directional surfboard question

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

For all of us getting ready to try surfboards- can you guys who are experienced chime in?

For the gorge- which boards should we demo and what is the best instructional video?

Chooch · Mon Apr 19, 10 5:48 am

What's you height and weight? That's going to play a big roll in any suggestions. A smaller snappy board is going to work better for the rolling swell.

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

I am 5'11" and about 170lbs.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

demo a variety of sizes: 5' to 5'6 and shapes super slim to a fish...

sadly you will find that you will want them all and a completely different set 5'10 to 6'2 for the coast

videos with Mito, Ian Alldredge, and Ben Wilson will give you an idea where this all goes

Chooch · Mon Apr 19, 10 7:19 am

A good size range for you should be in the 5'4" - 5'10" range. That should give you a good start for what to look for. Stay in the 5'8" - 5'10" range if you want to use it at the coast as well.

Also a wider board will be easier to learn jibes on. The added width will cause the board to be a bit slower though.

Fin setups depend on personal preferance. A quad fin is going to be a bit looser and "skatey". A thruster is going to drive better through the turns and keep you locked in.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I like smaller boards strapped 5-5'6" and larger board for unstrapped. I feel like you need to move front to back on boards over 5'6" . the down side to small strapped boards is they are harder to learn to jibe.

hip in white salmon · Since 11 Jul 2007 149 Posts Stoked

Thanks for the advice.

Is it reasonable to figure a guy will use it strapped more the first year to get the hang of it and then go strapless once he develops more skills?

Matt E. · Since 22 May 2008 318 Posts West Coast Sales Rep Obsessed

Check out the new Cabrinha S-Quad. I just got one and its a blast, nice, loose and it goes up-wind great! Link: http://usa.cabrinhakites.com/s-quad.html

Chooch · Mon Apr 19, 10 9:33 pm **Re: surfboard question**

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1867 Posts XTreme Poster

I like strapless more. I also find it easier.

Eric

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

I like strapped more. I also find it harder.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

I like using one strap, I find it both harder and easier