Does board weight matter?

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

When selecting a board, I used to go after the lightest boards. Now I'm thinking I was all wrong. I'm looking around for a surfboard that can cut through the chop like butter without trashing the old joints. I know rocker helps. Should I also be looking at heavier, thinner boards? And I have no time or patience to demo the whole fleet so just looking for opinions to help direct a search. Thanks.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

Everything else equal a PU board will have a softer ride than Epoxy. I dont think weight has a huge influence unless its super light.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 615 Posts Addicted

Yup, pu should be a softer ride, as well as some flex(yes, you can have too much), narrower so less surface area, bottom v to double concave all seem to matter more than weight, IMO.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Weight and shape make a huge difference if you have knee pain.
The easiest and cheapest solution is to get a double density pad from North Pacific in Hood River that covers the back half of your board.
IMO after 30 years of windsurfing and kiting on surf-type boards.... the bottom shape makes a big difference in choppy conditions. Rocker not so important as the side to side shape.
A board with a vee built in to the shape,,,, especially the front part of the hull will slice thru chop instead of bouncing and pounding.
Heavy boards cause muscle fatigue and knee strain.
Light boards are easy on the body.
Another option is strapless.... you're forced to absorb the bumps with your legs. It requires you to have strong legs but easier on the knees.

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

I have two boards. One is epoxy, the other is polyester glass. The polyester glass board is slightly heavier and has a thick NSI pad. I always grab the polyester glass board to ride. It is very comfortable to ride and blasts right through the chop. It's a noticeable difference. It has a good feel and is very responsive. I'm not sure if its the weight or the dampening ability of construction that makes the difference, but it's a great ride. For reference, it's a North Pacific (not trying to plug a particular brand).

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

I would second the majority opinion here with the PU and fiberglass. They will be inherently heavier than an epoxy board but much smoother. I know you don't want to demo but Big Winds has North Pacific boards to demo (no affiliation). The double density pads mentioned above make a pretty big difference too but the double concave of the hull makes a bigger difference I think. Another thought is the Doyle boards. I rode one a little while ago and that thing sliced through the chop damn well. I would also recommend strapless as your knees and ankles can be in a more natural state and you can adjust your stance while riding, not to mention if you crash and your strapped, you have the potential to tweak a joint.
My 2cents

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I've done the strapless trial and always felt a bit held back in my riding style- to each their own. I think a PU board with fiberglass deserves a demo. Besides North Pacific, any other ones out there in the northwest worth a ride? Thanks for the feedback.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 615 Posts Addicted

gary at Cascade in Mosier, sweet as well