Definition of an "East Coast Surfboard"

short and wide

 

I think you're going to get a broad spectrum response here... but my take on it is that east coasts waves are more often than not... mushy and weaker than say the cali surf.
I think a wider board with a squash tail and moderate rocker would be a safe set of features for an east coast board.

 

Welcome to the area. I wouldn't use that term... go into a surfshop and ask for a groveler or a fish. These are good boards for the days when there is minimal swell, this is likely what those people were talking about.

I'd recommend going up to Cinnamon Rainbows up in NH, they do good business. Get three boards, one groveler, one board that will challenge you, and one log. Buy some thick rubber and keep some Israeli hard booze in a flask in your car during the winter. Good luck!

 

I recommend you take the subway to chinatown and come watch me shape your new board!

I had a few boards go to Israel, too.

 

East coast surfboard - a surfboard that is on the east coast! (definition provided by OCsurf32 True Surfers only dictionary)

 

He was asking about surfboards...

 

I feel like you will be using your 4:3 alot more even in the spring.A few weeks ago in NJ the water temp was still 58.

 

You're good with a 3/2 right up to January normally. Then again in May... I find that I use my 4/3 the least. I jump from 3/2 to a 5 mil in the fall/winter and then use the 4/3 in April...

And I get cold easy.

 

Whatever else you do, if a guy in an orange jumpsuit contacts you in re: buying one of his 'specialty boards' ... run, don't walk.

 

Go with the 4/3 ... a 3/2 in the fall and spring is really something that is good for the Southeast, like south of Maryland. I would recommend something like the Oneill Mutant, so you can remove the hood when the air temp is warm but the water is still chilly and you won't be doing much duck-diving. If you have a 4/3 with a separate hood, that can compromise the seal against the neck of the wetsuit, and give you quite a bit of flushing when the water is cold, reducing the effectiveness of the suit.

 

Volume is key!

 

You should get a 3/2 and a 4/3 or even a 5 if you want to go all winter. Waves are better in the colder seasons. It's worth it. If your just planning late spring/early fall a 3/2 will work. But you'll miss some good swells. I usually go till about jan with a 4/3 in jersey before getting the 5 out

 

North of capecod 6/5/4 with thickest boots and gloves, water temp drops to 40 in winter time. some times the harbors freeze. summer time 3/2, shorty or shorts..

 

If you can only have one board on the East Coast and you are relatively new to surfing get a longboard.

 

Yeah a 3/2 is probably not going to suffice for NH and Maine for spring and fall, unless you are a warmer person than most. North of the cape, a 3/2 should get you into November at least, maybe December. But you probably won't be able to put that 3/2 back on until May. We're well into June and water temps are still mid-50s. I wore a 4/3 a week or so ago in NH and was pretty much perfectly comfortable.