Difference between narrow and wide boards

[Taigh]

Hi
Im just wondering what is the difference between a narrower board and a wider board. Does one have more balance or speed or something else.

[surfdaisy06]

Well im guessing a wider board is more bouyant than a narrower board. Probably making it easier for u to stand up.
I dont know if im rite but thats my thoughts on the matter
Hope that helps

[RUSS-D]

More width means it is more stable, but harder to turn. Narrow boards will "knife" through the water better, and faster, but are harder to ride for begginers. I have a good variety of boards, and my wide fat Fish catches anything, as little as knee high. But my NXTC, and B.A.T. shorties need some "juice" to get going. The Fish won't snap like a shorty, and the shorty won't glide over the mush like the fFish. I am still looking for the perfect inbetween board.

[isaluteyou]

I am still looking for the perfect inbetween board.

as am i

[thaya]

hmmmmmmmmmm I'm no expert, but I've found that my wide longboard is much more stable and bouyant, but turns very slowly, and my other board which is quite a bit narrower is less bouyant, very unstable (would be pretty much impossible for a complete beginner) but turns quickly and moves around the water with the slightest touch here and there...

[Laguna]

The wider the board the easier it is to paddle on
The thicker the board the more boyant it will be and paddle easier
The longer the board the easier it is to catch waves on

You will have more balance on a wider and thicker board obviously.
You will get more speed on a narrower pointier board
You will be able to turn easier on a shorter board
You will be able to stand up easier on a board that has more volume (thickness)

[Phil]

You will get more speed on a narrower pointier board

theres so many other factors to consider when talking about speed ie concaves, fin setups, tail shape etc

[isaluteyou]

You will get more speed on a narrower pointier board

theres so many other factors to consider when talking about speed ie concaves, fin setups, tail shape etc

so true

[RUSS-D]

You will get more speed on a narrower pointier board

theres so many other factors to consider when talking about speed ie concaves, fin setups, tail shape etc

so true

Yes thats true, but for the basics that about covers it. Once you get into countours, fins, tail aand even how much rocker that is all fine tuning IMO.

[kitesurfer]

Most of these points are all fairly accurate but as this was posted up in the shortboarding thread, one very important point has been missed out.
This is the relationship between rocker and width.
An absolute no no is a shortboard with lots of rocker and width. Fish work well with the extra width as they have very flat rockers and glide over the water better, but a short board which is wide and also has lots of rocker will push water infront of it rather than lift over the top and will be slow and paddle very badly.
So when considering the width of a shortboard you should also make sure you check out the rocker line. Personally i wouldn't put more than 19 1/2 to 19 3/4 width into a shortboard which has a good amount of rocker, ie. 4 1/2 inches in the nose.


KS

[RUSS-D]

thanks for the info kitesurder. That was something I didn't know. I guess you can allways learn something if you keep your eyes, and ears open to suggestion.

[surferdude_scarborough]

yup n ks knows his stuff. awesome boards.