Hope everyone enjoys today’s video! If you want to see more surfboard deep dives let us know below! FOR THE DREAM

"It depends" - Every shaper's favorite answer

Stoked on this Ben, one of my favorite videos you've created. Learned so much from these guys because of your great questions. Would love to see more of these surf education videos as there not a lot of good stuff out there for that! Good luck with the recovery hope to see you back in the water soon 🤙

I’m 68 and I like 40 plus on my short board . I weigh 187 but I’m not a great paddler due to spine inflexibility. I am intermediate and workout all the time. So many variables to consider.

The thing about surfing that’s beautiful is that everyone is different. I don’t think a tube shooter is for me, or what you guys are calling a groveler. I’m aging, life gets hectic, whatever the reason I’m not in the water as much as I wanna be. Long story short is I love float (volume) so a perfect 3 board quiver for me is a fish a retro single fin and a longboard. Nice work Ben. I know not being in the water must be frustrating for you but you’re keeping your stoke up and the stoke of all of us as well!! Cheers

I was about to buy another board that i don't need and this video made me understand that i have to do the opposite and get rid o a couple of boards and just keep 2 or 3 that i already have and are exactly what the experts on the video recommend. I just need to learn to surf better with those board that i already have and stop thinking other board is going to change the way i surf. Excellent video, really helpful

Great vid Ben, I've been surfing and choosing boards for 50 years and own 30+ boards. The ingredients are outline, rails, thickness bottom and nose then tail, bottom rocker, foam type and glassing techniques. Tail designs are mostly a method to achieve a different outline and rail line. The recipe is how each works with each other which is alchemy. Most of the world's best shapers have no idea how their design mix works, but after 1000's of boards they've narrowed it down in a general sense, pro surfers have taken years and years and hundreds of boards to figure it out and it's a endless journey. Hydrodynamics and hull design concepts are impossibly complex as the ocean constantly changes, boards slow and speed up so science is only marginally useful and they play it by feel. Do demos as much as possible. When you buy a board off the racks you are getting 80% there which is usually enough and you get a sense of what you like and how a board feels under your arm over time. Some of my best boards came off the rack (I loathe to admit that) but back in the day all boards were custom even the ones on the rack. Key point: If you don't catch waves you are getting nowhere, it's the holy Grail. Proper eggs (not mid lengths those are late 60's transition single fin hulls aka longboard then mid length, so don't propagate that term) are a gift to surfing and everyone should own one, just look at Devon Howard. Peace.

I’m from Michigan so my go to board is a secret weapon from Infinity, it’s a chunkier board and it’s an 8’0 mid length. I can still do snaps, cut backs and big bottom turns. On Memorial Day I got a couple rides that were the best turns I’ve ever done.

Yeah Brian Wynn! Made my sick ass hell mid length and I’ve been scoring on it with multiple fin set ups! Yewww what a great video !

the new gravy video stoke is insane

This was classic ... watched it twice... so many opinions and to many options,, im a Ozzie from Margaret River originally.. but live in Indonesia.. I get by with a 2 board quiver these days. A BSB 6'6 abra kadabra short board rounded pin for the big days,, and a BSB short long 610' mid length for the beach breaks out front when I can't be bothered doing a boat trip.. watching your vids Ben convinced me to try a midlength,, best thing I've done for my surfing personally..

A 7' 2'" fun board can be utilized in so many ways.

Can’t wait for the follow up videos!

❤thank you for doing this!!! Been going through surfboard tutorials to buy a new board I needed this video 💪

ben you are not a kook never ever say that the world loves you and me too boards now are too complicated for me to fathom/comprehend oh brother but now in this day and age us surfers have everything at our disposal and lots of it also well dont mind me im just a nut and its a thrill just stay stoked

Great video! I agree totally on high performance wide. LBI! Such great memories as a kid.

Thanks for making this Ben. You are a man who knows what the audience wants 🤙

Great stuff! I'll check out this vid from time to time for the quicer decision making!

