Several very good surfer/shapers seem to be sold on this design alteration of the fish. From my very limited vantage point, it seems to interupt the flow of the outline. Displeasing to the eye. Obviously something good is going on. Would someone please explain why this works and how broadly it can be applied?
Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.
Bob Simmons, Skip Frye, Paul Gross, Meyerhoffer, Mackie and others have utilized the altered curve (admittedly not completely inverse in all cases) in the outlines. If flat is fast, why not in the outline?
I like how Burch is putting it in the portion of the outline that is in contact with the wave face for his style of surfing… his placement also allows for a continuation of the original curve aft of the inverse curve to keep the board from getting too stiff and tracky.
I must admit though… Ryan Burch made a huge impression on me with his surfing on the Lord Board… that in my opinion exposed “surfboard design” for what it is.
Here is an example of one of Paul Gross’ parallel outlines…
Can anyone with a Ryan Burch Squitfish put a straightedge to the “cutaway” and report how much it curves away from the curve points fore and aft? To my eyes it appears minimal, maybe only 1/8" or so and maybe it’s even actually a straight line?