What's the best surfboard for me right now?

I would suggest this board as all the 6' models would be impressed.

www.surfingmagazine.com/video/paul-fisher-****-board-243/

 

You sir, win swellinfo^

 

kinda feel I'm being trolled, but I'll bite.

personally, I wouldn't trust some newbie "shaper dude" to make me a board for half what he's charging...and please tell me he's not glassing it, too(?) There are too many fantastic boards from extremely experienced shapers at that same price range (or less) for me to be giving my money to a backyard shaper to make me some unintentionally asymmetrical brick.

The EPS vs PU issue is a legit concern since EPS boards are frequently so light, they paddle much easier. Switching to PU, you could find yourself with a board that catches half the waves you're catching on EPS (although, you'll probably get used to it, eventually).

 

Pretty much this...I'll just add that the fact that he only does PU should be a warning for you...EPS/epoxy is a BASIC surfboard construction. Virtually any shaper with enough experience to justify spending $650 for a basic custom shortboard should have experience building EPS/ epoxy boards. I assume if your looking to improve your surfing, then you'll be surfing a lot of small-medium waves, and EPS / epoxy really is what a lot of people you want for that, especially if you are used to EPS, and especially if your actually going to spend $600+ bucks. My advice - keep looking. The NY/NJ area should be full of shapers with tons of experience building EPS boards for local conditions.

 

If you really want an EPS shape 6' @ 40 liters then maybe a Hayden hypto krypto. Very light, fairly durable and a shape suitable for kooks (wide-ish nose & not to narrow) trying to get better. They also will work in a variety of surf. I have seen a few fold on some burly surf but only because the pilot crashed them really hard. Even seen a few on the used rack here and there. I would bet they are available online click to buy. They might be made in Thailand but they are the best asian boards out there from what I see. Or check out WRV, they can do a marko EPS foam/wood stringer epoxy stick and you can still wave the 'Murican flag. Just had a pal get one and it was a little rough around the edges but pretty solid.

 

one compromise is Hydroflex "natural". It's PU foam with epoxy resin. Many people do epoxy over PU these days, but Hydroflex vacuum bags the excess resin out, creating a board that's lighter and stronger than standard PU/PE, but heavier than EPS.

Hydroflex doesn't have any dealers in NY, but there are four shops in NJ selling them (3 Brave New World locations and Ocean Hut). Not sure if you're gonna find a new Hydroflex for $650, but it's possible.

While you're at the surf shops, might want to consider something in XTR or Keahana. They're EPS, but supposedly use extra glass which not only strengthens, but adds a little weight to balance what would be an otherwise too light board.

 

Buy a Grain surfboard in Maine. You might even get to meet Chuck "the beav" Taylor while you are there. After he threatens to beat you up, maybe he can give you surf lessons. He is such a rippah!! And from Maine to boot!!

 

That just sounds scary. Follow Water Baby's advice.

Used boards are great, and way less money too. Spending more money won't replace years of experience.