Surfdad and others..help with board selection!

[akdoc]

I have a TWP limited composite x4.5 on the way!! I can't wait for it to get here.

[TeamAllen]

I was thinking that with surfing, they haven't outlawed certain products that can be placed into the boards to make them better...

Yeah, there are the obvious differences between the long board and short board divisions. You wouldn't even want to cross over in those categories.
I was thinking like da.bell they don't care if it is made out of wood, foam, cardboard, heavy glass, thin rails, squash tail or how much rocker.
You better just be able to ride the stick you brought or you are going home.

[da.bell]

Just got back from the lake.. I did it..










Okay, not..

[Surfdad]

You bet - in fact here are the details - go really fast and spin counterclockwise.

[da.bell]

That was awesome.. Are you going to teach that move on July 19th???? Okay, maybe during the exhibition....

[Surfdad]

I'm not sure if you can see it, but I loved this trick - it's a frontside rotation three:

http://forums.wakeoutlaws.com/index....=details&id=85

[Surfdad]

I think you're right, I do NOT know of any construction material restrictions anywhere, tons of OTHER restrictions

[da.bell]

I was thinking that with surfing, they haven't outlawed certain products that can be placed into the boards to make them better...

[Surfdad]

Actually surfing in the ocean is replete with equipment divisions. One of the most noted is longboard vs shortboard. In fact about the only sport that I am aware of that doesn't fully recognize equipment differentiation is wakesurfing.

The C Street longboard classic is representative of a long boards only event:

http://www.cstreetlongboard.com/event.htm

Equipment requirements include:

4. Surfboards must be a minimum of 9 feet in length. Women and juniors may use boards which are 3 feet longer than the height of the contestant. No paddling gloves. Cords are optional. The Contestant assumes responsibility for not using a leash.

My favorite is the "old log" divisions. The board must be 35 years old and no leashes or wersuits are allowed.

USSF sanctioned evants have so many equipment rules it makes your head spin:

http://www.surfusa.org/id3.html

III. EQUIPMENT (All boards are measured from end to end, using a straight edge)

A. In age division events, surfboards will not exceed 2 ft. longer than the competitor’s height, except LEGENDS, which has no limit as to equipment used.

B. Longboards must be a minimum of 9 ft. in length, in Junior, Men, Master, Women, and Senior divisions. Menehune division will be 3 ft. overhead.

C. Bodyboards shall not exceed 5 ft. in length.

D. Paddle boards are limited to surfboards only with a maximum length of 10 ft.

E. Additional equipment, such as leashes and helmets may be used.

F. Kneeboards are a maximum of 6 ft. in length and must be consistent with standard acceptable equipment normally used.

[da.bell]

I don't think there are any restrictions on board types in ocean surfing.

That is a good point.

[TeamAllen]

I don't think there are any restrictions on board types in ocean surfing.

[Surfdad]

LOL too funny, my reputation preceeds me. The only contest where equipment issues come up are at the World's, and my guess is that is what Centurion wants, rather than one that revolves around the validity of the results of the contest, based upon a lack of objectivity.

I am all for innovation in equipment development. No doubt one day we will get to a point where there will be performance based criteria, but for now, there isn't enough differentiation to justify it. Typically, contestants are the ones that bring this sort of thing up. I would think that if one type or style of equipment somehow develops a reputation for winning, then folks will ask for that segretaion.

My 2 cents is to allow manufacturers and innovators to crank out their best.

[dogbert]

Me too.

[da.bell]

I don't think they have enough time to do something like this. It's already a small community and adding restrictions to technology will only hinder the sport from progressing. We are both agreeing. Will be interesting to see Surfdad's comments.

[dogbert]

OMG!!!! You know you are not going to get a basic response from Surfdad... right???

Hey, it's just a discussion point. I know it's a little deeper than what you're used to on the PW thread, but it is definitely relevant for the sport. My personal opinion would be no, equipment should not be regulated, but at some point where does ability end and technology start?