Like most newbies, I’ve been searching the archives for weeks about outlines, rockers, thickness etc. and I think I’ve mapped out a fish that will suit me and I wanted to run numbers past the elders.
First, I’m 6’4", 190lbs, shortest board is a 7’4" CI M13 type board. Surf 90% Oregon mushy beach break.
Pull the tail in a a bit… like an inch. You’ve got plenty of volume for your size and conditions. But when it gets a little bigger, you’ll want a bit more control.
I understand that my 6’9" is not a true fish, but for the types of waves we have and the 20lbs of rubber we have to wear I think this shape will work well.
I’m looking for speed and long drawn out turns. I have other thrusters when it gets overhead and I doubt this will get ridden in anything over 8ft.
I would suggest a 10" tail from point to point. I have surfed oregon and also the North East with 5 mil suits you do need the extra floatation but 12" seems a little too wide.
Hey J - In case no one has said it: Welcome to Sway’s. I’m just down the coast. Check your P.M… I’m no fish guy, but I’d be glad to offer help if you want.
Reverb said something that you might want to pay attention to. Fishes are not for rookies or not so good surfers. They aren’t really easy boards to surf well and they’re not that fun (imo, in most conditions) unless you can surf them well. The length of the board you’re describing will only make it harder to surf.
I think you would have much more fun on the board you’re describing if you put a round pin tail on it. It’ll turn easier and better and I think it will just be more fun.
Reverb said something that you might want to pay attention to. Fishes are not for rookies or not so good surfers. They aren’t really easy boards to surf well and they’re not that fun (imo, in most conditions) unless you can surf them well. The length of the board you’re describing will only make it harder to surf.
Either I’m a hellofalot better surfer than I think, or someone has got something wrong. A fish certainly need some adjusting to as it’s surfed differently, but they are definitely alot of fun for not so good surfers like me. Or maybe we just get those conditions where a fish is fun alot around here?
There are plenty examples in the archives of people building big fishes and they seem to be pretty stoked about them. That said, most likely you can go shorter than you think. If you want to go with the length you have planned I would suggest adding a little bit more nose rocker to make the board fit better in the wave on takeoffs.
I have to second Harvard’s thoughts. They’re pretty easy to ride. Paddle pretty good for a short board and get up to planing speed quick. Riding ‘good’ is so subjective I cant comment on it. Mike
Thanks for all the inputs, I’ve attached what I’ve come up with. The lines look very fish like and I’m happy with the size as well.
Also, could people point me in the direction of concave and vee discussions? I’m not quite sure if I should leave this flat or add some slight concave to vee on it. Fin discussions would help too
Thanks for the input thus far! I start cutting foam tomorrow and will start a new thread about it! WOO!