Getting myself a nice longboard this summer for those small mushy days here on long island. What do you all recommend? I'm thinking around 8'6" but open for opinions!
Same height, I got a 8'1" McTavish that works really well, but if you want a "true" longboard I suggest 9'
I've got a 9'4'' and works great. Just make sure you look for a longboard with lots of volume and width.
That is, of couse, if you're not the best at longboarding and you just want to make it through the summer
I would get something in the 9'0" to 9'4" range. There are SO many more longboards being built in that length, giving you way more options. Second, if you decide to sell the board, most people looking to buy a log are going to want something 9 foot or longer. Well maintained longboards are easy to sell for decent money after many years of use, used 8'6"s not so much.
Can't go wrong with a 9'0" in any conditions. Super fun to take out in overhead waves too (If you're a competent surfer). But getting out is sometimes a *****. Turtle rolls are your friend. ~Brian www.greenlightsurfsupply.com Shape Your Surfing Experience
Amen! Surfed a 9'2" NSP in double overhead surf in Guiones . . . Getting out was . . . Getting worked ! My turtle rolled so much it was waaaaay dizzy. But I could catch and get down the line, cut back . . . And that isn't a true hplb.
I'm 5'7" and I have a 8'6" for those mushy days .... alot of fun walking the nose to try to hang 10. My buddy has a 9.0' ... really not that much difference if you ask me .... I'd go with the 9.0'
Make sure it's not too long to fit in your vehicle so you can lock it up while you chow down after a go out. Go with some nose rocker so it can take a decent drop, and some tail rocker so it will turn. Otherwise it's just a log to noseride on knee to waist high grovel. A finbox plus two removable side fins set up (Future fins are faster than FCS) will give you lots of options for different sizes and conditions. A small battery powered trolling motor can help you paddle out during rough days.
