i’m heading into my local shop for a new board and i’d like to have some info going in. so please help a guy out. i want a thruster for heavy, beachbreak WINTER waves here on the east coast, and i’m concerned about DURABILITY. first, can i request (and get) a blank with a thick stringer so that the board is a little stronger and does this make sense? second, i want the board to stand up better to being thrashed around, i want to reduce compression dings on the deck and i just plain want the board to last more than a couple of seasons, so i’m thinking i want a thick (6 oz?) glass job with a gloss finish. i know this will reduce the “snap” of the board, but i don’t have a lot of “snap” in my turns to begin with. i’m more conserned about durability. keep in mind i know nada about design stuff, does this make sense too? third, since it’s a winter board, i think i want a little extra thickness in the middle to compensate for the heavy rubber. does the extra foam go throughout or just in the middle? in short, i want about a 6’3" or 6’4" thruster with a thick stringer, heavy glass and extra foam. how will a board like this ride in heavy beachbreak? do any of my ideas make sense or am i really as cluless as i think i might be? any help would be much appreciated.
sorry ya’ll, i meant east coast, u.s.a. didn’t know there were so many aussies around here.
Hey Evel It sounds like you are on the right track – thicker board, heavier glass job for winter waves and wetsuits and for durability. I would recommend a 6+4 oz. deck and 6 oz. bottom for the glass job, gloss coat. What size are you? Are you looking for a shortboard design (as opposed to wider board i.e. fish hybrid or egg)? You mentioned heavy beachbreak? What size? Peace Kit
Where on the East Coast? Unfortunately, most shops won’t be stocking any shop boards like that, you’ll probably need to order a custom. Look for a shop that goes beyond the standard fare.
By the way, having a thicker or heavier board won’t necessarily reduce the “snap” in your turns. Many factors come into play; rail shape, outline, nose and tail dimensions, fin set-up, etc…you can actually use weight to your advantage. Might keep you from launching those backside airs, however [smile]
If you are anywhere near va beach, you should talk to bill frierson. he is great to work with, and very good about giving you the board you want, not the one he wants to make.
You don’t say where on the East Coast you are. Tim Nolte makes an exteremely durable board, probably the best laminating I’ve seen on the East Coast. His boards are available in many shops or call him at 252.491.2590 JN
i’m usually in jersey, and that’s where this board will be used. i already have a fish/hybrid for smaller days. my beachbreak can get 4-6 foot, clean and pitching in the winter. my fish has too much volume on the nose for steep days. and it’s also getting a little beat up. it’s about three years old. i have ordered custom shapes from my shop before and that’s what i was planning on doing with this board. i’m 5’7", 160 lbs. thanks a ton for the input! it sounds like at least i’m on the right track.
Evel Sounds like you will be riding some good waves on the new board. We have similar waves here on the west coast where I live. I would recommend a 6’5" x 18 5/8" x 2 1/2" round pin. 6oz + 4oz deck, 4 oz bottom, gloss coat. Have fun! Kit
oh yeah, you can get a thicker stringer. I had one on my 6’6" a while back. Not sure if shortboard blanks come with a stringer thicker than 3/8" or if a semi-gun blank has to be mowed down. Someone here will know. Aloha