Forums > Surfing Shortboards

Another Hybrid or back to HPSB

Reply
Created by bene313 > 9 months ago, 27 Jan 2016
bene313
WA, 1347 posts
27 Jan 2016 11:44AM
Thumbs Up

Looking for some feedback from fellow breezers on this. It's been years since I've surfed HPSBs. I got hooked on the benefits of hybrids and just never went back.

I'm 173cm and 67kg. Been loving my 5'8 x 19 1/4 x 2 1/4 katana skud, quad set-up. Easy entry to waves, very fast, grip of the quads on late take offs. Translates to getting/making more waves but there is always a compromise.

I have been kiting a HPSB and am loving it. It's a 5'7 by Colin Earle and a bit small for me to paddle, but the maneuverability and lively nature of the board has me thinking about going back to a standard shape for regular surfing.

Should I give it a go? I'm no hero at the beach. Just want to get a few waves, do a few turns and try the odd punt.

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
27 Jan 2016 2:11PM
Thumbs Up

I too was seduced by the dark side. Very happy with the move back to hpsbs, it's been 2-3 years now. You'd have to pry them from my cold dead hands now that I realised the difference. I was forced back onto a hybrid last year for a couple of months and hated the compromises.

thedrip
WA, 2350 posts
27 Jan 2016 4:56PM
Thumbs Up

I couldn't paddle a board that small. Even 20 years ago I wasn't paddling a board that small. You guys sure about this?

The smallest board I ever surfed was one of Daves personal boards from 1995. A rockered wafer. It's still the best shortboard I have ever had in pure performance, but that katana just sinks these days.

Personally I would be saying go a little bigger in length and back to a HP shape if that's your wish, but not smaller.

katana
WA, 644 posts
27 Jan 2016 5:26PM
Thumbs Up

hey Benny
did I show you my new 5'4 fugly
take it for a spin I recon it a good small to med wave alrounder
similar to the evo

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
27 Jan 2016 5:51PM
Thumbs Up

drip my 5'9" x 19 1/2" x 2 3/8" summer board feels like it has more volume than my 5'11" - 6'1" x 18 1/2" x 2 3/8" hpsbs. Template has much more nose and tail and foil extends out further to the slightly fuller rails. My hpsbs are pared back to minimal volume. I'm ~80kg but like low volume.

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
27 Jan 2016 7:54PM
Thumbs Up

Dave no I didn't see that board! That's a whole different option...

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
27 Jan 2016 9:10PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
thedrip said...
Personally I would be saying go a little bigger in length and back to a HP shape if that's your wish, but not smaller.


Pretty much what I am thinking.

Maybe 5'9 x 18.75 x 2.25 all 'ish'

Ctngoodvibes
WA, 1402 posts
27 Jan 2016 10:22PM
Thumbs Up

What volume do you ride legion in litres?

DJMWA
WA, 342 posts
27 Jan 2016 10:38PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said...
thedrip said...
Personally I would be saying go a little bigger in length and back to a HP shape if that's your wish, but not smaller.


Pretty much what I am thinking.

Maybe 5'9 x 18.75 x 2.25 all 'ish'



Do you still have your hybrid? (I'm assuming it's better as a groveller than a good wave board here too by the way.). If so, why get something so close to the same dimensions? Grab a 5'11-6'0 all rounder hpsb (not something with super low rails and heaps of curve otherwise you'll only find yourself enjoying it on the trips down south and Indo etc.). The lost beach buggy is a good example of this, one of the best all rounders I have ever had ( and before anyone chimes in I don't want to get into the debate about local shapers as I have quite a few of those in the quiver too, just using the bb as an example with a lot of online info avail.)
That way you are covered for far more range of surf than a 5'8 and a 5'9, even if u are a smaller guy. Do not underestimate rail lentgh, not everyone can surf 5'4's like Craig Anderson and a 6'0 really isn't that big of a board

oldmic
NSW, 343 posts
28 Jan 2016 7:11AM
Thumbs Up

ben check latest "tracks" mag.
article "grand design".
new take on asymmetrical design
heel side quad, toe side single (twin fin bite).
shows my stupidity thought asymmetricals were wave specific not back foot preference.
would work on a K'board unless you switch.
Only negative to HPSB for kite 4oz bottom gets pounded by chop and dents.