I started surfing at age 14 (22 now) but could only surf a few times a year on east coast waves when my fam went on vacations. Usually would be late spring/summer so I never got to see super gnarly conditions, although I have stood up on chest & shoulder high waves. Mostly learned on typical east coast wind mush in South Carolina and Northeast Florida. Now I only live 3 hours from the coast in NC and surf more regularly. As anyone else I mainly learned on longboards and longer mid-lengths (think 7.5ft all the way to 9ft). Just got back from a trip where I finally was able to surf a Torq 6'10' board, volume of 46 I believe, width of 21 and 3/4, Fish style tail. It was a rental like all the other boards I've surfed, but after feeling how easy I was able to stand up on it and even start learning basic turns, I think it will be the first board I actually purchase for myself. I have tried to surf some shorter mid-lengths like that in the past, but never had success probably because of their volume. This one that I just surfed, however, was literally the perfect in-between of a short board and a mid-length. Paddling it felt like what I would imagine paddling a shortboard would feel like. Standing up on it was obviously harder than what I'm normally comfortable with (about 7'5") but it was just easy enough for me to pick up within a few tries but a good enough challenge because I couldn't stand up on it right away like the 7'5". Also for reference I am 155 pounds at 5'10" height. Hopefully this can help someone out who's more on the beginner/intermediate side looking for a perfect in-between of a shortboard and midlength with enough volume. I was so happy to finally find a board that's short enough to be a challenge but easy enough to stand up on and have fun. The waves were probably around 2-4ft and clean.

Excelente vídeo. Muito boas informações. Obrigado Ben!

Awesome video! Was always wanting a video done about boards. Thx. I'm 55 and back surfing again! Longboards rule for surfing summer Jersey waves. Like they said, it's all about the FUN and catching those waves! My dad would say, "Just think, with every wave you catch, it's practice to make yourself a better surfer!" I still suck but I love all the "practice" I get surfing all summer long!

Loved this Video Ben! 🤙🏾

Love this video. Love every surfers perspective, especially coming from jersey surfers. Been experimenting alot with different boards laitly but ingot a high performance wide board. And I'm absolutely hooked on it.

Sweet to hear from so many people’s opinions

😂😂That ending was classic!! Really informative stuff. I grew up in the late eighties and little blades were everyone HAD to have. I had more energy back then but as I got older I realized how much energy I was wasting paddling to catch a wave. I started getting thicker and thicker boards and love how much easier it is to catch waves so you can use more energy surfing than paddling!!

just recently got my first board that wasn’t a soft top, got a nice 7’10 mint condition Mencel can’t wait to take it out this summer

super helpful bro. thanks for this

Super helpful video! I feel like every surfer has made mistakes when it comes to buying surfboards and developing a quiver. I know I personally started surfing a lot better and progressing more quickly once I finally bought a Fish. I spent 2 years coming in from surfing a performance groveler and saying "That would have been fun if I had a fish." I feel like 4 boards is my minimum quiver. A longboard for the truly gutless, a fish, a hybrid / versatile 5 fin shortboard to fill in the gaps between small and pumping, and step up / tube shooter for the day of days. (please no one tell my girlfriend that I only need 4 boards! Buying surfboards make me happy!)

Yeah, great info, my "fish" is a early 80's "performance wide" thruster w removable third , it's THICK rails show why the float is all in the middle now, but it's always FUN!!

