Recommended Board Size

[Mudharp]

I'm looking to get back onto a shortboard after riding an egg and/or hybrid for several years. I'm 5' 9" and about 178 and was looking at getting something between 6' 0" - 6' 4" . Any recommendations on best sizing? Also, what's your opinion(s) on EPS/Epoxy as opposed to polyurethane? I've always ridden the polyurethane foam boards so that's my only frame of reference...

Thanks,

Tom

[DreadManFred]

i have a 6'5" that i am willing to sell. im 5'6" and i need something a little bit bigger. the board has only been ridden once, and its custom. so its basically new.

[BoardatWork]

Epoxy surftech boards allow you to ride a couple of inches shorter than you normally would and keep the same bouyancy. They are also a little more rigid than poly boards... some like this some don't. If you're used to poly, and you like poly, i'd recommend sticking to poly until you are used to riding shortboard again.

Then you can try and have a go on a shop or friend's surftech to see what you think of them. To be honest, unless you're really good, i don't think the difference is noticeable (i can't tell the difference!).

If you have a local shaper, speak to them about getting a board for you that is suitable in your local conditions. If not, ask a few local surfers who are similar size to you the sort of boards they use (if you are friendly with any ).

[Mudharp]

Good info, thanks. I talked to a buddy last night that has a Rusty EPS Pirhana and I'm going to give it a ride and see what I think. I'll probably into the "I won't be able to tell a difference" category... I do like the possiblity of more durability than poly though.

[crepuscular]

If you are gonna get surftech boards, get a TL2 one, not TL... quite stiff; firewires are great as well, thinking about getting a 5'8 quad myself, currently riding a surftech UFO 6'4, couldnt duckdive it, too bouyant ><

[Mudharp]

I'm going to check out a 6' 2" Rusty aviso board on Saturday morning. these things are way expensive brand new but this one very reasonably priced. Anyone have experience riding CF boards?

[pkbum]

I'm going to check out a 6' 2" Rusty aviso board on Saturday morning. these things are way expensive brand new but this one very reasonably priced. Anyone have experience riding CF boards?

Very lovely to paddle, very hard to break(exception: those super big day might break it), you need good maintainence of the pressure plug so that it is in equilibrium and that the board won't change in size. The aviso customer service are superb! I heard that they replace if your board breaks from the wave.

Performance wise, it has that springy feel, once you pump on it you feel like the kinetic energy goes back to you so can have more speed and drive.

[Mudharp]

I got it! I'm stoked, it is perfect condition. Only ridden maybe 3 times. I had to drive 2 hours to get it but the price was way worth it - $600. Hope to take it out Monday after work if the waves cooperate.

[smallwavegrovellerchick]

I really like my EPS shortboard. It's light, quick, flexible, & high performance. Just make sure to patch up dings before going back in the water since the foam really sucks up water. It only paddles slightly better than my fiberglass board in the same dimensions but it's significantly lighter and has nice flex to it. Would have more than one if they weren't so expensive. I'm hoping a certain pro surfer gets tired of his so I can buy some off of him for cheaper.

[ANZAC]

Absolutely "over it" with my surftech Afterburner.
Got a new supplier lined up and switching back to conventional boards in a few days.
The Afterburner has been a good allrounder. Its a good board for getting fitness back, and I would recommend them to anyone new to surfing or needing the extra floatation, but now that the skill level has come back up, I wont be getting on another epoxy.