I’d like some input on a small wave board, I’m on the East Coast in Virginia Beach if that helps to understand what I’m usually riding. Skill level I’d say I’m on the lower side of intermediate, been surfing regularly for about 2 years. I’m tall, about 6’4" and 190lbs. I’m learning to ride a 6’4" swallow tail thruster (first short board) with quite a bit of volume, and don’t have problems with it when the waves are bigger and more forgiving. But I struggle with it when it’s stomach or smaller. I’ve got two longboards that I ride regularly when it’s small, and that’s fun, but I’d like something to ride to improve my shortboard ability. I’ve done some reading about quads for small wave applications, and am interested, I’ve only rode thrusters or single fins. But I’m struggling to know how short I should go given my height, and what sort of dimensions and board I should look for to have fun in knee-stomach or chest high surf given my skill-level (or lack thereof). The 6’4" I have now is 20 3/4 x 2 3/4. Anyone able to chime in and give me some suggestions on specific dimensions, board shapes (fish?), or specific boards I should look into? Thanks
At 190 you’d be doing yourself a favor by not trying to go as short as humanly possible. There is a point where, due to lack of surface/volume, decreasing board size will reach and exceed the point of diminishing returns in performance.
I am of the belief that 17" is the new 14" when it comes to tail width. Boards like the Firewire ‘Potato’ line, Gary Hanel ‘Pill’, Libtech/Lost ‘Puddle Jumper’ all seem to be able to maximize surface area in shorter lengths by bumping out the tail width although I’m not sure of the exact dimensions on these.
With a modern fin layout (typically 5 boxes) you have the ability to increase the range of what might otherwise be a limited ‘small wave only’ board.
I’m about your size and have tried a lot of different boards for this, but like my 6-0 epoxy Lost Uber Plank. Works great in the small stuff, and even had it out when it was head high but not very powerful. There are occasional Lost demos, worth a try.
If I were 15 again, weighed 165 etc. I ride a 5’8 in wind blown Lowers every day after school. But I ain’t and neither are you. 6’4"---- 6’2" x 19 1/2 – 20" x 2 1/2"—2 3/4" is about it for you. Distribute the volumne outward from the chest (bow and stern).
Get a good solid quad fin or twinzer Fish by someone that knows how to make a Fish! Tim Stamps has some nice looking Fish. Larry Mabil If you can aford one a Rainbow Speed Dialer would be great. Some East Coast guys that make nice Fish are Larry Mayo in Florida Closer to you in NJ Brian Wynn. Closer still in The Outterbanks is David Rohde he is fromm San Diego and Knows his Fish.
Thanks for the insights guys, I like hearing different opinions and looking into some of the options y’all suggested. My understanding of boards is basic, I’d like more knowledge about how various shapes and intricacies affect the ride of a board, and how to identify those with my eye. Anyone have any links to resources they’d recommend, maybe old threads in these forums? I just joined but will have to stick around and learn, I like to learn
No shorter than 6’ 21" wide no less than 16" tail. And dont be concerned with ability just enjoy surfing .Shore bet is a retro style fish ( no effort speed ).
Also 2 keel fins, quads and thrusters are hard work compared no point using a ferrari if your towing a yacht. (Youre a big man )
Almost all the plug in style fins are shit nothing beats a glass on fin. You wont ever get good drive in small waves using any plug fin around your size.