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
28 Jan 2016 7:01AM
Thumbs Up

Dunno goodvibes, my shaper doesn't do litres. Less than I should.

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
28 Jan 2016 9:13AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
DJMWA said..
Do you still have your hybrid? (I'm assuming it's better as a groveller than a good wave board here too by the way.). If so, why get something so close to the same dimensions? Grab a 5'11-6'0 all rounder hpsb (not something with super low rails and heaps of curve otherwise you'll only find yourself enjoying it on the trips down south and Indo etc.). The lost beach buggy is a good example of this, one of the best all rounders I have ever had ( and before anyone chimes in I don't want to get into the debate about local shapers as I have quite a few of those in the quiver too, just using the bb as an example with a lot of online info avail.)
That way you are covered for far more range of surf than a 5'8 and a 5'9, even if u are a smaller guy. Do not underestimate rail lentgh, not everyone can surf 5'4's like Craig Anderson and a 6'0 really isn't that big of a board



You're right, good to have both! I just don't really know what length a HPSB should be although I used to ride 6'1s. I have been riding 5'8s and 5'7s for so long it's become the norm

My current 5'8 is not really much of a groveller. It's more of an allrounder, but with the benefits of a fuller profile. The pulled in tail + quad allows it to hold in bigger surf and as such I really use this board for everything, granted I don't surf huge waves. I used to travel with a quiver and now I just take the 5'8.

Was looking at the beach buggy the other day and it's the sort of thing I am thinking. Will get a local do do the shape though.

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
28 Jan 2016 9:33AM
Thumbs Up

Actually the beach buggy in 5'11 or 6'0 at stock dims would be too big...

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
28 Jan 2016 10:02AM
Thumbs Up

Probably doesn't help but I'm 6'2" and generally ride boards way too short and small. I'd be looking at those dims and I'm 15cm and 13kg more than you. But I ride a lot in Perth. Still, my goto 5'11" held well in 6-8' (not Perth!) last year. Could've done with an extra foot of length but those were the cards I was dealt.

DJMWA
WA, 342 posts
28 Jan 2016 10:05AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said...
Actually the beach buggy in 5'11 or 6'0 at stock dims would be too big...



Yep probably, I ride the 5'11 just slightly thicker than stock and I'm 83kgs at 5'9. I just used that board as an example of a more traditional sb.
FYI my grovellers are 5'8 and 5'9 which are still OK in normal waves, I have a 6'1 and a 6'2 for good-pumping waves to up to double head and a couple of 6'6s for waves at a solid 6 foot. The 5'11 gets ridden 75% of the time. I know most smaller hybrids boards go good in normal waves but I still think a two board quiver is hugely beneficial.

MickPC
8266 posts
28 Jan 2016 2:21PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said..
Looking for some feedback from fellow breezers on this. It's been years since I've surfed HPSBs. I got hooked on the benefits of hybrids and just never went back.

I'm 173cm and 67kg. Been loving my 5'8 x 19 1/4 x 2 1/4 katana skud, quad set-up. Easy entry to waves, very fast, grip of the quads on late take offs. Translates to getting/making more waves but there is always a compromise.

I have been kiting a HPSB and am loving it. It's a 5'7 by Colin Earle and a bit small for me to paddle, but the maneuverability and lively nature of the board has me thinking about going back to a standard shape for regular surfing.

Should I give it a go? I'm no hero at the beach. Just want to get a few waves, do a few turns and try the odd punt.



Not sure what you might mean by compromise if the lil skuds making late drops. Sometimes boards will have very little rocker making paddling easier, but late take offs harder. Quads tend not to have as tight turning circles so you could try riding it as a thruster if you have the option. Or get a similar dim board with a narrower tail.

