Need a New Surf Board. Looking for Suggestions

[Evening Shade]

1st board, easy to learn, cheap, most guests enjoy, go to board in our batch?

Hyperlite Broadcast. Before you spend another $100k on stuff you may not like


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Interesting suggestion, but makes sense.

[JoeA]

I've ridden the Shim and do like it. I still prefer my other Phase 5 boards but it's all a matter of opinion.

[tcaviness]

In response to your question, I'd say the Ronix Carbon Thruster is the board I use most. Not sure if the new technora version has the same fin boxes, if so it should be more durable than the carbon fiber board. The thing is that I am by no means an expert. The only reason for my post was I read you were looking for a surf style board and thinking about the model X. I was in the same boat last summer and was disappointed when I found the model X to be more skim style than I had expected. Read some of swat guy's posts from the last couple years. I've found his, and many other members, posts helpful when trying to decide. That hyperlite shim sounds like a good board since one of my favorite features of the thruster is the multiple fin configurations. We have been able to get that board to feel wildly different by experimenting with fin placement. My plan is to probably pick up a custom surf board this summer, maybe a shim and always looking for something else. BTW, quality on the P5 seems great and there are things I like about the model X, just don't like it as a "surf style" board. Of the boards we have, I'd prob only buy the thruster, model X and sweet spot ultra (assuming in does well) again. I wouldn't re-purchase the volt or powertail. Just my .02

[swatguy]

In response to your question, I'd say the Ronix Carbon Thruster is the board I use most. Not sure if the new technora version has the same fin boxes, if so it should be more durable than the carbon fiber board. The thing is that I am by no means an expert. The only reason for my post was I read you were looking for a surf style board and thinking about the model X. I was in the same boat last summer and was disappointed when I found the model X to be more skim style than I had expected. Read some of swat guy's posts from the last couple years. I've found his, and many other members, posts helpful when trying to decide. That hyperlite shim sounds like a good board since one of my favorite features of the thruster is the multiple fin configurations. We have been able to get that board to feel wildly different by experimenting with fin placement. My plan is to probably pick up a custom surf board this summer, maybe a shim and always looking for something else. BTW, quality on the P5 seems great and there are things I like about the model X, just don't like it as a "surf style" board. Of the boards we have, I'd prob only buy the thruster, model X and sweet spot ultra (assuming in does well) again. I wouldn't re-purchase the volt or powertail. Just my .02

thansk for the shout out.

Homestly in the Hyperlite line the the Volt and Buzz were two of the biggest let downs I have surfed . I was expecting the Volt to really impress me even with my surf style bias , but I was left scratching my head.

[hondaprlud]

We have a broadcast as the boat board, and I ride a Inland Surfer Sweet Spot. It was my step up board back in 2009 (after I outgrew the Hyperlite) and still my go to. I don't have a ton of experience with other boards, but everytime I get on someone else's board I decide I don't need a different one.

[hondaprlud]

thansk for the shout out.

Homestly in the Hyperlite line the the Volt and Buzz were two of the biggest let downs I have surfed . I was expecting the Volt to really impress me even with my surf style bias , but I was left scratching my head.

Totally agree on the Volt. not a good board.

[lucky7t]

Inland surfer black pearl or sweet spot. You won't be sorry


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[Hogwild]

Everyone in my crew has learned on an Inland Surfer Black Pearl, great board to get started with, I recommend the Delta Fins for it, makes it a little faster and stable......We've all graduated to Soulcraft Boards and won't ever go back, best one's out there IMO but the Black Pearl is nice to have.

[Evening Shade]

I don't think I've ever heard of Soulcraft. I will have to give them a look.

[Hogwild]

https://www.soulcraftboarding.com/

Call or email Jeff Wahlers, owner/board maker, tell him your exact height weight skill level etc and he will custom make one for you, I've tried several different boards and nothing compares to his. He can do custom graphics or you can design your own. Takes a couple months to get a board from him, ordering now would be ideal for the spring. Buxton Marine in Dallas also carries a few of his boards.

[funkster]

Everyone in my crew has learned on an Inland Surfer Black Pearl, great board to get started with, I recommend the Delta Fins for it, makes it a little faster and stable......We've all graduated to Soulcraft Boards and won't ever go back, best one's out there IMO but the Black Pearl is nice to have.

The OP said he wanted something far from a skimmer. I think the black pearl is the epitome of a skimmer?

I can land shuv it's and 360's and I had a heck of a time getting acclimated to the black pearl. I'll have to give this fin set up a try, thanks for the info! Many first time surfers I had out couldn't even ride the pearl.

To the OP, just remember many factors factor in when choosing the right board. I would suggest calling some of the surf companies and tell them what you're looking for in a board. They will ask you a number of questions but if you answer them honestly, I'm sure they can narrow down your search. You might want to give wakemakers a call also, those guys test out a ton of boards and factor in wave size, shape, riding ability etc..

[Evening Shade]

The OP said he wanted something far from a skimmer. I think the black pearl is the epitome of a skimmer?

I can land shuv it's and 360's and I had a heck of a time getting acclimated to the black pearl. I'll have to give this fin set up a try, thanks for the info! Many first time surfers I had out couldn't even ride the pearl.

To the OP, just remember many factors factor in when choosing the right board. I would suggest calling some of the surf companies and tell them what you're looking for in a board. They will ask you a number of questions but if you answer them honestly, I'm sure they can narrow down your search. You might want to give wakemakers a call also, those guys test out a ton of boards and factor in wave size, shape, riding ability etc..

You make a good point. Maybe I should've given a little background on myself before I posted the question. I have been wakeboarding for several years and am no expert, but I'm very comfortable with board sports. I will be getting a new GS20 this spring to replace my 2011 210. I know the GS20 is not the surf machine that the G23 is, but it fits the budget and my storage area. I'm told that the GS20 will produce a much better wave with more push than my 210. I have not been able to get much push out of my 210 with extra sacs on top of the hard tanks and a suckgate device. I haven't been able to surf it without a rope and consequently I've just lost interest. That could be because of the wave I'm working with or my board which is an O'brien Nalu Ltd. Its a skim board and I'm sure that its not a very good one at that.

I was thinking that if I got a surf style board that was fast and fun I would catch the surfing bug. I can't really call a board company up and tell them what I like or don't like because I don't know at this point. I feel comfortable getting up and surfing so I don't really want a very beginner board that will get boring in a short while. Likewise I may not need a pro board either. I'm just looking for something that's fun and that will help me catch the surf bug. I would like to stay with one of the following brands if possible: Hyperlite, Ronix, Phase 5, Byerly, Inland Surfer, Slingshot, or Liquid Force. The reason for this is I will get a $1000 store credit at Ambush Board Co. with the purchase of my boat and they carry those brands.

Thanks again guys.

[hondaprlud]

IS sweet spot. I also struggled dropping the rope with my beginner board. but as soon as I got the sweet spot it was next level. I was so stoked on it back then I posted this.

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...hat-an-upgrade

[tcaviness]

I heard the P5 Aku was a good board but never was able to see or demo it. That Ahi board on their website might be along the same line. At $900+ it's a bit of a gamble without trying it though. The shim may be a safer bet at $550.

[Evening Shade]

I heard the P5 Aku was a good board but never was able to see or demo it. That Ahi board on their website might be along the same line. At $900+ it's a bit of a gamble without trying it though. The shim may be a safer bet at $550.

I'm really leaning toward the Shim. Swatguy really recommended it, plus I could pick up a HL Relapse and still come in under $1k.