Step-up/Semi-Gun Shapers

Everytime I got a custom board from my local shaper (three different guys over the years) for bigger surf, they wouldn't turn worth a damn. They would paddle great, make the drop, stick the bottom turn, and go straight. If you have the coin, I suggest an Al Merrick Channel Island step up in the 6'6" to 6'9" range, unless you're an old fart like me, then go 7'0". Don't get a Rusty. They suck. Don't get a ...Lost. They are for hot dog waves. And don't get a T&C unless it's consistently hollow where you surf.

 

I personally am not a fan of CI's glassing. It's not the strongest board, and when im on something big and hollow, I don't want it to break. If you're riding 10' ++ faces in PR at spots like tres and indicators, breaking a board is definitely something to worry about. JC makes custom shaped boards out of hawaii where the waves dont get much heavier. I've seen good Roberts products that last a while and feel great, and know a friend who only custom orders Roberts that always turn out sick. Their G-Step up is sick. If you want to go local I don't really have much advise, but I bought a DaveySky recently and the quality was superb, glassing was done carefully and strong. maybe he can shape your step-up. He has some good outlines and prices.

 

Lot of questions before anyone can give an educated answer.... how tall and heavy are you? what is your standard shortboard size/volume? what type of wave are you designing this board for? Slab wave/big beach break, where you need paddling power to get in quickly but a nimble board, or a bigger reef break? How long have you been surfing and how much experience (be honest) do you have in true DOH or bigger surf? PM me answers and I'm happy to help out. I've surfed everything from shortboards to step-ups to mini-guns to the newer style "big wave boards (think Chemistry's Zen/Zen Again or Super Brands PigDog).... And I've surfed these boards in everything from big NJ beach break to Central American reef breaks. Happy to give you some feedback.

 

I am with sisurf--not a Rusty fan.
I own a gun, by Tim Bessell in California-- I had it out in large PR surf and it was perfect FOR ME. 7'6" "Pocket Rocket". Google him view his boards. He is well known in California, but not on East Coast. He is expensive, but boards are well worth it.
Keep in mind, what is good for me, may not be good for you. He uses no computers to shape, all handcrafted boards.
Have fun. Shopping for a new board should be just that!!

 

Did not know that Tim Bessell still doesn't use shaping machines. Interesting, but his work has always been super clean. For the record, I still find that any board will turn well if you find her G-spot which is usually right over her fin cluster. Though some of those retro single fin malibu egg things were made to just not turn under any circumstances, trim only sir. And better nurse that bottom turn carefully on 'em, just like making love to an Amish broad.

 

Something tells me you speak from experience lol

 

No one does step ups better than Stretch. I have a 2x4 that I got for the conditions you're describing in PR, which I'm heading to in a few days. With the Cft(eps tech) the board is bombproof, I'm never scared of the breaking. The nice part about Stretch's CFT is it's heavier than other epoxy board so I never get hung up when it's windy. As far as step ups not turning great, not the 2x4 it's turns on a dime.

 

The Super Pigdog is a great option, and I believe some are shaped on the East Coast by Lynn Shell. Borrowed a 6'1" for Nica as a step up and it paddled and held a line great in 8-10' faces with hard offshores. Had confidence in it from first wave and it never disappointed. Just got my custom 5'10" which will get wet today or tomorrow, hopefully.

 

I too am not a CI glassing fan. Having said that, I have only owned one of their boards (K-Step), and I sold it soon after receiving it. Very poor glassing quality; very fragile board. As a step-up??

 

Coil makes step-ups and semi-guns, for big surf I would want them doing my board.

 

Something like this in a 6'6 or 6'8...

 

Very nice!! Is that a Coil??

 

7'0"?

 

Nah, but I agree it's a nice looking board!

 

So, who then, made it??
Do you know? If so...do tell!! Do tell!!

 

That actually came out of my garage. I usually only ride it in the biggest swells of the year, or if my old, aching shoulders are feeling beat up. But that board is a barrel rider of the highest order.

Yes... 7'0, PU/PE. I call that model the "East Coast Gun." Double concaved spiral vee bottom starting, and peaking, way forward of where your concaves would normally start.

 

LB, question....regarding "way forward" on the double concave (or single for that matter).

I'm about to get a "barrel riding" board shaped for Indo. I tend to be "front foot" surfer more than I would like but that is just me (I guess because of growing up on East Coast and always trying to "make" sections).

Anyway, I am looking to have single concave further up for this very reason. Does this make sense to you...What you do you think?