Hi Guys,
I've been following this forum for a few years now first time to post.
I've been riding a Billy Tolhurst 9'2" x 22 7/8" x 2 13/16" square tail tri-fin for the last ten years or so since I started riding a longboard (I also have a really sweet Brett Munro 5'10" quad fin fish).
I love the Tolhurst board, it's really loose, I can get on the nose, but I'd really like to stay on the nose in the pocket.
Question is do I go super traditional style tanker around ten foot or do I go something in between around 9'6"?
Any suggestions from the forum would be much appreciated, I'm a mid 40's 77kg 5"9" guy, surfing since I was 9 y/o, I mostly ride the reefs in Westernport Bay (Vic).
Cheers, Merricks
I really like the Tolhurst shapes, I have one but I’m just not good enough or light enough to get the best out of it.
As good as Billy is, I’ve never thought of his shapes as being renowned for their nose riding and if you want to stay in the pocket while you’re up front, wouldn’t that tend to limit you’re choices to the specials like the redline or a takyama?
Or even some of the boutique boards you see about the place, I see a lot of excellent nose riding being done locally on a brand called Wilde Shapes.
One thing I have noticed is that the length of the board does not seem to make a great deal of difference in the ability of the rider to give his toes an airing. It seems to be all in the shape and at your weight you could probably still stay close to 9’ provided the shape was right.
Of course you must keep in mind that theses comments are coming from a very inept source, me.
If you ever hear anyone say, “obct is on the nose” it will usually be because I’ve just coughed in my rompers.
I agree obct, I've been on the nose on a friend's 8' so you're right, if I get a bit fitter (too much holiday cake, biscuits, ice-cream) I'm closer to 74kg mark then length won't be the issue.
I've been looking at a Takayama model T, but I think the dollars are a bit high, I've got an email out to McTavish on a 9'6" Noosa 66.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Redline v Noosa 66 v the Takayama Model T?
My Tolhurst on the beach during a smoking winter session, Westernport.
IMO,the redline is a totally different board than the other two you are referring too.
The Noosa 66 and the T model are old school type of shapes,in saying that,they are nice boards just more nose riding verses the redline.
You got some big fins in that boy
Hi merricks, if you wanting to get into noseriding I think it would be best to drop the sides & get a big center fin...something around 9 1/4 min....look for a board with soft rails & width at center or back a little.
I make my own boards so I can't comment on the commercial boards but the above is my preference
a few other things to look for....flat entry...kick in the tail....(of the board
)
. We don't see enough on the LB forum.
. Very light and manouverable.
I ride a 9.3 Takayama in the pink and its hands down the best noserider that I and my best mate (who is a real keen noserider) have ever ridden.
The unusual thing about this board though is that its also an amazing high performance board off the tail and I have to say that prior to owning this board I didnt think that there was any such thing as a "high performance noserider" - well there is.
And asea before you ask - yes it's a way more responsive and forgiving board than the dino and thankfully a much better paddler.
I found the Takayama" model T "to be better on the nose than the "in the pink" but I agree, the turning of the pink was better than the T, it was a bit of a dog to turn...I'm reasonably light (69kgs) maybe the T turns better with some weight behind it....getting a noserider to cross over into hi performer is tricky...I tnink it's got a lot to do with volume....obviously nose entry and tail lift are important...as is rail configuration , but getting that volume right for your weight is the hard bit when it comes to fusing the two....bit like trying to find one club to do a round of golf...bit hard....keep the Tolly and get a tanker for those days when you can just hang on the tip 
Yep you may be better to still with the tolly for everyday use and hunt up a cheaper log that noserides well. The redline is not a noserider and the noosa 66 is way way better on the nose but there are way cheaper and better options for noseriders if its not gunna be your everyday ride. I personally have gone to a 1 board quiver with the ITP because it just works for me in all situations but I am aware that it isn't a board for everyone. There is also a certain shaper in byron who makes an amazing noserider classic that surfs very very well and is cheaper than some of the other premium name brands. There are quite a few noseriders that come up for sale because so many people buy them and realize that they dont have the skill or waves to noseride well and as you know good noseriding is a mixture of all 3 elements (waves,ability,board) and a noseriding board alone doesnt make it happen. I reckon if you are patient the perfect board is just around the corner.
Thanks guys for all the info, I think I will go the tanker route.
Having surfed my Tolhurst for so many years now I know what it will and won't do, so it would be better I think to get a noseriding board that pretty much just does that.
I'm starting to look for locally, have some enquiries out at Hightide boards by Jordie Brown and Note Surfboards.
The "name" brand boards are a bit up there in the dollars.
If there is anyone on Mornington Peninsula (VIC) out there who has an older style log there interested in selling please PM me.
Well its rare but I agree with you Billboard,vanders would have seen that line green machine Daneli was packing last week.Very nice.
Geez you go off like a cut snake mate hahaha
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the shapers name is Brett Munro. munrosurfboards.com.au
Great guy - great boards - great prices.
AND I do not have any affiliation with him or his company - NONE. Wish to hell I did cos I would love to have a couple of his boards in my shed.
No one has mentioned NSP yet?
huh BB???
No way not you rswipe
Hey brethren I think the thomas has entered the room - dont talk to him
Whats NSP = Need Some Practice ?
I know my thread was about longboards, but I have to say I still love my Brett Munro 5'10 quad fin fish.
Billboard you're right great boards.
That hurts BB
The 9'6 Munro was stilll the best board i ever owned.
That was a pretty good noserider.
Shld never have sold it
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Tomayama said...
the shapers name is Brett Munro. munrosurfboards.com.au
Great guy - great boards - great prices.
AND I do not have any affiliation with him or his company - NONE. Wish to hell I did cos I would love to have a couple of his boards in my shed.
No one has mentioned NSP yet?
huh BB???
