Performance Minded Quads for Sluggish Summer Surf
Summer is right around the corner you may be thinking of updating your quiver. If you want to step outside your normal three fin thruster routine you may want to consider buying a quad. Four fin surfboards are going to be hot this summer with pros and everyday surfers using them more frequently. The idea behind getting a quad this summer is that with smaller and less powerful conditions speed generation is key. Quad setups reduce drag and create a very maneuverable board. Drivey let loose is the key to smaller surf. This list is for the intermediate to advanced surfer in mind.
…Lost “MR Flying Fish”
Lost has a variety of MR models to choose from. The flying fish should suit any rider who wants a fish for the summer but also wants to make some turns. This shape is not like those other retro fish models that drive down the line but turn like a school bus. This is a performance fish.
Purchase: Finding this board online will be tricky. Call you local surf shop to check for availability.
Channel Islands “The Pod”
Channel Islands claims you can ride this board 8” shorter than your normal board! Don’t worry about surfing gutless summer sessions without practicing your airs. This board will have you busting airs in all types of surf from knee to overhead. Check out Dane Reynolds in “First Chapter”. Make sure you look for the quad.
Purchase: Killer Dana
Video: Al Merrick explains the pod
Feeling lucky this summer? Try the 4 leaf clover specifically designed with summer surf in mind. This board should be about the same size as your normal shortboard. Fast down the line and loose when you turn. Proctor has been making world class shapes for many years.
Purchase: Custom order your board
Video: 4 Leaf Clover in action
Stretch “The Magnet”
Low entry rocker, super wide tail, quad fin setup, and flat deck allow you to catch waves and make turns in poor wave conditions. Stretch says this board gives you the most bang for your buck.
Purchase: Directly from Stretch Note the order form in the top right corner
HIC “Quad”
The quad from HIC is a great shape for those who don’t want to deviate far from the traditional shortboard. This board has a slightly wider tail to accommodate the quad fin setup but that’s about it. Great down the line drive and a big bite when you make your rail to rail turns.
Purchase: Try Surfride or Ridershack
Whatever board you ride this summer make sure you have fun by getting the right board for your ability. Think about your homebreak and what the conditions will likely be like for most of the summer and buy your board accordingly. If you want to surf fast and make big turns as well as launch a few airs this list should serve you nicely.
If you are looking for something custom check out our friends at Surfboard Builders
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Posted by Chris on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 in Surfing.
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April 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
How exactly does the size conversion work when you go to a fish? Like if I normally surf a 6′2″ or 6′3″, what should I look for in a fish? I’ve heard a lot of different things
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
It depends on the board, it’s thickness, and width. If I ride a fish that’s a little thinker and wider than my normal shortboard I go about 3 or 4 inches shorter. It also depends on what you want to do with the board. Go to the company website for the board and they should tell you how short you should go for each board you buy. my 2 cents
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Thanks Scott!
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