2018 G23 vs. 2021 G23 surf / skim wave only

[greggmck]

Of course there are always exceptions to any rule of thumb. Jodi surfs a wave 8 but at a faster speed 11.6 to flatten it out. She is also the very best female skim rider on the planet. John is a bigger guy and surfs a steep wave too, also at the very top of his game. The only other pro I know that surfs a very steep wave is Keenan. I have pulled Keenan and Jodi in practice and competition. I have not pulled John but I know he does surf a steep wave as well.

The VERY best riders can pump up the wave for greater amplitude (an element of judging). I'm not making this rule of thumb up, Pre Covid we would surf with or drive in competition for many Pros and Outlaw competitors. In competition each rider instructs the driver of the wave size they prefer, the vast majority surf a flatter wave.

Wakesurf Open Assignment list.

[greggmck]

surfnjosh BTW. You mentioned that "most SKIM style surfers prefer it steep". Actually this is exactly the opposite of my experience as a competition driver for many of the best outlaw and pro riders. Here is a link to the latest on-line video comp for the Pro Skim division. This event does not include the top three riders in the world but several top 10. NOT ONE of these riders is riding a steep wave. Take a look for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzQS...a24B11&index=8

Riders using a steep wave are either the very best in the world looking to increase their score by increasing the intensity (amplitude). They can do this because they have mastered ALL of their tricks on a flatter wave and increase the wave size to increase the height of airs and spins. This also makes spin tricks MUCH more difficult. If you watch the video above you will see Adam Wheeler (the first Pro rider) give the signal to flatten the wave to the driver by pumping his hand down. You will also notice that some riders "slide out of the wave" on a spin trick. This is because the wave was too steep.

You may personally like a steep wave. But that is only because it makes it easier to stay on it when you are learning. Once you start doing advanced tricks such as shuv in/outs, Front Suvs, Big Spins etc you will improve greatly on a flatter wave. If you get a pro to give you instructions, flattening the wave is the first thing they will have you do. All the best!

[surfnjosh]

When i say MOST skim style surfers i am referring to the general population though, not pros. haha most need that extra push.
Your also talking form a Paragon wave and im referring to a 21 G23 wave which are very different in my opinion as your paragon is naturally 1200 heavier it does produce a steeper stock wave as i have surfed behind a P23 and i own a 21 G23. As i said i myself skim on a 5 wave so i dont like it particularly steep as well if you noted my ballast setup i run more mid to front ballast than most and a little less rear ballast.... im no pro but im definately not a learner, i dont need that extra push to stay in it, but its useful when im coming out of a 720 spin late lol

I do get what you are saying though and i am going to take your advice and start surfing on a mellower wave of 1-3, especially when i pull out my surf style board. Ive seen your videos and obviously you know whats what. I dont surf style much i have a 53" phase 5 phantom and a 54" soulcraft hc pro but im 5 11" and 185 and feeling a bit big on both these days... been having trouble sticking landing after airs so by mellowing out that wave to a 1-3 makes sense actually, thanks for that. what board should i be riding? haha seriously though

[greggmck]

I'm close to your size and weight. I rode a 55" Phase Five Hammerhead when I used to skim. I would agree a 53 is board is boardline small for you. That may increase your desire for the steeper wave. A smaller board has more drag and will slid out less on a steep wave as it edges into the side of the wave. A larger board will slide more easily and have less drag so bigger board on a flatter wave may be the ticket for you. The Phase Five boards dominate competition SKIM. The Diamond, Hammerhead and Matrix are the go to boards. You can't go wrong with any of them.

[surfnjosh]

yes i love my phase 5 matrix 53" also have a 54" diamond but i solely ride the matrix for skim.... its my surf style board that im trying to find one i really like.... thinking a 4'7" or 4'8"

[greggmck]

4' 7" or 4' 8" would be ideal. Blusurf makes an awesome board. Soulcraft or Kanuck are good too if you don't want to go custom.

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[Tchur1]

I’ll be the first to admit that Gregg is a better source for boards recommendations than me, but I picked up a hyperlite 4’8” frother at the beginning of this season and love it for a surf style board. Really fast down the line, slashes well, can have fun spinning it. Might be worth looking into as well.

[greggmck]

I have no problem with Hyperlite. If I couldn't ride a Blusurf, Kanuck or Soulcraft I would ride a Hyperlite. They are one of the best general production boards. I only pick the others because they are about the same price and are completely focused on Wakesurf.

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[Tchur1]

That makes sense, I am able to get Hyperlite 20% off so that is why I have always steered in that direction over custom, but dont hate the idea of going custom for the next board.

Do you have any experience with the varial boards Hyperlite is making?

[greggmck]

When I think Hyperlite I think Varial. The rest of the Hyperlite boards are heavier, plastic variations. These are fine for learning and are very durable, but they are the equivalent to surfing on an ironing board. The Varial boards are made for Hyperlite by Varial Surf. They are a production version of custom made ocean surf boards. Riding a well designed surfboard can make a dramatic difference in fun and enjoyment compared to a plastic factory board. When we take riders on heavier plastic boards and put them on a well fit, purpose designed surf board they simply cannot believe the difference! With all the money spent on the boat, gas and operating costs, the board can make or break the experience. So I cannot compromise there.

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[Tchur1]

Ya I noticed a huge difference when I got on the frother, its not varial but it is a true glass board, built like my ocean surfboards and ive loved it, thinking of adding a varial to the quiver next year but now you have me thinking about soulcraft or blusurf

[William_Zane]

Tchur1 I am very new to the surfing world but we just picked up a G25 this summer. I decided to get myself a Blusurf board based on Gregg's recommendation and I can't speak highly enough about it. It is such a different feeling and allows you to do so much more. I progressed more in my first 2 days on that board than every session prior. Jonathan is the man and truly cares about the products he makes. You won't regret going this route.

[Tchur1]

Thats awesome to hear. I feel like I've started to plateau with my riding and want to think its my skill and not my equipment but maybe its worth investing in something like this to go to the next level.

[Gtsum2]

So much good info on this thread! I ride a custom
Soulcraft, but with some recent weight loss, it’s borderline too big now..I need to check out blusurf as I’m not familiar with them at all


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[kodiak]

So much good info on this thread! I ride a custom
Soulcraft, but with some recent weight loss, it’s borderline too big now..I need to check out blusurf as I’m not familiar with them at all


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Which model/size Soulcraft do you have? I'm 6'2 245 and that's as small as I get. All these boards are sold out for the year as far as I can tell.