I’m wondering what elements of the Mini Simmons do in terms of performance
Displacement Hull: I understand the basic purpose for this element, but how would it differ to spoon the nose as say on a noserider longboard? Does the hull make it bog down or lag?
Concave Bottom: I guess there is more leeway here. I have seen different takes on the bottom contour in the back half. How does a V/Concave/Double Concave affect the basic ride of the board with (or without) the conjunction of the hull up front?
-Concave Top/Nose: Most of the research I have done comes up with Mini Simmons’ that have a concaved nose on the deck. Is this just because there is usually a hull underneath it? I’ve heard it helps with swing weight, etc. Any particular use to this design?
Fish tail: I know the traditional Simmons’ are boxed out tails. My time on fishes is also very limited. So given this, what are the differences between the two tail shapes in this particular style design? Does the depth of the tail affect the ride?
Fin placement: Maybe it’s due to my lack of experience with fishes, but it seems that the fins on Mini Simmons’ are placed incredibly far back. Is this because the boards are so small you almost invariably have your feet over them while still having a comfortable stance? Or is it part of how they ride?
Fin shape: I also researched and found out that the traditional “half-moon” fins don’t seem to translate well in terms of giving you a good place to turn from. Is this modern surfings style inablity to adapt to vintage designs? Or is there a better fin to use? Maybe a cutout/cutaway? What about double foiled fins?
Concave deck: Because the board is going to be so small and wide, I’m considering putting a concave in the deck to help assist in getting the board on the rail and generally getting a better footing. Anyone have any advice for or against this?
Have time for one ? now… " Displacement Hull: I understand the basic purpose for this element,
but how would it differ to spoon the nose as say on a noserider
longboard? Does the hull make it bog down or lag?"
I have started putting a nose very similar to a Chined longboard nose with a little extra kick in the end cause the boards wanted to go way more vertical than we hoped for than they have to make it out. Hard to pull off with super flat nose rocker.
Hopefully others will get in on this with there take. You have some good ideas do not be afraid to try em.
“- Concave Bottom: I guess there is more leeway here. I have seen
different takes on the bottom contour in the back half. How does a
V/Concave/Double Concave affect the basic ride of the board with (or
without) the conjunction of the hull up front?”
I am using a bottom where the Chine concave nose turns into long Vee panels off the tail. Breaks up the tail so that the width and flatish rocker does not become a one trick pony. I know this is not how you are “supposed” to make em if you were making copies of copies its just how surfboards have evolved for me. The bottom is very similar to what another “old timer” had me shaping when I spent 13yrs with him. He was also heavily influenced by Simmons. So in some weird twisted way it makes sense to me.
Yes that is “Rasty” Ceasar “Leprechaun” Moreno with the first “Squish” in Ecuador.
"-Concave Top/Nose: Most of the research I have done comes up with
Mini Simmons’ that have a concaved nose on the deck. Is this just
because there is usually a hull underneath it? I’ve heard it helps with
swing weight, etc. Any particular use to this design?
Fish tail: I know the traditional Simmons’ are boxed out tails. My
time on fishes is also very limited. So given this, what are the
differences between the two tail shapes in this particular style design?
Does the depth of the tail affect the ride?"
As far as “step decking” the nose, I think thats what you mean, theory is to reduce volume. Yes swing weight. Although on a 5’ long surfboard not sure if it is really that important. Have to be carefull shaping it in as not to go too far back and throw the whole balance off. I think it does help hide how thick these little beast are and gives a nice profile look.
Fish tails. I always thought my uncut “squared” tailed “fish” rode better especially in small waves. No “glitch” in the turns super fast rail to rail transitions. But if they did not have a “butt crack” nobody would buy em. That was 30+ yrs ago. So in my opinion does the “depth of the tail” assuming you mean the cuts affect the ride, yes.
"- Fin placement: Maybe it’s due to my lack of experience with fishes,
but it seems that the fins on Mini Simmons’ are placed incredibly far
back. Is this because the boards are so small you almost invariably have
your feet over them while still having a comfortable stance? Or is it
part of how they ride?
Fin shape: I also researched and found out that the traditional
“half-moon” fins don’t seem to translate well in terms of giving you a
good place to turn from. Is this modern surfings style inablity to adapt
to vintage designs? Or is there a better fin to use? Maybe a
cutout/cutaway? What about double foiled fins?"
Now I am sure I am really going to step in it. I too have noticed people putting the fins way back on the tail. That combined with dead flat rocker “been there done that” as they say. If you want to retrace some “traditional” roots thing go for it. I have found that the wide tailed planing hull type of tails work really well with “modern” fin formations ie. Quads and six fins. Especially getting the boards to control the wider tails in bigger surf. By making some of these changes I have found that I have a really good blend of “theory” and “practicality” that people are able to surf in a very modern way. Fun to play with fun to watch as they skate along.
I am not going to spend much time on the concave deck idea i am just not a fan. You have some pretty good ideas go ahead and play with em. Thats what surfing is all about.
I am done I am sure the traditionalist will have fun with this. My roots do run pretty deep in tradition just do not want to get stuck in one way of thinking.
i am not promoting any boards or company with this post, i am just letting you know about something that is in production that is very similar to what you want to build…
catch surf makes two boards, the beater and the super one. they are 4’6". the one is FCS tri setup and the beater is a single keel fin.
they are both soft tops but are the same basic idea…
i am very interested to see how it goes, good luck :)
Ace: Thanks again for the great information. Always appreciate another persons’ view.
Gdog: I have seen the Catch Surf boards. I’m not too fond of the kookieness of a foam topped board that way too closely resembles a boogie board hahaha. I do like their idea though.
i feel the same way about them being foam only, the other board i like that is in production is the pufferfish it’s glassed and 4’11" with these weird chunk rails. are you going to fiber glass or epoxy it?
That Pufferfish is one kooky board. Weird hand grip rails??
I’m having some trouble finding a blank to really fit the shape I want. I may have to buy a block of EPS or XPS and epoxy it. I’m not too fond of this idea just because of the trouble I hear with EPS delaming. I may need to tweak my dimensions a bit to fit a few blanks my shaper has.
I thought I posted this. I mae one using an Excell big fish blank. Lots of foam. I don’t know where to get them or if they are still around. I also think Marko makes an eps blank that will work. Mullet or something like that. I think it’s pretty good foam, too. Well fused. Mike
I thought I posted this. I mae one using an Excell big fish blank. Lots of foam. I don’t know where to get them or if they are still around. I also think Marko makes an eps blank that will work. Mullet or something like that. I think it’s pretty good foam, too. Well fused. Mike
Just waiting for a friend who is “sponsoring” the board to come
through with graphics, gotta make a template, test it on the blank to
ensure it fits and then get things started.
i’m stoked to see it come together