Your not gonna have as much weight on the CE when your kiting & you have the wind generating speed for ya. Sorry to point out the obvious lol...Friends much heavier than you are riding much smaller kiting boards than 5'8, you could pretty much ride a skateboard deck with straps couldn't ya....but yeah, what is the compromise your making with the skud Maybe you just need to try a smaller one if you have been loving it. Maybe like a 5'4 or 5'5

Surf69
WA, 883 posts
28 Jan 2016 8:14PM
Thumbs Up

If you surf a lot and are paddle fit go HPSB if not ....no brainer, sounds like Networks got ya sorted.

thedrip
WA, 2350 posts
28 Jan 2016 9:26PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
DJMWA said...
bene313 said...
thedrip said...
Personally I would be saying go a little bigger in length and back to a HP shape if that's your wish, but not smaller.


Pretty much what I am thinking.

Maybe 5'9 x 18.75 x 2.25 all 'ish'



Do you still have your hybrid? (I'm assuming it's better as a groveller than a good wave board here too by the way.). If so, why get something so close to the same dimensions? Grab a 5'11-6'0 all rounder hpsb (not something with super low rails and heaps of curve otherwise you'll only find yourself enjoying it on the trips down south and Indo etc.). The lost beach buggy is a good example of this, one of the best all rounders I have ever had ( and before anyone chimes in I don't want to get into the debate about local shapers as I have quite a few of those in the quiver too, just using the bb as an example with a lot of online info avail.)
That way you are covered for far more range of surf than a 5'8 and a 5'9, even if u are a smaller guy. Do not underestimate rail lentgh, not everyone can surf 5'4's like Craig Anderson and a 6'0 really isn't that big of a board


This man talks sense. A bit or rail length goes a long way. You aren't kelly slater - don't think you should surf the same boards.

thedrip
WA, 2350 posts
28 Jan 2016 9:29PM
Thumbs Up

Lol. Didn't realise I was quoting a bloke quoting me. No wonder I agreed with him.

Tux
VIC, 3829 posts
29 Jan 2016 9:05AM
Thumbs Up

get on a vader or an evo....pretty much all the pluses of a HPSB put into something you can paddle

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
29 Jan 2016 8:26AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
Tux said..
get on a vader or an evo....pretty much all the pluses of a HPSB put into something you can paddle


There's an Evo copy at Katana I might be able to try out (except there are no waves)

Select to expand quote
MickPC said..
what is the compromise your making with the skud Maybe you just need to try a smaller one if you have been loving it. Maybe like a 5'4 or 5'5


I guess I'm thinking of dropping some volume and going back to a thruster. So it's a performance v volume trade off. Also the skud is so fast - great when you need it around metro and the like - but on the reefs down south I have to stomp the tail to slow down, try to stay in the pocket, and it doesn't want to surf as vert as a standard thruster does. Still, it's the best allrounder and generally the best board I've ever had so maybe I should get another in say 5'6 like you suggest, plus a 5'10 more standard shape. Need to book some time with my busy shaper

Tux
VIC, 3829 posts
29 Jan 2016 1:16PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said..

Tux said..
get on a vader or an evo....pretty much all the pluses of a HPSB put into something you can paddle



There's an Evo copy at Katana I might be able to try out (except there are no waves)


MickPC said..
what is the compromise your making with the skud Maybe you just need to try a smaller one if you have been loving it. Maybe like a 5'4 or 5'5



I guess I'm thinking of dropping some volume and going back to a thruster. So it's a performance v volume trade off. Also the skud is so fast - great when you need it around metro and the like - but on the reefs down south I have to stomp the tail to slow down, try to stay in the pocket, and it doesn't want to surf as vert as a standard thruster does. Still, it's the best allrounder and generally the best board I've ever had so maybe I should get another in say 5'6 like you suggest, plus a 5'10 more standard shape. Need to book some time with my busy shaper


Vader or Vanguard are better in bigger/critcal waves...evo is more forgiving....just tell dave what you want and he will make it so

MickPC
8266 posts
29 Jan 2016 3:26PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said..






