Newb question

the best way IMO, is to calculate the volume of the board and then reference that to what boards you have ridden.

 

Well, for more float you will need either more thickness or more width. Since your 6' @175. Basically same as me. And depending on what's comfortable for you. Me for example I ride 5' 10" - 6' 2" shortboards. (2"-2/14) thickness...and like 18 flat or a 18 1/4 for width.....and i'm 6 ft. I like to feel like i am on a skateboard. super loose. So the shorter i go i would have to either go a little thicker or a little wider....or both. (there's a formula for it....I can't remember...something like for every inch you lose you add 1/8 to the width...I believe) typically though...i don't like wide boards at all. So for me I would just beef up on the thickness. But, everyone is different as well as their riding abilities.

 

Yeah. I'm 6'1" and 175 (and 45 years old) and i'm riding 6'4"x2.5x20 quash tail thrusters in the conditions you want. A big thing you can do is add a little bit more volume under your chest. I've found this makes paddling and catching waves easier but doesn't sacrifice performance.

 

^ Dude your 45? I thought I was the oldest on the forum. I just turned 36 last week. haha good times....keep surfing!

 

44 here! I'm 6'1", wish I was 175lbs more like 205lbs .

 

45 and STILL won't ride a longboard!!

 

He means thicker

probably for you I would go with a 6'3" and a little thicker. Since you are 6 ft no need really to add width. all you need is a thicker board. Now if you were to go with a shorter board I would say add some width. but adding width can alter the performance.

 

See, this is why you should talk to a local shaper!!

most thrusters have a narrow nose and the wide point of the board is further toward the tail. If you work with a shaper he can shape your board with the wide point further up (towards the nose). This will help planing and paddle but shouldn't sacrifice performance.

 

PS, thicker helps too. for your range a 6'3"-6'4" should be perfect.

 

See that all depends on you. For me I'm dialed in on a 5'10" but my step up is a 6'2". I'm only 6ft. What is your thickness now? without knowing your surf abilities... I would recommend the 6'3. (safe size for your description) Old tale says 6" above you height is ideal. But, we all know that to be a old tale. I guess what it really comes down to is what feels right for you. And your style of surfing. Since you stated you would like a skatey feel I would go with a smaller board. 6'0 - 6'2 range. but if your looking to transition from a longboard i would go a little bigger like 6'4.

 

True....that part he is describing is called the center point. Just tell the shaper you want the center point moved up slightly.

 

I would hold off on the glassed fins...if that's what you are referring to. since you want to play around with the feel first. I always like that I can swap out fins for the different conditions/trips that i take. so I was never a fan of glassed on fins. they are a PIA to travel with too.

But hey everyone isn't the same so do what makes you happy.

 

SB have you talked to Wynn at all? You said money was an issue but now is such great time to work with local guys since their summer orders aren't in yet and they are usually hurting for money. You should get a better deal.