Reply To: Riding the right board for the wave

[Joseph Santa Maria]

This is a really interesting topic. Rather than have a quiver of all different sizes of boards, It’s been helpful for me to focus on different types of longboards around similar dimensions geared for different purposes or different waves. I was searching for a perfect all arounder for a long time and that was super fun and helpful, but now I’m more interested in having boards that are tuned for certain waves or spots like Brian mentioned.

Generally I’ve found that longer and flatter boards are fun for points and reefs and boards with rocker and edge are more fun for beach breaks regardless of board and wave size.

Reefs and points are usually higher quality and you can ride a variety of boards, classic, performance, hybrid, glider, or anything really, where I think having a longboard that works great at a beach break on an average day is a slightly different animal.

Most boards will work in quality waves, it’s when the waves are marginal or over shoulder high that I think the “performance” or “hybrid” boards have a slight edge on the “classic” design elements. The difference between a board with a little bit of roll and 5050 rails and one with a flat bottom and edge is very noticeable though. If you are really into the feeling of glide and being more connected to the wave a more performance board may not be your thing even in a pitchy beach break.

I really liked Ben’s video describing different longboard types and Brian has one trying two boards of the same model at different lengths. I think those are both very helpful vids.

For me I think I could get away with 2 boards, a more traditional board around 10’+ and a performance or hybrid longboard a little shorter, 9’6”-10”. I think it would be hard not to have a 5050 rail board for the special feeling and stability/glide and also hard not to have a performance board that doesn’t fight you on big days and has a good smooth cutback. My two cents! I wish I could have one of every board in every size lol.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Joseph Santa Maria.