I know, I know. Although I am sure most of you are tired of hearing/discussing this, I have to ask one final time before I drop the cash for what will be my one board quiver for a few years (poor student).
I surf SoCal in everything from the normal 2-4 poor/fair up to a few feet over-head.
My style of surfing is fairly relaxed, but I like to be able to go where I want to on a wave, but I don’t pull airs and stuff like that.
The top half of the surfboard will be wide and “fish-like” because I am a bigger dude and I like to have the float and early entry.
The main question: should I get a squash tailed board similar to the Fartknocker or something similar, or should I get another fish?
I have ridden a twin-fin fish for a long time, I can ride it in anything - I would get a more high performance fish (quad) if I get the fish. But, I am also really considering something like the Album surfboards “Sabertooth” model (almost like a fish with a squash tail and 5 fin option). Please, I beg of you, will it make a huge difference if I go with the squash tailed (or diamond tailed) board over the fish? Both boards will have flatter but modern rocker, bottom contours and rails.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read and respond.
Maybe try the swallow with a little less swallow? A Lost RNF-5 style board has the fishy front and higher performance tail: include the 5-fin for the switch up options. Many of us have them in Maine for the fatter low period waves with hold in the bigger stuff. I think the 5-fin option is a no brainer for a one board quiver. I personnally like the quad in smaller surf for more glide and quicker turns, and thruster for bigger waves where the power and speed is less of an issue. Enjoy either!
Both of the boards you show have really nice racey outlines. You sure you can’t afford both? In general, the square quad will surf more like a thruster, more back foot with flicky turns. The swallow quad will surf more back foot than your old fish but not as much as the square tail. The swallow tail will be a bit more forgiving and have a larger sweet spot.
If you still have a fish you like, why not get the square just to try something new?
Personally a fan of the fuller Diamond Tail…plenty of surface area for speed planing, good curves for turning, and the DT shortens the rail line a tad so rides a bit shorter then it’s bottom length…why not a 5 fin…in shorter section waves ride 'em thruster for shorter arc turns off the top and bottom…in walled up and jacking down the line waves, throw in the quads and go haul ass…like my current DT with quads + nubster in most conditions…
When I read about a one board quiver lasting a few years, I knew that durability would be more of a factor than specific shape.
If I were concerned with a 'one board quiver' that was going to last a few years I'd be more concerned about the blank density and glass job. Few stock boards these days are going to last that long with daily use. Many will literally self destruct under normal use far sooner... maybe even self destruct the first time out. (See Meyerhoffer thread)
As for durability... a squash tail is generally less vulnerable to tail damage. Many used swallow tails are missing part of one or both tips.
Old school advice? Stick with a heavier density foam. Make sure the fin plugs are securely installed with glass over patches. The cheapest FCS installs are going to give way - almost guaranteed. A glossed single 6 bottom/double 6 deck will withstand more abuse than a single 4/double 4. It was the traveler's standard glass job for quite awhile - when a single board quiver might actually last a few years or more.
Don't worry about the extra weight if you aren't boosting airs or trying to surf like the latest surf stars. Make sure the glasser understands that a bit of weight won't be an issue and that you are more concerned with long term durability than extreme performance.
as glassing goes i totally agree- bit more glass can be a good thing…especially in a howling offshore
when the surfs best!
ppl tend forget that.( and the fact only 3% us surf like a pro )…or maybe its just me. bit weight in a board helps u over the ledge on those good clean strong offshore days…imo
p.s swallow!, big fishy kind…if done correctly can feel like a pin on a good wave!..squash suxs…lol
Might want to takea look at Coil Report thread. They seem to be building some very strong boards. Another thought is buy used. The san diego , Orange Co, and LA craigs list are full of boards of very kind and shape. If it were me I would be looking for a round pin, squash would be close enough.
I would love to! Just have no tools, no space, and most importantly, no skills. ( I would love to give a go at some point though, being a big dude, I think there should be more big dude/regular guy boards out there - plus I want many, many sweet sticks)
Oh, and I’m having trouble finding this “Coil Report thread…”
............Just have no tools, no space, and most importantly, no skills................
...so you want to learn...or not......?
you must has some skills...somewhere...Are you a molly maid or a space aged geek?
Yeah,...no skills........but you want to buy 2 surfboards..full price....right? or was that one board with a trade in.....
The bottom line is.......Squash is easier to glass......you can buy an import board for next to nothing.....learn to fix boards and you might become a college dorm hero...or outcast............it's not an age-old debate. it's harsh real life.
Tools/minimal. Space can be cajoled. Skills? Didn’t stop dozens of other hobby builders from learning the skills. If you can make measurements and follow a procedure you can make a pretty good board. I don’t want to take money away from pro builders. They’ll build you a better looking board. Not necessarily a better riding board for a recreational level rider. But, building a board with your own hands and surfing it is pure joy. Especially, when it surfs like you hoped it would. Mike
