Hmmm, right surfboard search project
A long time ago, I started surfing. My friends told me to get a long board so that I could easily catch waves and stand up a lot quicker (= get better at surfing faster, too, as a result). Well, I didn’t follow their advice and went for a super thin shortboard like 5’8” performance board. Probably because of my decision, I’m still a beginner but, at least, I am still enjoying waves here in the Southern California. Water’s cool or cold pretty much throughout the year.
My current board, 5’8” Biscuit by Al Merrick, is probably like a decade old now, and I finally decided to add two more boards to expand my options. Here is my current board. L:W:H=5’8” X 20” X 2 1/4,” so it’s volume is 28.58L (at least based on math).
I’m thinking that having following three selection can enhance my daily surfing life:
All-round board as my everyday surf life, which is my Biscuit. Yup, I will continue using the same board. For days with 2’ - 3’ or 4’ waves.
Fish. Mainly for 1’ - 3’. Mmm, going fast on waves must feel great.
Performance focused board. Probably for 3’+ days, and whenever I wanna challenge myself.
Back in the days, I don’t think there was a such a thing as volume, but I just learned about it couple weeks ago. Since I am doing some research on “how to choose a right board” project, I decided to write this blog to share what I have gathered so far. Perhaps, this may help someone who is like me.
According to Rusty’s website, recommended board calculation is as follows:
“THE EQUATION
The equation for performance shortboards is fairly simple.
Take your weight in pounds example; 160
Convert to kilos; divide by 2.2 equals 72.73
Multiply by .35
Equals 25.45 liters
The multiple comes from thousands of shortboards for average to advanced surfers.
As the ability level decreases, the multiple increases.
With age, the multiple increases.”
Below is a summary table that can be useful.
This website is in Japanese, but I am using it to calculate as another reference for my search for the best boards for my skill level and weight.
