Moving from a foam board to a more precise shape is a key step. Mid-lengths and funperf boards offer the ideal answer: easy paddling, dynamic manoeuvrability.
The shapes of progression
Unleash Boards specialises in these progressive, versatile shapes. The workshop’s FB1 model illustrates the logic: a generous, stable outline with a pulled-in tail to ease rail-to-rail transitions.
The field grows with international shapers: Dan Mann (Mannkine) and his ultra-reactive epoxy/EPS composites, Josh Keogh and his smooth pointbreak hulls, Troy Elmore and Orange County glide. Stukenson’s displacement hulls, Yerxa’s transition bottoms, Dead Kooks’ neo-retro and Tappy’s Japanese glassing round out the world — all among our shapers.
Rocker, the decisive parameter
The most misunderstood parameter remains rocker: the board’s curve seen in profile. Two boards of identical dimensions but different rockers feel opposite — a flat rocker favours speed, a pronounced rocker eases engagement in the hollow. The full vocabulary is in the glossary.
Building your pack
To choose board, fins, bag and wetsuit, the AchatSurf guide lets you build a complete pack with expert advice. Progressing well means, first of all, surfing the right board, at the right volume, on the right waves.