I’m new to Sway, been reading the forums for a little while, but figured I would register finally. I’ve done a bit of searching, but have only found some indirect answers, and some guestimates as to what I want. I’m looking to get into shaping, and want to start producing boards for myself along with friends, family. My question is for my personal board:
I’m about 6’2, and 300 lbs. I’m shaping this board this fall/winter, and will be riding it next season, by which time I will be 275 lbs.
I’m looking to ride something somewhat…“short” but also something that is floaty and I can easily fly/travel with.
I’m thinking something like a 7’6’‘, 24’’ wide, and maybe 3.5" thick? Either a squash or fish tail, quad setup. Is it reasonable to believe this would float me? I’ve considered an 8’0 or something bigger, but like I said, looking to go a little smaller, and my weight will continue to drop, as I’m working on that for other personal goals.
I live in Ormond Beach, Florida and my typical waves sit between 1-2 foot whitewash and 3-5 foot rights. Nothing real big though.
So what do you all think? Any suggestions are appreciated. I’ve looked at a few mini simmons, fish, eggs, etc. just trying to get a feel for options. Thanks!
What are you currently riding, and how does it float you?
I’d guess around 8’ x 22 with really low rocker would be a start.
Short boards are only necessary for quick turns. If you are just starting out, you won’t be ripping any turns anyway, so just have fun, and catch lots of waves and cruise. Ripping a turn comes later
and don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be the next Kelly Slater or anything. I’m like most surfers, I just love being on the water, and the wind and that…spiritual connection I get when I’m out cruising; there’s just a few trips I’d like to take with bigger waves, and I’d like a board that is built for such, but is also my go-to for local breaks.
Check out Joe Blairs webpage. he seems to a specialist in big guy boards. Good place to get some ideas on what would work. one of joe,s ideas that seems to be working is moving the fins p some from what would be normal.
#1 a longboard doesn’t have to feel like a barge. I ride an 8’6" Bob Pearson / Josh Mohr and it carves like a SOB while still being a wave hog. I have no ‘shame’ riding a mal and in fact really prefer it often when the choice is butt wiggling (unattractive) a short board in small weak waves. I also believe that surfing a performance big board will improve ones fundamentals re: trim / turn
#2 check out these guys CHRONIC in the islands - they specialize in sub 7’ boards for those big mokes who somehow rip despite their enormous roast pork / bud light / poi lifestyle. I did an enquiry once and was very surprised at their prices (low) + the info on sizes and dimensions was really helpful in helping me think about big guy shorties.
#3 I am in the camp that rocker is the single most crucial element in a board design. I would be careful of advice to get a flatter board unless you know that will work for you. If it was me, I would make sure the rocker was what I like and adjust the width / thickness / length accordingly - but thats just me, if the rocker of a board is wrong (for me) I just hate it no matter how much everything else is ‘perefect’.
Hi, im a bigger guy, 6’2 about 230lbs and dont get much water time. when i was younger/fitter i surfed ‘big guy shortboards’ and never really got that much out of them, i’m not sure what is gained by riding a mid length thats shaped like a shortboard. The best shop board i found was a really progressive longboard, though i still had to move arround on it allot.
Ive only made 2 so far so am no expert, but… I would suggest going as wide and thick as you can, and keeping all the volume, i dont see much point in a narrow nose and you should be able to get away with a wide tail. Low rocker will help with paddeling and sounds like it suits tour waves though may not travel well. A fish blank might not be a bad place to start?
"Flotation" is relative. I've seen guys sitting on shortboards with water nearly up to their armpits try to convince themselves that their board floats like a longboard. Don't fall in to the standard dimension trap. They weren't designed for big people in small waves. I'm sure someone will be tempted to post a photo of some huge guy on a shortboard so let me save them the trouble..... BIG - It can be done but not by most big people. Also note that the waves featured in the video aren't typical mushburgers one is likely to encounter at their local beach break in Florida.
Think wide. Think thick.
Consider something that is beyond standard dimension parameters... I.E. don't be afraid of something over 24" wide and over 4" think.
Take a look at some of the shorter SUP blanks. A conventional 'surfboard' blank is usually pretty limiting when it comes to shaping outside the box. There are some decent options especially if you have access to someone who can pre-shape it for you on a machine. Put a recessed SUP hand-hold in the deck so you don't have any concerns about getting your arm around it.
If you put enough curve in the tail outline, boost the tail rocker enough, and put fin boxes in for fine tuning, you shouldn't have any trouble turning it. As Oneula points out, plenty of small surfers are doing some pretty amazing stuff on SUPs.
A few more questions, been looking at a few Mini Simmons and Mini Mals…what is the standard on how short or long you should ride them? Granted I can shape whatever I want, but traditionally, is it 6" shorter, or what? Just looking to expand knowledge. I look around online lots, but every website has their own opinion, so I wanted to know what you all think.
Shreddog, I’ll definitely take your advice on the longboard and shape myself something shorter, maybe a 9 foot. I love the way my 10’6 rides, its size and shape, and I love knowing I can catch small waves when no one else can, just looking to expand my quiver.
US Blanks 8-2 A.....center 25 wide and 4 1/16 thick.........for a proper Big Guy Tri.
.......But what you really need is a smaller longboard and more veggies.Jumping from a 10-6 to a big guy Hybrid????? yeah.....go for it! ..........
Have fun and work your way down one small step at a time. How about a 9-6 for now and then a 9-2......maybe sometime next year get into a big "speed egg".....keep it fun.........Stingray....
haha trust me, I’m all about eating my veggies. When I first started this journey, I was 370 lbs…so it’s already been a huge achievement, I’m just trying to keep pushing and get the rest of the weight off to where I’d be happy.
I’m good with a smaller longboard, just wanted to know what all my options were being my size. I dont expect to ever ride a Channel Island or any other off the shelf shortboard, but I don’t wanna be limited to just a longboard either. just wanted to see what all was available in the mid-length range.
So I’m looking at…a US Blanks 8-2A for a Big Guy Tri, a US Blanks 9-8Y to yield a 9’6 longboard…good enough start I think. I can play with more ideas as I go.
I’m also gonna shape a 5’4" wakesurf for my dad up in Michigan…nice fat egg shape.
I use to scale in at 309 lbs and now I am down to 230 and loving it. Joe Blair as mentioned earlier is the go two guy. Use blanks has the 9-3AX and 8-2AX blanks that are great for big guy board. I will attempt to post a few of my big guy boards that I built.
The boards with the red foam stringers are 8’ x 25" wide from the 8-2AX. The yellow board is from the 8-2AX EPS / epoxy. the other yellow board with the native graphics is my semi gun shaped from the 9-3AX.
Thank you for the compliment and no you can’t have my truck. Don’t forget the 9’3" A, This board is going to be 8’4" x 24" x 3 1/2 for Big Gene 6’3 275 lbs
