I started out on logs, rode them 9 years and then rode shortboards for the next 20. Since 1990, I’ve been riding various 9’0"-and-over longboards exclusively (mostly singles and 2+1s).
Now I’m thinking about adding a 7’6"-8’0" mini longboard to the quiver for use in mainly 3’-7’ beach break. Looking for something that rides off the back foot a bit more like a shortboard, but (at 63) don’t want to give up ALL the paddling flotation/ volume I’ve gotten accustomed to with my 9’0"-and-over longboards (i.e.: I’m not interested in going back to full-on, pulled-template shortboards).
Right now, the 3 boards that have caught my eye are all relatively full-templated outlines (somewhere in the 16-3/4" X 22-1/2" X 15-1/2" X 2-3/4" ballpark). The fin configurations are:
1) 2 +1
2) Bonzer
3) Twinzer
Which would you chose and why? Unfortunately, test-driving before I buy is not an option.
I once had a 6’10" Bonzer, which went like a rocket. Loved it. But that was back before MR-style Twins and the Thruster came on the scene, so it’s hard to guess how I’d like one today.
I’ve ridden (and liked) a ton of 2 + 1s, but never one so short.
Closest things I’ve ever ridden to a Twinzer are Twins and Quads, which I found to be somewhat lacking in the “drive” department.
Based on watching others ride them, my impression is that Bonzers tend to carve longer arcs (more like a single) while Twinzers tend to snap, pivot and allow a more vertical attack (more like a Twin).
I’ve got an 8’0 x 17 x 22 x 14 squash tail mini-longboard that is a blast in the surf you describe.
single to double concave, 4.5" nose rocker, 3" tail rocker, thruster fins set-up at 3.75/11.75 with Occy fins - very loose, quick, drives super well from the tail, paddles great.
I’ve ridden similar length 2+1, Bonzer and quad setups. 2+1 are smooth, don’t roundhouse well or come off the bottom with a lot of pop. Bonzers and quads have lots of drive, both like long walls more then shorter section waves, which is what beachbreak often is. Thrusters work great on a mini-mal in all kinds of conditions.
I tend towards racier mid-length boards once well overhead, a longboard when it’s smaller, and this board for everything in between…have to say, in this 62 year olds quiver, definitely a must have favorite…
What with the McKee reference, I assume you’re talking about a Quad?
Icc,
Interesting board. I’m leaning toward slightly less nose width than that to minimize swing weight and avoid “catchiness” up front in hard turns. Don’t really plan to noseride this board: already have my single-fin longboards for when I want to do the whole cross-step, trim-and-glide, toes-over thing. Mainly want the fuller template just to retain as much volume as possible for paddling and early entry while (hopefully) avoiding any handling collateral downside once I’m up and riding.
7'10'' x 15+ nose x 22 x 15+ tail. As a thruster this board is fast and loose, really loose, but not sketchy. Fun as a 2+1, but i really like it as a thruster. Much more manouverable than my 9'1'', but still plenty of paddle power. If you wanna surf it off the back foot, then go with the thruster setup.
Yes, the Mckee quad placement chart is a scientific approach to quad fin placment based on board length and tail width.
Check out the solosurfer’s recent post on those nice big guy boards.
also when someone says beach break, in my mind their is makable(easy) and unmakable(expert only) beach break that people surf. If it is the second type the board needs to be way shorter.
if ya looking for a beach break board, you prob want something to handle the quick shifting peaks that beachies throw up so a shoter board with better turning time will suit these waves, as well as a bit more nose curve to fit into changing peaks and pockets …I’d be thinking going shorter ( you mentioned 7’6" , so maybe 7’6" x 22" x 3", round tail quad. …The McKee is a good set-up but is quite lively and performance based especially with a pulled in round tail…if you want stability and a bit less responsiveness, put the reasr closer out to the rails…quad is good coz you can up the fins, especially the reas for more stability, drive and hold…throw in another plug so you have the option…
most guys arent going shorter at 63, good on ya…a mini-simmons could be a good option too…not as short as most ride am, but maybe a medi-simmons…they are stable, fast and can jam alot of volume into them…just a thought mate …
Mine is actually a 2+1, but i just put thruster sides in, and put an 80's thruster centre fin in the centre box, 7 1/2'' back from the sides. The whole cluster ends up being pretty far forward, but i find no loss of drive, and again, very loose. I can bring this around back into the foam from out on the shoulder pretty easily. This is my "bread and butter" board. I can jump on it after weeks on other boards, and it just works for me, i think the fin setup is the key, dont ask me why though. I never thought a midlength could work as a thruster, but it seems to work really well. Not sure i'd try it on a longboard, but under 8', for sure. I mostly surf head high and under, and it works great, but when it gets head high plus it really gets moving!
“I never thought a midlength could work as a thruster, but it seems to work really well.”
Glad you gave them a plug: I’ve been riding longboards so many years that I’d almost diregarded a possible Thruster set-up for this new board out of hand in favor of 2 + 1s. I haven’t ridden a Thruster since the last time I shortboarded (20 years): always preferred a larger center fin on longboards to hold in the tail during noserides. Won’t really be a factor with this new board so, heck, why not a Thruster?
Here's a 6-10 I did earlier this year. I just basically cut 24"-30" out of my modern longboard template and added double-concaves to V in tail to give it a little more zip. Rider is a young guy, weighs about 170 and he loves it.
2 + 1 is my favorite with a Greenough 4A with LB sidebites this is the current setup on my 7’0" Egg, I’ve also had Eggs in the 7’0" to 8’0" set up as a Thruster, Quad, and Bonzer (5 fin), to each his own.
