Preface, I have read a bunch but honestly some of it is pretty technical, so simpler the better please. I’m intermediate and have only owned and ridden 4 different boards.
I am looking for a board for head high steep and fast waves. I surf the north of Chile and the waves are heavy so I also need something extra durable (repairs are slow and expensive here). I need to get into waves faster and I’m always trying to beat sections. Also, now learning to pull into tubes. I’m an intermediate surfer 5’8", 155 lbs. (I need a board that flies!)
I currently ride a 6’2" x 18.50 2 2.38, Klimax Gabriel Villaran model. It’s a little skinny for me. I’ll be back in NY in December so I want to buy a board to bring back. I am considering going Epoxy (firewire, santa cruz).
Any suggestions for a board?
Would the Pumpkin be a good fit or is it more for smaller waves? I’m considering this board because of durability, 5 fin option, width and volume for getting into waves faster. However, not sure how it would hold in bigger waves up to double over head sometimes. I don’t have money for a step up board.
There is one, he’s also the guy that takes 2 weeks to repair your fin plug. I personally don’t see a future in shaping, plus I’d like something within the next few months.
But let’s talk price for a minute, SC Pumpkin (Epoxy) $654 with fins and board bag. Local NYC board, MOD (PU) by Salt $500. Repairs here average $30 if you want it fast. So with 5 repairs which I’d probably in 2 years I’m already paying for the SC Pumking assuming the Epoxy doesn’t damage in situations that the PU would have.
Input is appreciated, one of the points of this post is to decide if making the switch to Epoxy is worth it, considering the unforgiving northern waves of Chile. The other point is to see if specifically anyone has input on the Pumpkin in head+ waves.
Wow slow down!! Price on a pumpkin seed?? Organic or GM? This threads destined for the swaylocks surfshop. Welcome to the forum, mind your spelling and grammar, surfboard builders hate when you funk that stuff up :)
Seriously though you should think about fixing your own boards, you’ll learn a lot about the process and appreciate what it takes to do a good job.
I agree on learning to do your own ding repair. Its not all that complex, and there are lots of skilled people here that would be happy to share some insight into the process.
If you are going to NYC, look up some of the fine members of Swaylocks that area–I know there are at least a few that build amazing boards–why get a popout when you can get a custom? And at least some of these guys use epoxy.
Head high to double overhead, steep and fast for a novice/intermediate surfer isn’t what the Pumpkin Seed was designed for. You need a board with an agressive rocker for those kinds of waves. If you’re not getting in with your 6-2 then you may need more length and a little more width
You need at least two boards to cover the ranges you’re talking about. The fewer compromises you make the better each board will work for you.
And you should definitely learn to do your own repairs. If nothing else it will teach you to take better care of your boards and avoid more of those repairs from the outset.
pumpkin seed looks great for head high steep hollow waves. similar to what i ride to doh. epoxy/eps way more durable but do your own repairs. nose rocker can be as low as you like even in barrels. . pumpkin seed looks shit hot for the tube man…
anybody see that footage of the Craig Anderson at Skeleton point on that tiny Hayden seed looking board? Saw some video on the intergiant somewhere, and he was all over it - in a good way.
Those little curvy, flat rockered boards are fun as hell, and with that rounded pin, and quad option, as super solid in hollow waves. I’ve made a few short and wide eggs as travel boards, and usually that’s all I’d ride for the trip. So versatile makes me wonder why I bother with all the other junk I make…
Thanks for the input guys, I’ll try to contact come shapers and think about getting something custom instead. However, I feel like I’d have a hard time knowing what dimensions to choose. But I guess with my build 5’8" 155lbs and wave types, average head high and fast take offs I could get enough guidance.
mpconway86… I would suggest that there are a few ways you could go, each with their own set of advantages. Our beachbreaks here can get pretty heavy, even at head high, and there are a few proven designs you could choose from that all work. But numbers won’t translate well alone… dimensions are a bit shortsighted. You really need to have a conversation with a shaper for the best possible shot at nailing exactly what you’re after.
As for going with epoxy… well worth it, without a doubt. All of my personal boards are pressure molded EPS/epoxy, except for my gun and my log, where I like the added weight.
PS: Here is a photo from Magic Seaweed of a nice glassy day. http://magicseaweed.com/photoLab/viewPhoto.php?photoId=92260&browseSession=36d83a677f2485807846d79789f97ebf It get’s bigger, but that’s the size I’m usually working with. If you’re really interested here is a few minute video of an average few days of surf at some other spots in Antofagasta, Chile, where I will be using the board. This city is known for the copper, and not the waves, but not bad though, right? Youtube video
I much prefer a ‘Sweet Potato’ to a ‘Pumpkin Seed’, but have you considered the ‘Bean’? It came from the ‘Pod’ and I believe they are in the ‘Pea’ family or is that the ‘Sprout’? Best eaten with a ‘Spoon’ or you can have any of them with a ‘Cheese Stick’, just put it all on a ‘Biscuit’ first, if you want them hot wack it all in the microwave and give em a ‘Lazor Zap’… This could go on…but its probably not funny…
No offence mpconway86 but that photo from Magicseedonk is of a guy going straight accross a wave?? We couldn’t tell the difference what vegtable he decided to take for a surf that day so lets just look at a picture of massive Cloud Break and wonder what to cook for dinner…
