Board size? Help...

SteveKrutzler · Newbie Joined: 27 Jul 2003 Posts: 32 City: Los Angeles, CA

Ok, the last board I bought was like 5 yrs ago, you know, when they still just had one fin on either end? So anyway, I am going to buy a new board eventually but I am a little confused about board length. I mean, I though it was a simple weight/length equation, and you got whatever length is for your weight on the model you want. But is that the case? For instance, the new Hyperlite Motive's say that 140cm is for 165lbs and up, but I've ridden a 142cm for years and am only 140lbs.

Does length have anything to do with tricks? I thought maybe the shorter the board, the easier to do tricks. But then someone reminded me that the longer the board, the more surface area to hit the wake and translate into height.

Any insights from those who have ridden a horde of different boards?

jvanick · Posted: Aug 01, 2003 11:54 am Post subject:

shorter board will make it easier to spin.

142 does sound a bit long for you...

and all the new boards are not only lighter, but are made with better engineering to help you edge harder and release off the wake earlier.

I'm 180pounds and ride a Premier 140... I've ridden a Premier 135, a Drifter 133 and a Byerly 143. I liked the smoothness and ease of getting the Premier 135 around, but it was a bit too short for the landings... many of them were really hard. The 140 seems to make the landing "softer"

--J