This was interesting hearing the different opinions high performance wide for the win! 🌊

Love your channel Ben. Some interesting topics. I have been shaping boards for over 36 years in South Africa , Uk , Ireland and Portugal ( busch surfboards is our brand ). I dont want to make out like I know it all and this is only my take on things based on my experience.The main thing I find is that volume is important ,but not the only thing to consider when it comes to surfing. The actual area of a board can sometimes be just as important like an aeroplane wing is either big or small generating lift. For instance, you can ride a very thin Board with a broader outline ( more area) and if you are a good paddler ,it will plane and you will catch waves just as well as a more buoyant board. Conversely you might have a thick board but not so wide ( like a aeroplane wing that is small but very thick) and it becomes a dog to get the board to plane . There are so many variables. Wider tails catch waves quicker than more narrower ones, but narrower tails go vertical in the pocket better. Fuller rails will help you build speed in smaller waves but will bog out on you in bigger waves depending on the actual apex of the curve in your rail and if the rail has sharp edges or are more rolled. Meduim to thinner rails stick better in the wave face of bigger waves and help to control the speed but struggle to build speed in small waves. We have not even talked about rocker , foil, bottom configurations or fin set-ups . Then there is the other aspects of poly or eps constructions. Flex in the board etc. So many variables. I love more volume in a board but obviously we need to look at all aspects of surfing like speed , flow, control etc. Keep up the good work Ben. Love your content .

A nice fun video for this important issue. Growing up poor it was just assumed one 80s performance board was the deal. No telling how much that set me back. Remember my second board was a 7ish "fun shape" and how much that accelerated the learning process. I kind of stayed in that range with the mindset that you just surfed one board. As I started by second life of surfing later in life a few years ago and losing weight down to my ideal size a quiver is so important if you want to surf everyday. Think a longboard has to be thrown in there. My first was 2 years ago and it has unlocked so many days.

Yes!

Guys, I recently bought the best board (Machado Two fish)for me ever and it has made me much, much, better over night. My dad always surfed so I grew up doing it but focused more of my time playing baseball/football as I was really good at those sports. Moved away from coast at 26 and stopped surfing for about 10 yrs. When I moved back I got super hooked back in, but was about 50 lbs heavier than when I stoped. The extra weight made me feel like learning all over again. My mind wanted to do things that my body couldnt and I was having hard time figuring out the kind of surfer I needed to be. The boards were a lot of it. After loosing about 25 lbs I was a sturdy 193 lbs. I had been riding the Super Brand Fling in 5'11 and was fairly happy but inconsistent in my surfing. Great board but my next buy blew me away. 2 months ago I picked up a Machado Seaside (Two Fish) which is a twin fin. Had never ridden one before but a local ripper had been coaxing me to give one a try. I was blown away on my first wave! Had never experienced such drive while turning up face of the wave. Felt like I was actually accelerating. The other thing that has been a game changer is my new ability to blow past white water sections . Where I used to get hung up in the foam, I now race past to cleaner areas of the wave with little effort. The other aspect I like is the buttery smooth looseness of the board. Im not an overly snappy surfer, but have good balance, so this aspect of the board takes away my weekness of getting too stationary. Instead of being fast and strait, Im now fast and rather carvy. The cool thing is how many compliments I am now getting on my surfing. Feels good to come home to the wife feeling like Kelly Slater. Not really, but feels like it. I live in south tx, yes we have surf; and typically have knee to chest wind swells. However, we have had an amazing spring with plenty of over head surf and the board has held up well in that too. Take in mind Im talking about 7 ft and 7 sec type swells, so can be very bumpy. The keel fins really help wjth that. If you are a bigger, experienced surfer you really will love this board. Give it a try!

This is my new favourite video in the world

Twinzers and Bonzers are the best stress relievers for me(agree with Wynn), your results may vary.

This is perfect. I'm on the west coast of Canada and looking for a new board.

Great video ben. Next in the series. Please cover all the various types of fishes.

Such a great video

Was late to watching this but this was absolutely EPIC! One of my favorite videos of yours ever and something totally different. Yewww!!

You the man!!

Excellent content Ben

Absolute top-tier content

Thank you so much for the video! Could you discuss further what an ideal quiver looks like for someone that rides mostly midlengths and longboards in the follow up video?

Really liked the PNW stuff you did

Great video! East coast either flat or overhead, never much in between like Cali surf. RK nailed that, goes from flat to tubes.

