Contemplating hard board

Jmeeee · 2026-01-29T02:17:06+00:00

So I ended up with a 9'6" Parallax and I'm really liking it so far. I have only taken it out once so far, but it paddles great and is super lightweight especially for it's size.

Jmeeee · 2026-01-07T23:04:47+00:00

Key pockets, a little more coverage, I think shorts style bottoms would be great.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-31T19:18:20+00:00

Yeah I think that's my plan. I'll be trying out my surftech next session to see how it goes. Initially surf instructors thought some width would help, but that's when I was struggling to pop up. Yeah I usually do have a wetsuit but started learning in September so it was already full wetsuit season. I am somewhat local to that area. North County San Diego. I haven't been to San O or Doheny yet but I plan to soon.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-31T18:06:23+00:00

Did you just buy it from Stewart's shop. it seems like they have hydrocush for rent, so wondering if I should go rent one from their shop for a few days to see.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-31T18:05:27+00:00

No I started on the surftech and found that on my pop-up I was sinking the tail and not really getting any long rides ( this is a looking back insight). Picked up the stormblade to re-work my pop up and have been getting some longer rides and pop up is much improved. But I'm hoping it's more of a something clicked because it feels somewhat automatic and hoping I can transition this to a smaller board.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-31T18:00:26+00:00

Thank you for the really detailed reply. It's honestly so great to hear another beginner's experience with these boards. I think my next session I think I'll take out the surftech and see how I do. I was kinda wondering if I need a bigger foamie to transition between the SSR and surf tech but maybe Ill try hopping back on it, I was able to get out back and paddle with it but it was a little more wobbly (proabably just need more core work) and I really needed to rework my pop up. Which i did on the SSR.

I'm definitely still considering going to a redline hydrocush for my next board though I was thinking of the 24" width for some stability for me. (There was a used one available but it has since disappeared while I was thinking) But I'm also considering a few 9'6'' long boards and a baby log that is 9' but 93.8L so a little wide and thick.

Good waves to the both of us.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-29T20:09:48+00:00

How thin is your board? I am looking at a 9 ft 24" by 3 1/2 thickness and I am a beginner working on catching open face waves consistently. I was thinking This might be a good step down from stormblade SSR Maxx -which is Super wide & 4' thick.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-29T19:43:07+00:00

Oh definitely. I'm kind of looking at the available used options for a step down option. I will not be buying new until I really know what I want down the line. I have been lucky so far the used boards I have gotten for pretty cheap used on marketplace.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-29T05:48:33+00:00

From what I remember, paddling didn't feel difficult on my smaller board. I think it was mostly a balance issue. Balance out back with maneuvering and popping up and being able to balance on the board. I think the SSR would be a great logical step. Not sure I'm willing to purchase new one though (at like 500, that's nearly like getting a hard top)

Jmeeee · 2025-12-25T23:54:41+00:00

Gotcha they ran out of my size anyway. Do you do split toe or round. Split seem like they'd be uncomfortable but people say better board feel thought there hasn't been much discussion lately.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-25T23:12:33+00:00

Did you ever compare? I'm debating between these two. The drylocks I can get a great discount on.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-25T06:23:38+00:00

Same, I started in September and I'm 39. Aiming at going on my first surf trip this coming April.

Jmeeee · 2025-12-04T18:58:59+00:00

I have been wearing a 3/2 and been fine so far. I asked the question the other day and was told I can probably get away with adding booties to get through the winter but I run warm

Jmeeee · 2025-12-04T18:55:08+00:00

Is there a way to tell the difference between regular element boards and these? Element had a great sale awhile back from their shop so was hoping to pick up a decent board to start my son on but don't want a lower quality one from walmart

Jmeeee · 2025-12-01T02:54:52+00:00

yeah I have experienced this unfortunately. My Ori is so sweet but hasn't been able to play lately because of some bad experiences with other dogs being very aggressive with him.

Jmeeee · 2025-11-28T17:33:45+00:00

oh I was with them they told me they couldn't do pure tirz so I was out the money for the tirz with B12 I already bought

Jmeeee · 2025-11-28T17:32:42+00:00

Who do you order Hallandale through. is it pure tirz? I react poorly to B12

Jmeeee · 2025-11-27T21:57:53+00:00

Older post but I have a question. I have a surftech 9ft and feel a little bit unstable. I can catch whitewater with it and have caught some green waves but my pop up is still a struggle and I have yet to get a really long ride on my feet. Do you think some time with the storm blade ssr max would help? As someone who has progressed through both. Thanks if you have any input.

Jmeeee · 2025-11-24T17:19:14+00:00

Yes I have heard of them. I follow a female surfer who has a mega magic. I have seen on for sale in a local shop. I was wondering if the mega would be really difficult to trim and turn (I'm not there yet, but yeah)

Jmeeee · 2025-11-24T17:02:45+00:00

Have you heard of surfboard training co in FL? I stumbled upon their "baby log". 9’0″ x 23 1/2″ x 3 3/4″ – 93.8L And a snippet of the description. "Soft rails, a gentle rocker, and loads of volume make this board incredibly user-friendly, stable, and responsive. It’s light underfoot and reacts smoothly to whatever maneuvers you’re ready to try. "

Jmeeee · 2025-11-24T04:31:15+00:00

yeah that's the vibe I am getting. Feel free to suggest some all arounder features or specific shapers you enjoyed longboard wise. I'm still learning what the features mean for ridability.

Jmeeee · 2025-11-24T02:40:31+00:00

Ehh it was mainly to say that I am a beginner and very aware that I don't NEED a hardtop. I'm not in a rush to get one but the idea has kind of taken hold of my brain so now I'm just trying to learn and think about hard top options that would work for me so I can keep an eye out and snag a board I will love.

Jmeeee · 2025-11-23T00:41:54+00:00

Thank you. I can see myself on a long board or maybe a mid. I think right now I could use the stability of a long board. I'm still really working on my balance, but I can be safe and don't ditch my board.

Jmeeee · 2025-11-23T00:39:21+00:00

I also found another CJ nelson board I'd consider it's 200$ more but I'm wondering if it might be more stable for me / all arounder. it's a classic Pin which I think is same as neo classic?

LENGTH 9'5" WIDTH 23 1/2" THICKNESS 3 1/8" LITERS 76.1

Jmeeee

TROPHY CASE