cutback, tons of fun. Of course since this is sways, I’d suggest shaping one, or contact your local shaper and explain what you want. They should be able to hook you up, or put your words into foam.
Thanks for the responses guys, it means a lot, i’ll look into both! As we’re on the subject; do either of you have any experience/opinions on the moss research ‘spacecake’? I went to the Thirdshade website Thrailkill and it seems both they and moss research are doing similar things: combining retro designs with some modern ideas/techniques. It seems that a single fin from either of those 2 companies would be the best way to go. Drzoidberg; does your single fin still turn well in the pocket? A single fin sounds perfect for my style but i hope they’re not too sluggish?
Depends on what you call turn well. Is it like my other usual ride, a wide 5’4" twin and trailer board? No. I need to slow down and concentrate on turning it, otherwise I dig a rail. But I’m a skateboarder turned surfer, so I have a really fast style and my opinion might be a bit bias. I have to slow down riding it, cause I’m used to a skateboard and sometimes expect instant response. Just watch this video of Harrison Roach, then buy a single fin and enjoy yourself. Mine is 6’4"x22, you can see it in the single fin thread, which is somewhere around here.
oh okay, i see. So, as i have my fish for anything up to about head high, would you say a single would be a good choice for upwards of head height? Wow, that is some mighty fine surfing!!
I guess, what i mean to say is; are you able to turn something like a moss research spacecake (which is a modernised single) like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85PP_ofY8IE
Where abouts in the UK are you? Sorry to piss on the campfire but I personally find a singlefin shortboard less fun in the cornish beach breaks I usually surf, aside from say big long period autumn surf. The drive of a multifin to me is a big benefit. If you’ve got long point waves then maybe get a 2+1 option. Any local shaper will be able to make you their version of a functional roundpin.
Bill could I get that templet too? Im missing a 7-0 single in my quvier and will be shaping as soon as it cools off some, in florida.You are man on single fins. And surfjomama do as Bill says, you wont be sorry.
Perhaps. Where are you located? SoCal? East? Gulf? Hawaii? It is important to know something about the waves you’re intending to ride the board in. Also, something about your surfing skill level. What is it that you want the board to enable you to do?
Hey Bill, I am in central florida.not the best surfer on the block but some say i still rip for being 50.A lot of my friends say I surf like im still in the 70’ s. I want the board for our huricane swells/ long pir. beach break HH to DOH. I want it to catch waves easy, and lots of down the line speed to beat sections it sections off a lot here, thanks
I’m having an ‘‘approach/avoidance conflict’’ with you. Your surfing style (70’s) is attractive, but your low board count (1) is not. I’d like to help you. Contact Lankameese, a SwayBro, and see if he will let you see or test ride his O B Q, that I made for him. He is in the Jacksonville area. It will be very instructive for you to see how I marry the curved, and flat surfaces of the board. Feel free to use PM, or phone me. Most importantly, contact Lankameese (Warren), as he has experience with my designs, in Florida waves.
Surfjomama, You need a new user name. OK now back to your board needs. Check out Tim Stafford Surfboards. He has some unique looking rides He has been very influanced by The Campbell Brothers One that caught my eye was a Bonzer style fish that he loves in larger powerful surf. If you enjoy speed and the ability to lay a board over and project. A bonzer is hard to beat. They also ride high in the pocket.
