First Shortboard Construction

[CyrusRez]

Hi, I've been surfing for 6 months and because of covid situation in Sydney, Ive been able to improve drastically since I've spent a lot of time surfing. I've been surfing a 9foot epoxy longboard from NSP and I think in next 3 months I'll be ready to move down to a shortboard. I'm planning to move down to a 6foot 37vol board from Album called "Twinsman" with a twin fin setup.
I wanna ride the board till it dies, I'm just caught inbetween construction type and glassing for the board. I don't know if it's better to go with a EPS/Innegra or PU/Poly construction. I've read almost every forum about this but I just wanted to get folks opinion on this since Im spending good money on the board and waiting for it for 4 months to be delivered.

I'm planning to use the board for learning turning on 1-3 foot waves. what are your opinions?

[Lebowski]

Well, first of all, you can learn turning on your longboard. The notion that 'longboards are difficult to turn and shortboards are easy to turn' probably comes from rubbish surfers who can't turn a longboard because they're standing too far forward, but can flail around a bit and believe they're turning a shortboard.

Second of all, a drop from 9ft to 6ft is massive. You will probably be reducing the volume by half. Everything will be more difficult from catching the wave to average length of ride (which will be reduced a lot). Shorter rides = less time to learn to turn.

If you're determined to drop so much volume then I wouldn't worry too much about PU or EPS. You will have to relearn to some extent how to ride a board which is so much smaller, so a relatively minor difference like construction is neither here nor there.

[CyrusRez]

Thank you, that is great insight. It's been 2 months since my Blackfoot is on the tail I'm turning on the waves except I can't ride the face of the waves. I just keep turning in the bottom and get midway to the face at best.

How much volume would you suggest reducing for an early intermidate for a shorter board?
And I asked about board construction because I've been reading in forums about PU/Poly boards volume reducing overtime because of the pressure we put on the boards even though they're easier to repair and have better ride quality overall.
I wanted to know about board glassing as well. Do you suggest a traditional 6+4/4oz or a heavier glassing?
I appreciate the help.

[waikikikichan]

1) Can you borrow a 6 foot board from a surfing pal to see how you can paddle and take off.
( You do realize, the take off spot and the steepness of the wave is much different between a 9 footer and 6 footer )

2) So if the “Standard”glassing is 6+4/4 , is the heavier glassing 6+6/6 ? Or is it 6+6/6 that the board maker is offering?

3) Have you been watching “Kale Brock” how-to surf YouTube videos ?

[CyrusRez]

Yea I did watch Kale Brock and various other surfing channels and going through forums. I have no doubt about having to relearn things to adapt to a shorter board. I will hold off on buying this board till I rent a 6footer, seems like the way you guys put it is that I will be slowing down my progress by going that short instead of accelerating.
How much volume would you reduce? Would a fish be a better option than a shortboard or an entirely different board?
They're heavier glassing is 6+4/6oz and then 6+6/6oz.

[waikikikichan]

How much volume would you reduce?

If you are not doing cutbacks, Forget About Volume. Learn the basics first.

Yea I did watch Kale Brock

Would a fish be a better option than a shortboard or an entirely different board?

I think your short(er) is easier for turning and Fishes are better for beginners to advance on mindset comes from watching Kale Brock. You should ask HIM what Volume you should reduce and would a fish be a better option than a shortboard. He does respond back to comments.

YThey're heavier glassing is 6+4/6oz and then 6+6/6oz.

I'm planning to move down to a 6foot 37vol board from Album called "Twinsman" with a twin fin setup.
I wanna ride the board till it dies,

How long you realistically plan on surfing this board you want to order ? A year, 2 years, 5 years ?

[CyrusRez]

Fair enough, I will try longboard cutbacks as hard as they seem on the current longboard next few months (constantly juggling between noseriding then moonwalking back to the tail) then when things open up I will rent a fish and a shortboard to feel the difference. I'll shoot Kale a comment about fish boards.
I wanted to get 2 years out of the board.

[waikikikichan]

I will try longboard cutbacks as hard as they seem on the current longboard

Open your mind to what is possible.