Surfing Tacoma Quivers

Took it out this morning (North Pismo). Stood up a few times waves were kinda “squishy” but overall a nice learning session

 

Nice wax job

 

Waxed it all the way down to the tail. What are your thoughts on stomp/traction pads? Debated and still debating getting one for it

 

Depends on the board I guess. I personally would put one on every single board except for a retro styled fish or longboard. I do have a quad fish that I don't have one on, but all my other shortboards have them. It helps you know where your back foot should be. If you're dropping in and wanting more speed, feet should be more forward, if you're trying to cut speed or setup for a turn, you want your back foot right above your fins so you can dig in and control it.

I just finally started realizing what a difference it makes where your back foot is. When I'm about to do a big swooping bottom turn, and my back foot is not all the way backed up, the turn isn't as easily controlled, but when the foot is in the right spot, it feels like a knife going through warm butter.

 

Yeah I get what you're saying. I guess i'm not wanting it so much for the "traction" part of it. Honestly, I think just straight up wax has more grip. But yeah knowing where you back foot is is for sure easier or would be easier with a pad. Thanks for the input!

 

Ya, it's really not as much for grip necessarily. The knob in the back is where you want to wedge your back foot up against for big turns so you're not slipping off the end of the board. It's more of a leverage/stopping device. But since you're just starting out, you probably don't need one, but it's nice to help you gain proper foot position and progress. It definitely helps regardless of skill level.

 

wax will never give you more traction than a pad. and the bump in the back gives you the ability to "push" through a turn better. Key to traction pad is make sure you put it all the way back to the leash plug.

having your foot in the right place is huge. its just like messing around on a skate board. try to do a quick turn with your feet not all the way in the back. doesn't happen.

 

Yeah that makes sense

 

I think I asked this before but oh well... Anyone own a Carver or other similar surf skateboard? I'm looking in to getting either one of the Carver models or maybe a SwellTech brand. Just saw them and they have a JOB model so it must be somewhat decent.

 

Never ridden a swelltech. Look fun.
Ridden a carver and can say that they are for sure fun. Swell tech looks very similar. Don’t think you can go wrong with either or.

 

This seems to have some good insight.

https://surfing-waves.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26926

 

The swelltech seems to have a bit more flexible front truck than the carver. I think Carver is a bit tighter and better for cruising around more. Might swing by Froghouse this week and grab one

 

Clean fun ones this morning, water temps feeling a bit warmer too.

 

Anybody have experience or insight about the new CI Happy? Im looking to replace my (snapped) shortboard. It looks really fun and I'm super interested in it? Going to try to demo it soon too

 

Looks like a sick board. A bunch of the CI riders seem to be surfing it a lot

Also check out the Fever. Another great board

 

Well, ended up getting a carver. Took it around my neighborhood. Definitely a good workout

 

Dang wish I could take it off your hands, that would be a great board for the conditions we get way up here, perfect for bigger beach break days

 

Anyone ever rupture their ear drum?

I got smoked by my rail the other day and ruptured it. it was a pretty scary experience to be honest. Ive heard tales about the disorientation that happens, but it didn't prepare me for how bad it really is.

2 weeks later my hearing is still really bad, the drum is constantly popping in and out and if i blow my nose, air bubbles out of my ear. sounds like im under water 100% of the time.

3 doctors appointments later someone was finally able to get a scope through my closed up ear canals to see whats going on. looks like its going to heal on its own, but ill be out of the water for a while. Doc was disappointed in the status of my ear canals. says I should have started wearing ear plugs years ago.

be safe out there.

 

Yikes. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Been thinking about wearing earplugs out there for that reason and to not get surfers ear. Might be time to really think about it now

 

A few of my buddies wear them. Been thinking about getting a set too just to be on the safer side