Minimal Rocker, When is it not enough?

General Discussion
1

Hey everyone,

Been searching the archives but can’t really find an answer.

I’m working on a board for this summers mushy waves. I’m tired of hauling around a log and want to

make something smaller. From what I have read a flatter rocker will give more paddle speed and get

me into waves earlier, am I correct? On the flip side I understand that the flatter rocker will cause problems

on late take offs and steeper waves.

I am thinking of a flat rockered tail and maybe 2 - 2.5" nose. Flat bottom to a bonzer inspired tail. I’m thinking

of using a fish outline with either a quad or twin setup, might turn it into the fish outline with a diamond tail instead

of the swallow. I have a 6’2" x 23W x 3T in my head.

My goal is something that will surf the knee high to maybe head hight mushy summer PNW Surf we have here. Can anyone

tell me if the nose is too flat or could I get away with less.

Thanks!

2

i just finished a 6’3x21x3 that is to be used from minimal surf to chest high. it has about 2-3" nose rocker and 1" tail. i havent had it out yet. but if next weekend shapes up the way it is suppose to the board will see knee to head high.

you are correct that you get better paddling speed but when the waves get faster, taller, and more hollow the low rocker doesnt fit the curve of the wave. in contrast my big wave board ended up with a 5-6" nose rocker and a 3-4 tail rocker.

thats just my 2 american cents

3

Do a mini Simmons!!! You will not be disappointed. Check out surfinghighs stuff, he’s up in the PNW.

4

Thanks for the input, I’m actually buying some blanks from surfinghigh. A simmons is

definitely in the plans, but since this is board #3 I wanted to build something a little less

complicated. I’m not sure I could pull off all the nuances of a simmons.

J

5

Maybe encourage surfinghigh for some hints/help? I have been riding afoafs simmons for about 3 weeks, and honestly, one of the funnest boards ever. Actually, probably the funnest. Goes well in everything, and has completely changed the way I look at backside surfing. I actually search out rights now, even when there are plenty of lefts.

I understand the hesitance to build one, but, and I will probably get flamed for saying this, take some of the elements of the design, and simplify what you need to. You will still have a surfable board, possibly and probably a very fun one for your intentions, too. Plus, if you start off with just some of the elements, you can work your way to a full blown replication over the course of a couple boards.

And not that you asked, but, i would say the wide parallel outline, the lack of tail rocker, and the flip in the nose, would be a good starting point and would make for a great board that would meet your desires.