Is 30 really the magic number?

[Admin]

...but try to have great sessions on it here on the East coast and you will continue to wait for the epic day.

You are absolutely right, and not just on the East Coast.

I think it there is a lot of interest in smaller boards for getting the most out of those clean days when there is a relatively open channel, little or no wind, and fun waves (some years, we get that a lot here).  For those days, when you can get away with your minimum board, hell yah.  Kind of like the cherry classic Shelby Cobra I saw cruising Paia today-only when its fine out.  As things slop up, wind up, etc, then having a bigger ride around is a way better choice.  It will be interesting to see, as things advance, how far smaller boards can edge into the sloppy condition realm before becoming too much work.

[HaleiwaBill]

Aloha guys, sorry I have not had time post here in the few months but life has hectic. In a good way!

Anyway, I agree wholeheartedly that there are A LOT of variables to consider when it comes to width. Just like with regular surfboards or windsurf boards it depends on your experience, weight, and conditions (like CB1 mentioned) of your local break.

I am a pretty big guy at 235 (Blane your shop scale off...LOL) and my balance and surf background is solid. However, I still need a slightly wider SUB than the guys who weigh 185lbs. In fact I just upgraded my PSH 10'4 x 28" for a 10'6 x 28.5. That may not sound a big difference but after two sessions I already feel MUCH better on the new board. 

Even at my size I cant see going any wider (28.5) because I am starting to surf some decent size waves and dont want the performance to suffer.

The bottom line is that the"magic number" will vary with each surfer.

[PonoBill]

that Cherry Cobra belongs to Carl at Hawaiian Island Surf and sport. He did a really nice job building that. too bad there's no ROADS here.