I started surfing 2 years ago, and after a few long board sessions bought a 6'2 mactavish micro 2nd hand tuflite and really struggled with stability as its a bit thin for a beginner and i think it needs a bit of push in the waves to get going and lock in. but i dont know. I then bought a 7'4 machardo seaside and beyond (because i was 42, it was on market place and i had the money). This board changed everything. i can pop up and ride any little wave on it. when i say ride i mean stand up and not fall off, maybe a bit of turning if im lucky. And when you are out back people see the pointy end and think you know what you are doing. Its a mid length, 50 litres, pointy tail that really locks in like that dude said. but Im basically a child coasting along in 1st gear in a porsche tucan. I know that and it hurts. I live on the south coast of England. My local break is 45 minutes away and barrels never occur. if it gets bigger than 4-6ft the waves get wierd, not in a good, predictable, peaky way. I believe that my experience tipifies the experience of most people who decide they want to learn to surf in adulthood. All the gear, no idea, crap conditions, very little time to actually practice. But also, Im now 43, i dont give a f what people think, Im just there for the claim baby :)

Thx ben!

Good intel. 🏄🏻🤙🏻

Great video loved it of in the follow up video u can also talk with heavier long time surfer which boards they use it will be great

Yes,yes,yes!!!! Give us more of this kinda content from time to time. Loved this! Most valuable thing taken from this was im so glad that even a god like yourself was confused by this subject 🤪🙌🤙🍍🍍🍍🍍

hell yeah this was a rad educational experience. for the dream baby "im confused"

When I surfed, I usually only had one board at a time. I was surfing through the transition from long to short boards. My favorite boards for all around were Bonzers. I would carry several center fins, each one of which would change how my board would ride in different conditions. :-)

Great meeting you in Asbury brotha!

I'm a heavy short guy and my go to board these days is 6'.0" squash tail with lots of volume but surprisingly narrow for todays standard... like 21 inches...I basically like old school 90's short boards but with the volume super extra beefed up to accommodate my weight and old age.

I was riding a catch surf in hurricane swell and had a blast.

I ended up with Sharpeye Inferno72 5’10 wide 32L. I would call myself lower level intermediate. The calculator says 30L at 185 lbs if I’m advanced so this is a nice board for a wide range of conditions. Board works great so far. Cheers from SD.

great vid early on I was a Mcd tray that we snagged

I’m 44 and riding the lost hydra 5’5 33L I’m 5’7 170 surfing in south Florida really good board for head hi wind chop slop, and really good when it’s clean conditions like surfing in Satellite beach , 🤙

Pura Vida Ben 🤙

Great video Ben! I'm a bit older now, 64, and my mid-length egg is idea! It catches any wave, good maneuverability and lots of fun! I don't have the paddling power as I once had, when I rode HP boards.

awesomeness

Great video. Dont be afraid of the foam😂

Kevin Morris, from the surf shop, nailed it!

Loving this type of content. Bicep put a detour in the plan but didn’t slow you down.

Hey Ben! You forgot about the logs hahaha especially here on the east coast! Come down to Stuart next time you’re in Florida. Come see us at Ohana Surf Shop, love the content and keeping the dream alive 🤙🏾🤙🏾

Thanks @BenGravyy Probably my favourite video of yours (sorry, I am not a superfan) Great conversations and perspectives

Not a charger. Just out here having adult grom stoke. I know my abilities and I’m fine cruising on my costco special and my pintail mid length for bigger days. Hawaiian waters don’t need another kook on a shortboard 😂 I love having volume. More volume = easy for me to control and paddle.

Good video

kevmo was our paper boy on asbury one block away!

I snapped my short board that’s 31 lts and I’ve just been using my hybrid wide short board with 40 lts, I’ve been using it all conditions and love the paddle power it gives me I can nearly do as good maneuvers on it but it does hold me back a little when it’s big. But now I don’t know how many lts I should get for a chest to head high board as I like 40 lts now. I’ve been converted to higher volume boards as they are more fun and I can still turn it pretty good.

