Adding to Your Quiver: What to Look for in Your Next Summer Board

Sterling Spencer _ Photo: Alex Dantin

$terling $pencer on the JT COFFIN.   Photo by: Alex Dantin

 

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's like a pale moon or a ship on the horizon, but it's there. If they'd told us we were barred from the last of the winter sets before this mess began, we may have revolted, wondering how long a surfer could go without surf. Now the summer, usually carrying the lull of passive seas, brings the hope of beaches open again, and waves ready to be ridden. 

Summertime board selection is the starting point to getting back in the water. Once the authorities clear the way, local breaks will turn into vending machines, churning out surfers like tin cans and chocolate bars. Time will be scarce as we file into duties put on shelves, swallowed by the quarantine, then spit back out by the reality of "life goes on." 

Now, perhaps more than ever, wave count is key. Navigating between anxious crowds and a clock holding responsibilities, we need to catch a lot of rides, maybe even the ones nobody else is looking at.  

 

Foam Is Your Friend

Extra volume in typical summer conditions will ensure paddling for waves won't be in vain. There's nothing worse than finally getting your turn in the lineup only to be left behind like yesterday's news. Foam gives you faster paddle speed, glide over thick sections, allows you to get into waves earlier, and burst down the line. More volume in a board makes surfing easier, especially in waves that don't carry the power to push you on their own. Naturally, the particular shape of a surfboard lends itself to more or less volume. The key to finding that perfect board is ensuring that shape and volume don’t hamper performance. This unique and vital relationship is realized in the construction and design of every Dark Arts Surfboard. 

 

Carbon Is a Cut Above the Rest

The trouble with most surfboards that keep high volume is that they end up being heavy, hard to maneuver, and a little too clunky for high performance. Carbon glassing preserves and enables the board to execute at the purest intention of each shaper. Carbon is lighter, livelier, and stronger than any substance currently on the market. As a result, a carbon board paddles faster, reacts quicker, has more float, and lasts much longer. 

We believe these selections will give you a massive edge over the crowds this summer. Your wave count will be through the roof while enjoying the ability to do a little more on a little less in typical summer surf. 

 

JT DAD BOD

JT DAD BOD

 

 PYZEL ASTRO POP

 

JT VEGAN FISH

JT VEGAN FISH

 

SMTH SHAPES MINI DEMON

SMTH SHAPES MINI DEMON

 

JT COFFIN