Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy a new board that I can travel with and I was hoping to get some words of wisdom. I mostly surf Folly beach and I have a 5'8 CI Biscuit which is great for to small mushy waves we usually get, and I have a standard 5'9 Quest for the better days. But I am going to be making some trips up to OBX soon so I figure I am going to need something a little longer and faster. So I was wondering what size board yall would recommend. I am 5'8 about 145lbs. I was thinking 6'2 - 6'6? I've never been up that direction so I dont really know what to expect, any advise would be great! Thanks!
How about a 6'2" Al merrick Red Beauty? my friend has one and he loves it it can catch small and big waves alike just a suggestion.
im no authority on this by no means, but maybe something with a pin tail or narrower tail, since the waves seem to be a lot steeper and hollower there in the obx. again, that is just my thinking and im not really familiar with obx either. good size i think, personally i like riding "bigger" short boards when its bigger
Pin tail for sure if it's gonna be your step up board. Also, I would suggest no longer than 6'4 based on your height and weight. And in response to 81st local, the red beauty would probably be an excellent choice for an all around shortboard, but if you have other shortboards that work when it's small, I would say go with something thats designed more for the waves you're describing. Such as the black beauty, perhaps in the 6'3... http://www.cisurfboards.com/sb_blackbeauty.asp
I'm 5'9 160, and I have similar board to teh two that you mentioned. Since the waves in Folly are much different usually than those in OBX, I would definately go at least a few inches in length, a bit more rail and some volume, but don't go too big. We are similar in size, so I will just give you my advice. I typically surf reef breaks when its large, but since you are going to be going to sand bars, which are heavier and faster than you usually surf, I would go at least 6'3. I mean, a 6'2 is what I surf in solid HH to OH beach breaks in the winter. When I go up to a 6'5 when it gets bigger, the take off are easy, but you lose a ton of agility. THe main point in surfing the waves you are looking for is being able to paddle into them, but once you are in them, you dont want to sacrifice performance for ease of paddle. Cause there is nothing more annoying than being outrun by a barrel while you are in it. So, I would say for a lad such as yourself at 5'8, a 6'2-6'3 would be ideal. Unless you are only hitting OBX when its macking hurricane swell, then you can get up to a 6'8 or something, but if you aren't charging out there with a helmet on going for broke, I would say anymore than a 6'3 and you might hate the board. So, 6'3 is my final answer sir... But if you are just going to be surfing chest to HH days up in OBX you can get by with a 6'1-6'2 for sure.... The 6'2 for me is almost as large as I will go before I step up to a full on 7'2 mini gun.... Cause once you padde out into the really large stuff, the last thing on your mind is snapping off the top of hollow lips. You have one goal, drop in, line up and haul ass is a somewhat straight line and hope to keep you limbs intact... So, I think you are talking about the lighter of the two situations.
I'm about your size and honestly I wouldn't go any bigger than a 6'2. Since the water is starting to cool off you're prolly gonna be wearing a wetsuit (never go to be banks without one) adding a little thickness to the board wouldn't hurt at all. I usually ride a 5'10 or a 6'0 when I'm at the banks and have no issues with either board. When it starts to get 8-10+ I would definitely think about a 6'3 rounded pin
6'1" al merrick mbm+ has alot of volume without having to go longer I have a few freinds that sware on those boards.
Thanks yall, this is all really helpful. I think I'm gonna look for a 6'1 6'2. Because I am really not that tall, I seriously doubt I would be able to maneuver anything bigger. I really like the black beauty but everything CI is a little pricy. I might check in with a local shaper friend of mine or hit up the shops of folly for used boards.
Js I have a 6'2 18 1/2 2 5/8 JS Combat thumbtail. I'm looking to get rid of. I'm 5'10 170 and love the board if I was in OBX. I want to get something shorter with more volume. Wilm is never HH! Email me at surf27858@yahoo.com
Dude, get an Lost XTR. I ride a 6'0 phish in everything in wilm to OBX. Its the all around best board!! Super Uber strong and no worries on the dings, Its close cell tech. that does take on water!! Kindy Spendy but sooo worth it, Also great travel boards!!! **** all the CIs and JSs. Overrated.
