SOFT TOP BOARD...yeeewwwww!

kneelingBROTHA · Post by **kneelingBROTHA** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:59 pm

I'm really stoked. Today I picked up a doyle 7'5" softboard from a Craigslist seller! The reason I'm posting this here is because I'm now going to be able to build up my paddling muscles in my arms, and subsequently move down to much smaller swim fins (Barry Baker style!) when riding my kneeboard.

And, an expert opinion would be appreciated: does 7'5" (it looks to be about 3 inches thick) sound like too small of a board for someone of my weight (270lb)? I've been bodyboarding for 6 years and kneeboarding for about 1 now, so that will give you an idea of my ability to paddle and catch waves.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Take care all!

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:39 pm

you should get 6'4 fins--forward board ..maybe 23 1/2 wide....you should be able to arm paddle that with ease..

the smaller flippers are great for radical manuevering but a 5'10 at your size is gonna be hard....

as for the soft top....it should float fine, but soft tops will have the locals targeting you as a kook, and in your area i hear they can be pretty harsh..

peace k-brutha

kneelingBROTHA · Post by **kneelingBROTHA** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:42 pm

I think you may have been misinformed. Locals CAN be gnarly in the South Bay, but there are basically two types of locals here: those that regulate PV/the Breakwater/secret spots, and those that surf the beachbreaks. Any dedicated local is going to have his or her say about the vibe one will receive on a kooky board, but there really is no issue about bringing a softboard over to Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan or El Porto. If one gets in the way, yes, but really, the only spot I have a strong potential of getting heat at while something I know how to ride (a bodyboard, for instance) is many breaks in PV and large days at the Breakwater. Some of the spots North of El Porto can be problematic for some.

kidrock · Post by **kidrock** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:49 pm

At 270 lbs., I would think that standing up to some banty rooster pud local would be an afterthought.

Unless, maybe, that person is 4'10" and 270.

Beeline2.0 · Post by **Beeline2.0** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:54 pm

kidrock wrote: Unless, maybe, that person is 4'10" and 270.

Hey! Keep me out of this!

skansand · Post by **skansand** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:24 pm

kneelingBROTHA · Post by **kneelingBROTHA** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:36 pm

kidrock wrote:At 270 lbs., I would think that standing up to some banty rooster pud local would be an afterthought.

Unless, maybe, that person is 4'10" and 270.

I can't say its a concern of mine. I figured I would shed some light on what the local situation is in the South Bay, but personally, I haven't had any problems yet up in PV, haven't bothered with surfing the Breakwater, and didn't have any problems in Gundo. If you don't live here and don't know anyone, things may be a little different, but follow local customs and you should be fine. I have needed to stand my ground a few times, and nothing bad has happened.

kneelingBROTHA · Post by **kneelingBROTHA** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:07 am

Oh, and you guys know I bought this thing to stand up on, right? I am just clearing up any potential confusion, because kneeling with flippers on a 7'5 in small surf DEFINITELY = kookdom.