The 10 footer spoken of above cuts back better than most shorter spoons I’ve ridden. Turnability isn’t an issue. Of course, words like agile and maneuverable are somewhat relative, even more subjective when 9 of 10 feet of rail is stuck into the face of a wave.
First, thanks Doug for the feedback and next, Spencer, your thoughts on Doug’s input?
Tino
The board Doug describes sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. For going surfing and using the wave as a canvas on which to paint your lines with your surfboard or as a ramp on which to surf your surfboard the hydro-hull is an excellent choice. The one I built surfed remarkably well. But I didn’t want to surf the way the board dictated.
The 10 footer described above will work by itself and take the surfer for a ride. Leaning into a bottom turn the hull and neutral rails suck the board up into the pocket. Trim up to a section and, like riding an elevator, the board floats down then rifles around the section all the while gaining speed because the hull is seeking, so to speak, the pocket, it wants to trim high.
Both boards are proven designs with passionate defenders in each camp. Which is best for you? It depends on how you want to surf and what you want to do, what you want the board to do.
Went to the local shop and took a look at Walden and Spence boards. Closed my eyes and ran my hand up, down and around their bottoms. Great boards. Thanks for the insight and Spencer, I will be getting in touch with ya via e-mail.
Doug,
Was researching the Walden Magic and saw your post…I have a chance to pick up one used…actually one of two… a 9’6" or a 10’ to use at trails and San O. My go to board is currently the Bing Silverspoon at 9’8"…a good noserider/all-rounder but I’d like something a bit turnier for those head high days. I’m 39 years young, 5’10" 175. Any input you could offer up would be appreciated…ven other model recs.
Thanks
i know of a certain pointbreak norht of rincon that is super mushy too and i know what you’re talking about. this is the best board ive ever ridden there : 9’6" with nice round rails and a good belly in the bottom. some concave in the nose for planing on less than steep walls. a big fat fin and a super heavy glass job.
the belly really helps you get some energy out of not much wave and i think helps glide more. and think having a very very heavy board is crucial due to the extra momentum you get from all the weight, allowing you to keep cruising even if you momentarily lose some wave face or venture too far onto the mushy shoulder. and being a single fi helps because you minimize drag and gain the ability to pivot turn which also helps you turn in slow speed situations rather then trying to turn off rail with a 2+1.
This is it at super high tide rivermouth:
Just curious, as a backyard hacker…How would belly “help” you on mushy waves compared to a flat bottom? Seems to me that a flat bottom would be the call for mushy waves…?? I have a Coopefish NoseDevil(which I LOVE), but in really mushy waves, it seems to be slower than a flat bottomed board… I definitiely agree on the heavy glass job and mometum comment though…
Kickout, I know a handful of guys who have either 9’6" Walden Magic or the 10’0". Most of them surf those boards 90% of the time and love them. At 175 lb. you could go with either. One other board to consider would be the Infinity Rad Noserider in epoxy. One of the Walden fans I know bought one and surfs it mostly now. I tried the Infinity and had a ball on it. It’s almost like two boards: step back and it turns easily, but step forward and the very long concave allows some fun up front surfing.
Doug