Hey folks,
I’d like to get my hands on a Pavel classic keel, but I’ve noticed that he shapes both for Greenroom and Rainbow.
Does anyone have an opinion on which direction would be better?
Thanks
Awesome name!
Everything you get from Pavel will be the same board. not kidding. they are all the same. Call John Frazier at Rainbow Surfboards, hes a nice guy and has a bunch of classic keels and superbanks in stock. Rainbowsurfboards.com
I think for either design (the classic keel or the superbank) the actual shape is the same whether it has the greenroom logo or the rainbow logo. I think it’s probably be easier to get your hands on a rainbow (more of a distrubution network) unless you drop into Rich’s shop (the Greenroom) and see a board on the rack that you like. Customs can be tough to get.
Generally speaking, it seems to me like the Rainbows have the more flashy resin swirls and color work whereas the boards that come out of the Greenroom more often sport a clear finish or color tint.
Either way, I think you’re still getting the same shape from Rich.
I’m in touch with John and he has told me that he has several Superbanks in stock, although I’m not sure if that’s what I’m looking for.
How does it differ from the classic keel? I’ve been told I should ride a 5’7 superbank which seems frighteningly small for me but the guy must know what he’s talking about.
LG
what size and age are you? Strong paddler? What type break?
The superbank is a sleeker, more foiled, more concave bottom, and slightly more curve in the outline than the classic keel. All around more responsive and versatile into bigger conditions. John said he rarely makes a classic keel under 6’0" as he thinks its fit for a larger older surfer. I know rich makes the classic keel in the smaller sizes though.
The classic keel has a fuller boxy rail, beak nose, and fuller foil, straighter outline in the tail section.
I think the superbank is somewhat of rich’s evolution of the twin keel. A shaper that worked with him had only great things to say about the design.
How tall, how much do you weigh, and what are you used to riding. That makes all the difference.
Thanks for the replies, guys:)
I’m 31, 5’11 165 pounds in the winter. Bodyboarder for 20 years, surfer for ten but I don’t get much water time for a large part of the year.
At the moment my quiver consists of a 9’2 and a 6’1 CI flyer which I only surf when my longboard is out of commission.
The 6’1 is just too thin and narrow and I have a hard time getting any speed on it. When I’m out of shape the paddling can be a drag, but I worry more about the speed than anything else. I ride all board like longboards, in a way.
I usually surf weakish Mediterranean surf in the winter, and then I’m in California in Spring or Summer.
So far the most comfortable shortboard I’ve ridden was 6’5, narrow and thin, I think around 18 wide and not sure how thick.
LG
“The superbank is a sleeker, more foiled, more concave bottom, and slightly more curve in the outline than the classic keel. All around more responsive and versatile into bigger conditions.”
So perhaps it’s a bit more nimble, but a little bit less quick down the line? Versatile sounds good.
I’ve been told I should go between 5’5 to 5’7 for the superbank, but that sounds a bit intimidating in a way at 21" x
2 1/5". How would something like that paddle?
I’ve heard nothing but good things about John, and so far dealing with him has been a good experience.
The superbank actually should be one of the fastest boards down the line made. Just more sensitive to your input than the classic keel. Up there with any well made twin keel or quad fish, speedialer, griffin, hynson. The classic keel would be better if you were riding absolute mush. The superbank if you want to ride better surf on it as well as mush. At your height and weight i would go 5’7" or 5’9" on the superbank. Probably a 5’8" would be perfect for you no kidding. Maybe a 5’8" in a classic keel but Rainbow doesnt have those. Try giving the Greenroom in SD a call.
They will say shorter is better on a fish, and it is by all means, but only if you are comfortable and stable on one. Nothing wrong with riding fish a few inches longer than recommended because you will be stoked for a while, then very likely decide to go down in length. That is why some say go short right away. Maybe go used first if you feel you want to experiment.
Im 5’9.5" 140 lbs and went 5’5" on the superbank, will report back when i receive it in about a week.
Yeah, I guess better a bit longer than a bit short. How would a fish arond 5’7 or 5’8 paddle in comparison to a normal 6’1 shortboard?
Quote:
A 5’7" or 5’8" would paddle so much better than a 6’1" shortie there is no comparison. It will feel like you are on a longboard that turns right under your feet. Very wide planshape and tail, low rocker, it will feel like you are on two shortboards. No working for speed, instant planing and skating with all that surface area under your feet. The san diego fish design truly works best ridden short. Get a used one first if you are not familiar with the design.
so ive had my superbank out in about 20 sessions now and i thought i would give a review. longest highline on a wave i have ever held has been on this board. i think i got one of the longest rides of my life on it a couple weeks back surfing an outside sandbar from an inlet 1/4-1/3 mile out to sea. on this board you can project further than any fish ive tried off of the first bottom turn, get the rhythm goin down the line and you can accelerate continuously as fast as you want to go until you are almost riding on a pocket of air just whizzing along past the wave. Cutbacks can be drawn out as long as possible and wrapped all the way to fly over the foam ball and back with speed to spare, full roundhouse is difficult maybe due to the full foil fins… they tend to want to drive long arcs, not pivot quickly. ive had the board out in knee mush to overhead down the line screamers where it worked beautifully. the accentuated single concave makes the board really responsive and just gives you an endless gas pedal. I havent touched my speedialer save for one session since i got this superbank. that’s how much fun it is to ride.
I’m almost exactly your size, LotusG. I ride a lot of fish. I’d say 5’6-5’8 will be the best all around functioning sizes for you given that you have a lot of water time under your belt. If you go too long you will loose some of the “feel” and limit your manueverability. Keels are a ton of fun, but think lateral in your surfing. Down the line and smooth arcs.
Good Surfing to you!