I’ve seen lots of great noseriding on pig style boards, or Da Cat (similar style). 17" nose (maybe less–I think Hunt’s El Gato is 16"), definite hips, widepoint back of center, and clearly non-parallel rails (as they have to curve in from the hips). Tom Wegener (a pretty good noserider) seems to really believe in this design… I just shaped a Cat copy and it is by far the best noserider I have (16" nose). On that board, when on the nose, I feel the rail lock in tighter than on a “normal” longboard…
Doesn’t this counter the “parallel rail” theory? What’s up?
I just checked the Alex Knost model–looks like an updated Cat…again, definitely no parallel rails…
If you’re paddling from spot to spot, I can see the advantage of thin…but I’m not too sure about noseriding…
Oh, Burt, I’ve tried it all already, I’m definitely not having any personal noseriding problems. I was trying to stimulate a little conversation about the topic of “parallel rail theory” …because so many people love to throw that little “theory” around as if it is a scientific fact. But judging by the responses to this thread… it seems that little is really known.-Carl
Hey Carl - My understanding of the “parallel rail theory” goes back to Simmons and his study of the Naval research that provides data on parallel ship sides being the fastest/easiest to move through water. The curve of the rail out-line causes low-pressure drag. Lee V. did a little experiment he wrote up once. Probably not the main concern w/board desing or we would all be riding ironing board outlines.
Taylor