Tomo Surfboards

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

What do you think about Tomo Boards.
I'm thinking a 5'3" Vader Kitesurfboard.
I ride hard on my front foot, I do worry about some pearling with the truncated nose, and it make a lot of sense to stand further back ,it says from small waves to triple OH
http://www.murrays.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/Vader-Surfboard_116x144.jpg

thx

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 289 Posts Durango Obsessed

I have a 5'2" (175 intermediate kiter) Vanguard and I love it. Never have an issue w pearling, mostly feels very small and almost too nimble at times. Rode it recently for 3 days of bliss at Ho'okipa Maui (well Lanes really). Have ridden it in Gorge swell (at Rufus I was progressing big time, strapless airs), and South Padre Island.

I have a T-Rex (same or 5'4") from Slingshot (got a huge deal on it) that I use strapless also but it seems a bit slower and heavier and not as shock absorbing. So I definitely prefer my Tomo.

Two thumbs up. But my opinion is just that.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 598 Posts Addicted

well, i have ridden the Vanguard a lot and the Vader some. The Vanguard is a 5'2" and the Vader was either a 4'10" or 4'11", can't remember exactly which. i am 165-170#s and the Vanguard is almost too big and the Vader was perfect. I tried the Vader one size up(maybe 5'1") and it turned really fast but actually felt too floaty/bobby to me. hard to believe i know.
As far as pearling either, never happens to me. You can always stuff the nose, especially in chop, but the only time that happens is if you are too far forward going upwind. Got to be more forward upwind, of course, but back foot on the wave on the Vader almost makes it too fast, so a little front foot pressure will not be a big deal, seems best to me to be really even footed on the wave on the Vader. The boards are so small that you really do not move your feet much, just shift weight and it goes. really fun boards.
Of course demo if you can (Big Winds, i think) and YMMV.

skideeppow · Since 26 Aug 2011 518 Posts Addicted

I ride a Vader, 5 2 that i got from TJ at BIg Winds. 215 511 ok rider. Used it for the first time in Maui and loved it.
So quick and fast down the line.
I was sure it was gong to be too small, but they steared me right.

No chance of pearling at all.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4907 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Wonder if the V4 is a better choice - seems like a board with a nose might be better suited for jamming thru some of those tricky close outs

Vader does look super fun if you are trying those air spinny tricks

SoCam · Since 27 Jul 2011 29 Posts Ventura CA

I'm more interested in the Tomo designs that use slightly more traditional lines and profiles. Check out the Tomo designed SlaterDesigns Sci-Phi, which Stu Kennedy used at the opening round of the world surf league to knock out Slater (ironically), Medina and Florence.

https://surfeuropemag.com/features/news/kelly-unveils-first-slater-designs-surfboards.html

For reference, I ride strapless, mostly weak point breaks. I've owned a Vanguard, which I didn't love (too much input required and too little flex), and ridden a Vadar (much improved). Horses for courses though. Firewire kite construction will never have the flex or feel of a surfboard, but when you see the Tomo concepts becoming mainstream on the CT, you know he's onto something.

Kmun · Since 05 Jul 2009 250 Posts Obsessed

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

Thanks for the input.
I'm just looking for a smaller board around 5'

Da Yoda · Since 12 Mar 2009 79 Posts

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

"The performance drops off a lot when you try to ride them more forward or heavy front footed."
I feel the same on my board also, I move back because I want too, but I still feel I ride hard on my front leg.
So maybe it might be best for me, trying a different style !

I'm in for the for the Tomo from Cleanline!

Thanks
Cool

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

Big Air has one for demo, I'm up there instead

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

I purchased the 4'10" Vader and now I'm a better kiter!(instead of three turns now I get five)

3 of my pals bought them too after riding mine.
JR bought the one the Felix Pivex was riding a 5'2" , I felt it was about the same as my 5'8" Doc Lausch (lighter wind board)

TJ (big Winds)claims best selling board in his shop, no doubt about about that,

Big rails go easy side to side and upwind like mad, it really feels like a twintip ,
very light , feet equal pressure upwind , I feel like if I looked there , that's where I'm going.
The best kiter surfboard ever (for now)
IMO
Cool

NICE JOB TOMO Very Happy

Da Yoda · Since 12 Mar 2009 79 Posts

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

beats me , It was bigger board than mine, I can find out when he returns from Seattle

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

scottnorby · Fri Jul 08, 16 8:07 pm

I agree.
Volume down.
Length down.
Unless you may surf the board---paddle in.
I ride a 5'6 that is 2 3/4 thick and 20 wide.
It paddles into waves and surfs solid
Also wakesurfs well
Just a thought if you are an all around water guy--and ride cross terrain--the extra volume is useful and the charts would be correct.
And the experience you get kitesurfing the board totally translates when you surf or wake surf it too. You basically already have it wired from kiting it for hours.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

I demo the larger boards (Vader)
And felt they were way too big , for high wind

The 4' 10" Vader could go down maybe 4' 5" for kiting I think
but for surf a lot bigger