MickPC said..
what is the compromise your making with the skud Maybe you just need to try a smaller one if you have been loving it. Maybe like a 5'4 or 5'5







I guess I'm thinking of dropping some volume and going back to a thruster. So it's a performance v volume trade off. Also the skud is so fast - great when you need it around metro and the like - but on the reefs down south I have to stomp the tail to slow down, try to stay in the pocket, and it doesn't want to surf as vert as a standard thruster does. Still, it's the best allrounder and generally the best board I've ever had so maybe I should get another in say 5'6 like you suggest, plus a 5'10 more standard shape. Need to book some time with my busy shaper






I reread that & thought I'm an idiot, of course you mean the old wave count vs performance...Wide boards don't sit in the pocket well in big waves, they're not made for them. Not sucky ones with pockets anyway. And short boards mean your dropping in late a lot of the time, especially on those waves that aren't so close to shore & have a stiff offshore. You have a great board for your local beachies where your always chasing those sections. For bigger waves, someone your height & weight could probably go a 6'2 for a semi gun type board. Narrower nose & rounded pin tail about 18 1/4 to 18.5 wide & 2.5 thick. Medium size thruster set up & about the same volume as your skud. A PU board 6oz bottom & 8oz top. So even though its about the same volume, its not as corky & has more flex to soften the ride through the inevitable bigger wave bumps. Just my opinion anyway, I prefer PU in bigger waves unless your talking Indo glassy perfection.

Other than that,there's nothing wrong with stomping on the tail to slow down or dragging your arm. You might find a simple change in fin set up might have ya sorted

bene313
WA, 1347 posts
30 Jan 2016 8:56AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
MickPC said..
6'2 for a semi gun type board. Narrower nose & rounded pin tail about 18 1/4 to 18.5 wide & 2.5 thick. Medium size thruster set up & about the same volume as your skud. A PU board 6oz bottom & 8oz top.


Maybe not 6'2 but somewhere between that and what I have now. Aaaand I just realised the dims in my original post are wrong
The current Skud is actually 5'8 x 19 3/4 x 2 3/8 so yeah definitely some room to narrow down.

Spoke to Dave and he's pretty pumped on the new evo-esque shape so gonna give that a go. The hype around the Tomo shapes seems to have lasted a few years now...

Select to expand quote
Tux said..
get on a vader or an evo....pretty much all the pluses of a HPSB put into something you can paddle


Tux you've shaped a few now yeah? Obviously sold on the design? There are some rave reviews going around on these boards.

goatman
NSW, 2151 posts
1 Feb 2016 7:48AM
Thumbs Up

Hey Bene, if your looking at Tomos you might want to consider a V4 as a mini stepup for down south or even as a regular HPSB. Got the paddle power and drive of the Vanguard/Vader but handles bigger drops and speed really well. There's usually a one on Gumtree.

Tux
VIC, 3829 posts
1 Feb 2016 8:53AM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
bene313 said..

MickPC said..
6'2 for a semi gun type board. Narrower nose & rounded pin tail about 18 1/4 to 18.5 wide & 2.5 thick. Medium size thruster set up & about the same volume as your skud. A PU board 6oz bottom & 8oz top.



Maybe not 6'2 but somewhere between that and what I have now. Aaaand I just realised the dims in my original post are wrong
The current Skud is actually 5'8 x 19 3/4 x 2 3/8 so yeah definitely some room to narrow down.

Spoke to Dave and he's pretty pumped on the new evo-esque shape so gonna give that a go. The hype around the Tomo shapes seems to have lasted a few years now...


Tux said..
get on a vader or an evo....pretty much all the pluses of a HPSB put into something you can paddle



Tux you've shaped a few now yeah? Obviously sold on the design? There are some rave reviews going around on these boards.



Yeah bro love them...seem to go really well in most waves



Subscribe
Reply

Forums > Surfing Shortboards


"Another Hybrid or back to HPSB" started by bene313