Apologies if this has already been discussed in other threads, I've searched for it but couldn't find it.

More and more race events now have a 'surfboard class', which is basically anything that is not a full-on 12'6 raceboard. Any thoughts on what would be a good board to use for this? I'm mainly thinking about 'technical racing', (ie BoP style) so punching out through the surf, and being able to catch and ride waves in are as important as pure boardspeed.

The surfboard class in the technical racing at our recent Nat Champs here in NZ were won by a guy on a Starboard Blend (11'2 x 30) which did look a pretty good allround package for the conditions; long enough to be fairly fast in a straight line, but easy to catch a wave and straight-line it in on. (Definitely a major aspect of technical racing, being able to straight-line in; gotta be able to get right back on that tail and survive the drop when the wave breaks).

Anyone got any thoughts on this? I want to buy a board to race on in the surfboard class - but I'm also thinking that actually a long fast board would be kinda fun to have in the quiver anyway for getting out to some of the offshore bombies that occasionally fire up in a big swell.

BillyD said..
Apologies if this has already been discussed in other threads, I've searched for it but couldn't find it.

More and more race events now have a 'surfboard class', which is basically anything that is not a full-on 12'6 raceboard. Any thoughts on what would be a good board to use for this? I'm mainly thinking about 'technical racing', (ie BoP style) so punching out through the surf, and being able to catch and ride waves in are as important as pure boardspeed.

The surfboard class in the technical racing at our recent Nat Champs here in NZ were won by a guy on a Starboard Blend (11'2 x 30) which did look a pretty good allround package for the conditions; long enough to be fairly fast in a straight line, but easy to catch a wave and straight-line it in on. (Definitely a major aspect of technical racing, being able to straight-line in; gotta be able to get right back on that tail and survive the drop when the wave breaks).

Anyone got any thoughts on this? I want to buy a board to race on in the surfboard class - but I'm also thinking that actually a long fast board would be kinda fun to have in the quiver anyway for getting out to some of the offshore bombies that occasionally fire up in a big swell.

How do they define surfboard class is it by length (e.g. <12'6") or shape? If it is by length I reckon you wouldn't go too badly on something like a Starboard Freeride (http://star-board-sup.com/2016/boards/12-2-x-30-freeride/), they also go ok downwind, not sure about their surfability though.

Yeah Paul, I totally hear you on that. I was pondering the ethics of the question even as I was writing it. Sadly I think the class is already compromised, lots of people use SIC Recons etc which are clearly designed to be a raceboard in all but name. But I'm not just looking to get a board to race in that class, I like the idea of a genuinely fast, cruisy waveboard anyway. And that Atlantis Venom looks the absolute dogs - thanks for that lead Loz79!

Surfboard class defined on page 15 here:

www.facebook.com/notes/nz-sup-nationals/nzsup-nationals-2016-race-notice/546059132215213

12'6" maximum length, no weight restriction and surfboard-like rocker profile, nose and rail shape.

The Venom would and PSH 12 would do the trick. The Freeride has a v entry(?) so probably not what you would call surfboard-style nose shape?

12'6" seems pretty damn generous though.

They should perhaps adjust to 12' max with a rounded surfboard nose shape?

PTWoody said..

Hawaiiheke said..
Surfboard class defined on page 15 here:

www.facebook.com/notes/nz-sup-nationals/nzsup-nationals-2016-race-notice/546059132215213

12'6" maximum length, no weight restriction and surfboard-like rocker profile, nose and rail shape.

The Venom would and PSH 12 would do the trick. The Freeride has a v entry(?) so probably not what you would call surfboard-style nose shape?

12'6" seems pretty damn generous though.

They should perhaps adjust to 12' max with a rounded surfboard nose shape?

Starboard used to make a 12'6" surf shape board so that's probably why they are being so generous.

I would think 11.6 would be long enough. they need a minimum width too. and some kind of thickness control too

to me its about paddlers staying on their boards more so it doesn't look like gumby hour which is what usually happens in qld anyway- because they are held in some onshore crappy beach break as far away as possible from any decent break.

even the elite look like they have never tried it before sometimes.

its not a good look if you don't understand how had it is.

so if you don't stop them by rules they'll come up with something that near unrideable - again

The venom or psh made in the 10ft range for surfboard racing would be my idea of a great fun board. Im a kook in surf but always found even a 12"6 pretty hard to handle in the couple of proper surf bop racers ive done.