In California we have pretty consistent surf, meaning there is almost always something. Maybe it’s not that good but it’s something. 2-4 ft a little on shore a little slow but the ride boards can make it all fun. The way to be prepared is to have that board that can make a good session out of poor surf and even Bad surf. If the board can also handle some nice winter swell then all the better, If some set waves roll through or if the surf is a little soft here are a few boards that I really recommend for your quiver. These boards will make the difference and help you enjoy getting out there even when it doesn’t look so good.

Shaper: SURF PRESCRIPTIONS “DOC” Board Model: NEW TOY
I’ve written about this board before but I just have to get into it again. I recently was able to have Doc repair my board so I could get into this summer surf season. I had damaged it pretty badly in pounding Oceanside beach break but it flew excellently on its re-launch into the Pacific. I just love this design and I’m not the only one. Proof was in the pudding so to speak when I stopped by the Surf Prescription factory - the shaping bays and loading docks were full of them.
I highly recommend this board for all types of summer surf especially California style beach breaks. Get the board 3-5 inches shorter than your regular short board.
Find out more at www.surfprescriptions.com

Shaper: KOOKBOX (Stu Kenson, Joel Tudor) Board Model: TWIN PIN
This board is crazy! Joel and Stu have come up with a little masterpiece here and hopefully we can give it some recognition. I’ve only ridden it a few times but already I know I have put one on order. I am a huge fan of the keel fin fish but my problem with them is the enlarged swallowtail hampering the carving capabilities and limiting movement in the barrel. This design narrows the tail with a single wing into pin tail; then shortens the fin base, trims tip width while adding depth. Think MR style fins but a bit wider and deeper. The super cool tip is the FOAM and glass fins on the model I rode. This really gives the board some energy out of turns. The Twin Pin I rode was a 5’6” my usual short board more 5’10”-6’4”. It’s thick nose and slight nose rocker give to board amazing ease of entry while the other design features lend to sharp turns and thrilling light footed maneuvers. Hey, you can tail slide and hang five on this thing!! These boards are hard to find and limited in production but some of your finer independent stores should be carrying them on the West Coast as well as East coast and Japan.
For Japan you can order boards here on this web site. www.recalmag.com/
For the U.S. www.kookboxx.com

Shaper: HYNSON Board Model: BLACK KNIGHT and BK II
Hey this is Mike Hynson we’re talking about, Rock n Roll surf outlaw and icon.
Godfather of the down rail and the innovator that led us into a new generation of surfing style.
I love this board for it’s sheer speed and agility. Catches waves like the user friendly fish but picks up speed and holds it through turns for those with a bit more ability.
As I have said before wide swallow tails can stiffen the ride and bog the carve. This pulled in narrow winged tight swallow tail keeps it loose but by adding the extra fins it keeps you locked in without the crazy spin outs I get on my retro Wave Tool twin fin. This board can be ridden at your short board length or a few inches shorter. The version I rode was a 5’8” 2 1/3” thick winged quad. The ever so slight push generated speed, drove the board through sections and held strong through heavy footed turns. This board will make good of cruddy mushy small summer surf but also handle juicy overhead south swells. You can get it from Mike in PU and own the art of a legend or get the Boardworks version. If you go with sandwich construction model get it on the thinner side to offset buoyancy. I’d go 2 3/8” and I’m 185lbs.
I love this board and Mike is a legend. He celebrates 50 years of shaping 1959 to 2009 and if you ever had a chance to order a board from a living legend this is the board to get.
Find out more at www.mikehynsonsurfboards.com

Shaper: DONALD TAKAYAMA Board Model: New MODEL T
This is a fun board, the one I rode was super light weight and actually kinda loose. I rode one made for Mary Osborne. In all of it’s Full Color Magenta magnificence I cruised it in 1-2 foot right point surf near Ventura and have been itching to get on one again. So fluid and smooth, with beautiful lines. It’s an upgrade on traditional shape; solid but loose and a ton of fun.

 

Shaper: SurfTech DONALD TAKAYAMA Board Model: HAKMAN BEACH BREAK
I own this board and would take it just about anywhere. I call it the wave thief because it catches just about anything. It paddles insanely well in fact I can often dig in and make it to the next peak over. It’s fast and turns great, getting up on the nose takes some skill as it’s pretty light weight for a 9’2” but the weight or lack of it has it’s bonuses as well.
Well worth the price? Heck yeah, it’s a Takayama and being a Surf Tech it’s going to last and travel very very well.
www.hawaiianprodesigns.com