Is My Board too big??

[paul_surf808]

I am 5 foot and 8 inches, i weigh 125 pounds. My board is shaped by Jon Pyzel. It is a 6'4' thruster and it is 2 3/8 inches thick. Is this board too long/thick to be a good rippable board for my size?

[behindThePeak]

Depends on the waves you ride and how you ride. But you could probably go smaller if you wanted. that seems long for you to me.

Maybe go rent a 5'10 and see how it feels.

[Rico]

It is definitely too long. Sounds like a step up board for someone who is way heavier than you are. A decent shortboard for you would be under 6' but your question suggests that you'd be better off on a beginner board, so try a hybrid or minimal.

[Kaaimans]

Depends. How long have you been surfing and how well do you surf? If you surf well, in waves over 4ft, and can rip, then yea, it is a bit long. But, if you are moving down from a minimal or something, then it is a good size. I will advocate you keep on using that board, and try and turn it. Do a lot of leg exersises as well. I feel one must first be able to carve hard on a board that is to long for him, before moving down to shorter boards, if you so desire. I like a bigger board, because I feel more power, and I can carve harder. When I use a smaller board, and I add some force to my turns, the thing flies everywhere. When I was riding a 6'4" (I'm 6'2" and weigh 85kg. Don't know how many pounds that is.) and I gave a carve some power, I ended up throwing my tail WAY out, and ended up with a tailslide, while I wanted a hard carve. I lost a ton of speed that way and missed the next section. On my 6'6", which is much wider and thicker too, I can get way more speed from turns, and I throw much more spray. If I want to slide the tail I really have to give it my all. I feel that makes for better surfing. So stay with this board for a few months, and if it proves impossible to manouvre after you have gotten used to the extra bulk, then go for something smaller.
PS: If the board has a lot of rocker that helps, I prefer a big board with lots of rocker, as it moulds nicely to a big hollow tube, or a steep carve or bash.

[paul_surf808]

i am in hawaii and im 15 and i have been sufing since i was 9, and i surf the north shore, so im not a beginner if thats what you guys are asking?

[jaffa1949]

i am in hawaii and im 15 and i have been sufing since i was 9, and i surf the north shore, so im not a beginner if thats what you guys are asking?

Aloha Paul, the answer is right there in front of you You are in the ultimate proving ground, for boards skill and gonadal involvement.
Pick several days where and when you would normally ride and take this board out and surf it, the answer will come to you very quickly.

Shorter and less volume may be the answer, but will you still have that paddling speed to get the waves that the north shore kicks up , shorter means you have to be better able to handle the later and steeper drops.

BTW what is your favourite break there

[paul_surf808]

My favorite break on the NS has to be either Ehukai (pipeline) because you can get shacked or Ali'i Beach in Hale'iwa b/c the waves are super long

[jaffa1949]

Quick, I hear the Wolfpack whistling. Getting "Shacked" at Pipe is a little like getting Condoed. (A Condominium that is).
Post a pic of you getting shacked, would love to see it

[surferdude_scarborough]

forgive me for my cynicism, but if you have been surfing since you were 9 and surf the north shore, you shouldn't need to ask, on an internet forum of all places, whether your board is too big.

[jaffa1949]

forgive me for my cynicism, but if you have been surfing since you were 9 and surf the north shore, you shouldn't need to ask, on an internet forum of all places, whether your board is too big.

I am cynical about this too, I was calling "bullsh" in a more convoluted way, the Wolfpack would eat him, but HEY a 15 year old can dream though