A couple of ?'s about boards

[acrorrusd]

Hi all,
Got a few questions for you if you don't mind answering them. I am comming out to Hawaii in Nov. , and wanted to buy a board when I get there. I have been surfing for around 23 years in the Gulf, and Eaast Coast of Florida. I in no way consider myself a great surfer, but I can catch my fair share of waves, and stick some good tricks. I am 5' 8" tall, and weigh around 160. What size, and shape do you think would be good, I want a board that works for the waves over there instead of bringing 1 of mine. I will not be surfing anythting giant as far as wave size goes, just looking for fun clean waves. I wouldn't mind getting a few shapers ph. #'s from you all, and talking to them also. I would love to have a custom board made from a Hawaiian shaper. I am going to talk to my shaper here tomorrow(Tom Neilson if any of you have heard of him), and see if he knows any also. Thanks for any help, and if you need any more info about me or my surfing abilities (or lack there of LOL) let me know.

[bammbamm808]

6.3 x 18.5 x 2.4
6.8 x 18.5 x 2.4
7.0 x 18.5 x 2.5
7.4 x 18.5 x 2.5
7.8 x 18.5 x 2.5

OR, minimum:

6.6 x 18.5 x 2.4
7.0 x 18.5 x 2.5
7.6 x 18.5 x 2.5

I'm 5'8", 165lbs. and this is what I ride. Width is probably more a matter of personal preference than anything else. You should probably ride widths similar to what you're used to. Some guys like to go wider on their bigger boards. Thickness to a lesser degree. Getting a wide, thick gun will get you into waves more easily, but they're not nearly as much fun to surf, cause Hawaiian waves are RIPPABLE, even at 10'+

A set like this is essential in Hawaii, at a bare minimum. Getting some bigger boards will enable you to have much more fun and spend less time sitting around waiting for it to get small, or driving around the island looking for wrap. You will be amazed how easily Hawaiian waves make a 7'+ gun seem tiny and insufficient. If you want to surf Sunset get a 22' board like everyone else out there. Helmet and paddle optional. Seriously, for Sunset something 8.0 to 8.6 is really what you want. I know heaps of shapers, as I am a glasser. I'd suggest Jeff Bushman for the bigger ones, and Jon Pyzel for the under 7'. Figure $300 and up for each board. You can probably sell the unbroken ones before you leave and recoup some of your cost.

Don't be stupid here, but DO push your limits in a calculated way, as it's what Hawaii is all about, and frankly there's a hell of a lot of big powerful surf here. It would be a shame to come here and be too conservative.

Contact me here on the board before you come, and I might have some used boards to sell you cheap. I have heaps, as I'm in the business, and I get new ones all the time. My boards should work great for you, as we're about the same size.

[acrorrusd]

bammbamm808, thanks for the info, and I will let you know when I am heading out there. I seriously don't think I will charge Pipe though. I have 2 freinds that have lived there for at least 10 years now, but I was checking outside sources for info. Hopefully my freinds can direct me around the island for some fun waves. At the moment my 2 favorite boards are, 1- a 6'6"x18 3/4"x 2 7/16" Epoxy thruster, and a 6'4" modern fish that I am too tired to go look at the dimesnsions on right now(I just got it a few weeks ago). Thsnks a lot for the reply Bamm.

[Bud]

it's your lucky day, you musta caught Bammbamm in a good mood

a wealth of experience and info there mang.

BUT good luck if you ever find that factory, it's very well hidden. last time I was tempted to swipe Bammbamm's navy blue Pyzel leaning by the stairs, no one woulda known !!!

[HMARK]

Well said Bammbamm, Do something, and dont get stupid, well said...

[maleko]

i know nothing about shortboards, i'm a longboarder, but i ride my 6'4" single fin in wave heights up to 5ft aka 10ft faces. from waianae to nalo from town to country.