Love the video. What does "out front" mean though? Would also love a video if you could talk about conditions and finding the right spot. Like you've talked about how jersey doesn't do great with super long period swell because it's just longs walls. Like how do certain types of beaches, points, bathymetry hold certain swells? I'm sure I could find vids but would rather get your semi-pro explanation

Hi Ben, thanks for this really good video on this never-ending topic. I am an intermediate surfer, 6 weeks a year I can surf. My smallest board in terms of volume is 39 liters at 6.2". Unfortunately I can't duck dive this board. Maybe it's just me, but maybe that's still too much volume. I weigh 163 pound and I am 5 feet 11 inches tall. What volume do you think I could duck dive with? Thanks in advance. Dirk

Hey Ben, I’m from Jersey but live down in Jacksonville, Fl. I know you’ve surfed around here and would love to hear about what you recommend for our 3-6 ft conditions.

Big old Gravy all over this episode ❤❤❤

thanks for this one...now i can drop the coin wisely

i've been riding a HP wide for the last 10 years. i dont have waves bigger than 4 foot and it never barrels where I live so a single board quiver like that works well for me

Sic break down bro. I have been surfing since gromhood I am now going backwards in my surfing with age but still want to hang onto surfing as best as possible I am all for the fun side. So many guys tell me you can't surf a fish all the time and I say yeah well watch me hahaha

The biggest takeaway I got from this is putting boards into 2 main two categories: good wave boards and bad wave boards. It's stupidly simple, but I never thought about my boards that way before haha.

Northern Lights Bodega Bay? Damn, I haven’t seen that graphic since I was a kid growing up in the early 90s!

pantheon level video from BG here

Drove myself crazy with boards now I have to many like pokemon gotta catch em all I guess 😂 to many shapes and fin configurations now

Guy with orange hat,gave best advice. 🇳🇿

I actually got my Ben Gravy 7' at Margate Heritage hahaha!

Nice board.....Definitely.....Volume for the Paddle in .....🌊🔥💪👊

I'm a 47 year old intermediate surfer (barely lol) that weighs 180lbs. I've been riding a Ben Gravy 8' soft top for about a year now. I'm paddling good and catching green waves as best I can here on the Norcal coast with it. I can't imagine how horrible I'd surf trying to ride a 27 liter board lmao!

I've lived in Jersey for 5 years, and I come from a country with a tropical climate, warm water all year round. my first Winter season here was a disaster, wrong board, wrong Wetsuit, wrong fins size , etc etc... in other words, I had to relearn how to surf again , because using 5mm is not at all normal for someone who has lived their whole life surfing in boardshorts. If you had made this video about 5 years ago, I wouldn't have struggled so much to adapt. 😂

Hell ya!

Hey Ben! You should talk to Sterling Spencer about choosing the right board(s). Look at what he rides nowadays, he's ripping into the 12th dimension. Great vid, keep 'em coming. Yewww

Surfing a piece of plywood is wild 😂

I like a 6'2" rounded pin. What is a fish? They remind me of1970s Stingers- only usefel in certain ( small ) waves.

Now to find out what high performance wide is right for me...or should I forever ride the soft top

There is going to be a comeback of bigger short boards for your quiver. Ide say half the population is on to small of boards. More waves for me. Step it up , handle a high speed turn , ride bigger

What board do we need for the next mega Monday 20ft swell in north jersey?

Anyone that wants to dive deeper into the aspects of a board and how they perform, look up surf science I think by surf simply, lotta cool stuff

Wynn for the WIN!

Pyzel in mix, full circle

margate shop! 😊

Im thinking about buying a 6’6 49.6L shortboard. Im a 6’2 180 beginner who has never surfed before. But I skate so I guess thats an excuse for me to get a shorter board. Do you reckon its a good idea? Because there is no way im buying a longboard

All you need is a softop to be like Ben.