Step Rail

[Rand]

Has anyone played with a step rail board yet?  I saw that Bonga Perkins' upcoming production will use one, but that is on a relatively large board.  The step rail seems like a great way to reduce length and width, keep the needed volume in place (paddle area), and allow for thin rails, nose, tail.  Works great in other watersports, so.....

[Rand]

A shot of the Bonga for clarification



I am going to have this worked in to my next board (an 8'4), but with more radiused corners to the step and the step blending in and out at the paddle zone leaving the tail and nose very thin.  Also a slightly concave raised deck.

[boots]

Is that the tail?

[Rand]

Is that the tail? 

It appears to be. http://www.surfindustries.com/products/southpointCschaper_sup.php

There is a custom shaper over here Richard Greene (mostly sailboards) that does great looking step rails.  They are ultra smooth looking and blend nicely into the overall design. 

[footemaui]

door-key