Length? Thickness? Width? What matters more for float?

General Discussion
1

Hello,

I am debating between two very similar boards. They are virtually identical (an oxymoron I know) but i'm having a hard time picking between the both of them. These are black ball beaters hence the short length. They both are multi-purpose boards seving as a skimboard, bodyboard, and can handle paddle take offs. The shape is the same but which of these boards would have  better float?

A) 54" x 20.75" x 2.25"

B) 52" x 22.25" x 2" (squash tail)

C) 52" x 22.25" x 2" (pin tail)

Or are the dimensions so close it really doesn't matter? So what matters most for float?

 

Thanks! for any input.

 

2

All of them; volume is what matters.  So if you want to compare the volumes (cubic inches), just multiply out the dimensions (L x W x T) and you will get volumes you can compare.  These won’t be the real volumes because you didn’t give enough dimensions but it is enough to compare.

This applies to your question of float, not how well they will paddle or catch waves as those criteria are dependent upon other stuff like rocker and foil.

3

yeah...A will float better but will it surf better that is the question...if the boards are so similar and youre worried about float then go with A...youll be surprised what an extra 2 inches of foam will do

4

Density of materials (for example, wood vs. foam, “light” foam vs. “heavy”) and volume.

5

The boards are made of the same material. They use the same technology but are distributed by 2 different manufacturers.

A) http://www.catchsurf.com/surfboards/product_info.php?cName=surfboards-the-one&products_id=1 

B) http://www.victoriaskimboards.com/boards_wombat.html (i'm looking at the large size which is 52.5 x 22.25" x 2")

C) http://www.extremeoutdoorsupply.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_26&products_id=511 (pintail and looks like there maybe some change to the rails on this version)

 

Based on volume calculations and advice signs are pointing to Board A. Thanks for all the input so far.

6

well now you have to decide if you want to go finless or not...i was looking at those catch surf boards and wondered what they ride like...there arent any dealers near me for a demo yet so ive been waiting to hear some ride reports

7

I'm gunna go finless, so I can use it for skimboarding. the wombat's come with a removable fin so I like the option of having a fin if i want it.

8

I'm gonna disagree with the others, though it is close

For what its worth I think B is gonna paddle  better and catch waves easier than A. 

2 inches in width means a whole lot more than 2 inches in length 

9

 

The orange board is 7'10'' x 22 x 3, and the middle board is 6'2'' x 22 x 3.They both paddle pretty much the same. The orange one has more glide, but the fish takes no more energy to paddle. I swapped the fish in the surf one day for a bloke on an 8' x 22 x 3'' minimal, and he couldn't believe how well the fish paddled. I found his board a little harder to paddle than the fish.

 

 

Just my .02 cents.

 

 

10

So I am reading differing oppinions:

Width is more important, and some say Length is. Where does the thickness of the foam come into play. How much of a difference does .25" of foam make?

What wil paddle better and have more float?

1.5" more Length w/ 2.25" Thickness

or

1.5" more Width & 2" Thickness

11

If your intent is blackball beating, I'd first check with your local authorities, and from several different individuals.  The rules at Newport Beach were changing from Summer to Summer a while back, eventually banning ANY stand-up riding on anything.  No current info for Newps, or elsewhere.

Sickdog

12

http://www2.swaylocks.com/forums/big-guy-shortboard-help#comment-1340939

Check this too on volume and so. Paddlepower is about hydrodynamic resistance, takeoff power is more about bottomsurface.

Float also depends on the shape of the board, where the foam is taken away compared to the squared block of foam!