Surfboard Dimensions

any small change in the dimensions will make a difference. you are a smaller body type, so any of these 9'+ long boards are going to float you easily.

 

Well. . .

The more volume you have, the more floatation you will get, and it would seem the better it would paddle, especially in little summertime mushy waves. But, you are not a super big guy, so you can most likely get away with a slightly narrower, thinner longboard which will be more responsive and ride/turn better for you. I am 5-7 and have a 9-6x23x3.25 log and I cannot carry it under my arm--i have to prop it on my hip or carry it on my head. Another slight disadvantage for a small guy on a wide board is that you may not paddle it as fast as a narrower board because you cannot get a nice deep draw with each paddle stroke.

I would definitely go with narrower and thinner for a fellow your size. I like a flatter rocker for faster paddling and cruising paired with knifey rails for grip when the wave face gets a little bit steeper. Don't skimp on glassing. A heavier board will last longer and I like the glide.

This is my $0.02. You will have a pocket full of pennies on this one before long.

 

For someone your size a 9'4 x 23x 3 will be perfect It will be a happy medium far and paddling and manuverbilty. Just remeber the heavier the glass you might wanna make it a bit thicker to compinsate for the added weight to the board

Also pay with different fins to get the performance you are looking for out of the board you decide on.

 

Paying it forward

Wow Matt! If he's going to "pay" [sic] with fins, that could get pretty expensive. Sorry, but the English teacher in me just cannot overlook the inherent humor of language. Just keep those golden nuggets coming. And while you're at it, pray for some surf.

 

Yeah I was multi tasking when I typed that. Actually, It wouldnt cost him alot if he wanted to "play" with fins. Ebay has super deals on fins and there is a website where you you cant rent fins for as long as you like for a fee.

 

if i were you, i'd go w/ something like a 9'2"-9'4"x23"x3" or so...depending on what you want to do w/ the board. i'm 30lbs heavier than you & about 6" taller & ride a 9'6"x23.25"x3.25" heavily glassed log w/ a wide tail. a full-on noserider. but that's what i wanted-a cruiser. go shorter, narrower, & thinner if you want an hp style longboard. go w/ something similar to the dims i mentioned if you want a cruiser.

& i would agree w/ matt...play (not pay) w/ fins...if you buy a fin & don't like it in that board, hang on to it. my experience has been that you'll eventually find something that it works well in. i've got a box full of fins that i'm not using...bonzer fins, flex fins, fcs fins, futures fins, all kinds of fins just waiting for the right board to come along. fins are fun!

 

I have a 9'4" Donald Takayama NR-2 that I've been thinking about selling. It's about 22 1/2" wide and 3" thick. Volan glass with a cool grey resin swirl. Email me if u r interested.