Hey guys,<br /><br />Just bought a rusty 6'3\" Tuflite shortboard, dims- 18.75 W 2.18 thick. This is my first shortboard, but have riden before. After buying, I was told by a friend that this board is no good for northeast surfing, specifically newport r.i. due to wave size. This contradicts my research and what seller told me (lives in newport). Any one else have input?<br /><br />
Those dimensions are pretty much a "step-up" board for overhead waves where your regular shortboard might not work as well. From the picture, that things got a seriously pulled in nose. I'm not sure a shape like that makes much sense as your first/only shortboard. As far as northeast surfing goes...well..on those days with the northeast is big and hollow, it might be a good choice, if you like the feel of a tuflite step up board. Its not a shape most people would pick for the the majority of the stomach-shoulder high days we get a lot on the east coast. Most boards with that kind of shape are pretty rockered out, made for riding in steep critical waves, and might be on the slow side and frustrating in mushier waves, even "normal" waves.
More than likely it's not the shape that's the problem......It's the name. As a previous Tuflite owner It's my opinion and lots of others as well that tuflite boards are just a bad purchase. Bought one and sold it the same week. Very hard to get into waves of any kind really. Doesn't paddle well in chop and even a slow get out on a glassy day. I'd recommend getting something else......of any kind. Sure you'll have a couple people that say they like them but personally it was the worst board I've ever owned.
Can't agree more...Tuf-Lite is garbage...hate the way it feels, hate the way it floats, hate everything about it.
remember the only people in the world that will tell you what you want to hear are the people trying to sell you something....
Ktodd, I wouldn't get so hung up surfing the "wrong board." How much do you weigh? Yes the board is probably suited for steeper waves but if this board is your first shortboard the most important thing is just getting accustomed to shortboard take offs and riding the face. As for board construction, its a matter of preference.
im 175. im expecting a challenge with this board, im not worried about that aspect. im sure ill get used to it after a few times out. i just was really concerned with how my buddy acted when I showed him this, almost a look of disgust and it kind of freaked me out. i didnt think i was that far off with the purchase. thanks everyone for the input. ill give it a try, see how it goes. worse case senario im sure i can sell.
You can sell it if need be. It's the wrong shape for a first shorty that's for sure. You should have gotten a fish of some sort. As far as the tuflite tech, you may like it. I don't and I have a had two of them. But I have a couple of friends who ride them and rip and really like the quirky floatyness. Also, that board was not shaped, it was made in a factory in Asia. It is a pop out. This is a can of worms I am opening but one could argue that you took the money out of the hands of an american shaper and surfer and used it to support a low paying overseas job. Then again you bought it used. If I was you I would sell it and get a round nosed fish of some sort. Joust my opinion
dude i wouldnt give up on it just yet im 195 ride a 6/5 18 1/2 2 1/2 def gonna need to be at least waisthigh and the learning curve will be alot more but when you finally get it dialed youll be SURFING not just standing up and floating in a direction the harder it makes you work in the ****tier days the better you surfing will be when its finally on
Well... you've already bought it, so just ride it and learn from it. You still have your old board(s), right? When it's good (up into the shoulder to head high range), try the Rusty. When it's small and crappy, ride what you've been riding. As for the construction, if you're relatively new to surfing (not had many boards) you might not be so used to the feel of traditional construction that you'll feel uncomfortable with the change.
i totally agree- you already got it and who cares what other peoples "opionions" are regarding the board- i personally would ride it in anything above chest hi... and I would not want to ride it as a step up in big surf- DOH (I would opt for something a little bigger even)...but thats my personal opionion... And who cares what people say about a tuflite or anything else. I happen to like them for certain types of waves and in the summer when I dont want to ding my fiberglass boards with the crowds... infact I have been riding a tuflite most of the winter too just cause I have had alot of fun on it and catch way more waves then the other guys riding thier 5'8 potato chips while wearing thier 5mils... It looks like the perfect board to learn on if you have not ridden short board before- plus its a tuflite with while my not be as high performance as a fiberglass board- it does offer much more float- which is what you need to learn... just go for it! Take it out and enjoy your new board! I personally would love to add that board to my quiver!
IDK what board you are coming off of before this but this looks like a pretty nice short board meant for better conditions, my only concern would be how narrow it is. This board looks like something you'd bring out once the conditions get chest -head+, for some it may be a "step-up" board, but not for everybody. If it's less than chest high, i'd recommend you bring out the small wave boards you are accustom to, if you kept it / them. It's good to have options because no one board will be perfect for every condition.
I'd rather have tradtional or epoxy construction but they are good boards for shorepoundy or dumpy waves (especially if you don't like wearing a leash) and back up travel boards (I always take my tuffy along with my traveler cause if worst comes the Tuffy is virtually indestructible). The construction...matter of preference...I like flex but I don't really miss it if I don't have it... just adjust my surfing accordingly. Weird floatyness? Yup...but you'll get use to it...adjust surfing accordingly and can use it to pop into waves or just ride one undersize to compensate (I think mine was suggested for a 155-160 lbs range and I am 175 but have ridden at 190ish but those were solid waves not east coast mush)
