Need some surfboard advice

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

We dont really have much surf where I come from so I dont know much about 'em.

I am looking for a surfboard mostly to use as a lightwind setup but to also try some of the 4-6 foot swells we get. I am about 195 lbs.

Most of the boards I see are described based on length. Does volume (float) play a factor as well? You dont typically see that described. I want some float because like I said it will be primarily for lightwind. Any advice would be appreciated.

K

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

If you are new to surfing - I don't suggest trying to buy a surfboard that will work for both surfing & kiting. The surfboards you will need to start surfing & kitesurfing will be too different IMO - you would have to compromise too much Evil or Very Mad

.

If you are an experience kiter, I would :

demo some boards in the 6'+ range that you think you may like.
try your buddies boards out.
then buy when you know what works for you.

If you are new to surfing, I would:

rent a longer board (8' - 9'+) for the first days out
&/or - buy a cheap beater funboard (ie. egg, mini mal) in the 7'6" - 9'0 range
surf that funshape until you can pop up quick, make good bottom turns, etc.

then - 'step down' to smaller boards. ie. Go from your 8' board to a 7'2 then to a 6'4 ( or something like that depending on your abilities ) .

then you MAY find a board that will work well for you as both a surfboard & a kitesurf board Very Happy

I would NOT suggest trying to start surfing on smaller boards - It will be frustrating, and slow your progress considerably.

Yes Volume is a consideration when buying a surfboard. Some surfboard manufacturers do list volume (ie. Surftech) - many do not. Length, width, and thickness are all considered when buying a surfboard, and are typically printed on the bottom of the board.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

http://www.surfing-waves.com/board/dimensions.htm

lots and lots of options...

a kite specific surfboard will be more durable but any surfboard can work if you treat it nice...

best bet is to demo (borrow a friends) - yes they make boards in every configuration - wider and thicker, more rocker, etc.

Listen to boardrider

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Fish quads are easy to start on for kiting around 6',some do well in light wind due to thier width and float also.
Modern fish quads are very wide and can catch some smaller waves easier
as well as do some ripping around which you won't do as much on a longboard
"once you know what you are doing"

I prefer quads as they come loose when turned on edge
as opposed to being more committed with the thruster set ups

Best start with some mid sized cheap thing to surf on
see Boardrider suggestions

I ride a 5'10"X 21" X 1 1/4" fish for light wind and smaller waves(homemade pos)
Just got a PAT(Doc) Rawson Surf Prescription 5'8" X 20 1/8" X 2 3/8"as a more wind and wave tool.

I'm 220 coming up 10 yrs. kiting full time

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Shoulda given a little more info.

I dont surf and wont use it for non-kiting surfing. I want the option of going strapped and strapless. I have kited for 2 years and am a fairly experienced kiter but have only used twin twips. It most likely should be a kiting oriented surfboard since I dont think the surfers have caught on yet to the strapped scene Very Happy

Probably may try and pick up a used one so I may not have alot of options.

Thanks for your help.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

I have a 6'2" SST that was a great board for me when I just started. I had an '08, but have an '09 for sale in the classifieds. For your size, I think it would be a great board. Check it out.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 902 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

I looked at the SST. Good price also. They are $400 brand new with pads and straps and free shipping.

Problem is, everything I have read about them is that they are great for waves but not a good option if you want it as a light wind board as well.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

I think you are looking at '08's, which can be had for $400 and change. Mine is an '09.

I used mine as a light wind board, and it worked great. 14 mph on a 12M for my 190lb ass was perfect.

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Yes it was an 08. 09 should follow any day now. 2009 is a Discontinued board. Replaced with that custom 2010 model back with a tri fin.

2008 was a tri fin, 2009 was a quad, and now 2010 discontinued and repalced with a new model tri fin. I wonder what the reason was.

Your keeping your 08 vs your 09. Whats your opinion.

I dont think its a good light wind option. Too narrow.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Can't go wrong with the SST

- quad will be a little better in the light wind but once you figure it out and get that head high day (where in FL are you?) the thruster will kill it

SST is a pretty floaty board (for kiting)

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

I dont think its an issue of will it work in light wind or is it good for lightwind. I think any surfboard will fall in that category. There do appear to be surfboards that are more so geared for lightwind and mushy smaller waves...which is my quest.

The new SS Verve 2-2 appers to be geared toward this. They are more and more seeing the market for lightwind surfboards I think. I'm just not prepared to spend $800 on a surfboard board though. I will most likely have to compromise but the SST does not appear to be my solution.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

really no need for straps in small gutless waves - where in Florida?

http://beckersurf.com/surftech/102383

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

My opinion would be to stay away from the sst, too narrow, ridiculous price for a used surfboard especially considering you don't know what kind of board you want. Volume is important in light wind to aid in flotation when stalling out in wind lulls or when learning to jibe.
For real light wind get a skim, alot more fun and challenging then mowing the lawn on a plank. Get a surfboard for big wind.
Hit craigslist and buy a $75 board, beat it up, ride friends then plunk some cash

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

My opinion is that one board does not do it
uber light wind requires some displacement
not so much volume as area on the water and some decent fins that give lift
Thick boards don't help kiters as much as surfers as we are not using them for flotation ,more for early planing and riding out lulls .

A decent board that rides waves well is the exact opposite of a light wind board
wave boards have dirty rails that stick to the water for turning lot's of rocker so not to pearl.

Unless you are thinking of something that is for carving then a skim works pretty well with it's sharper rails
will have a cleaner release
almost all surfboards are not going to be great lightwind tools
but some will work
Nothing like something meant for kiting in light wind ,like one of those huge flat TT's or like a Windy Devil course board which I have not tried but look like they should do it,
But would be heinous in real surf

saleeba · Since 05 Mar 2006 238 Posts Masshole Stoked

I agree with strapless101, get a skim if you want to have fun in lighter conditions. not that its only fun the ride in light wind. i have more fun on my skim when its blowing 30 than any other board in my quiver. regardless, used skim on craigslist = cheap and worth it. sst seems kind of expensive for a first surfboard. find a used epoxy board. between the skim and epoxy surf (5'10-6'2) you will be all set. demo a few sizes to find the best fit. probably spend less than $400 for both.

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Thanks for all the advice. Yes, since I live in South Florida we dont get waves that much. Jupiter to Cocoa Beach can get nice though.

I think I want a big fat honkin' wide strapped surfboard arounf 6 feet. You guys have given me some good info and I appreciate it. Especially since you guys take your surf bad ass seriously. BTW. You are all freakin nuts with the landlord (I think thats the name I picked up on) out there! And to those of you that are bobbing around in the surf to get those good videos for us.......well lets say I would wake up at night with a cold sweat if I was doin that.