Looking for a board between novice and intermediate.

[Anonymous]

I live in LA and love riding my 9’6 up at the point breaks around Malibu. Problem is I work right on the Venice boardwalk so I need a fun board to ride the 2-4 beach break.

I have a 6’10 big-guy-thruster that I can get up on OK but the rides don’t last very long due to slowing up in the mush or speeding too far out on the face and off the wave (suppose knowing how to cutback would help).

Anyway, I’m looking for something shorter that I could easily throw into my Corolla (under 7 would be ideal). Maybe something that will take a little growing into at first but will allow me to catch a lot of waves and have fun in the mushy break out front of my work.

Input is much appreciated.

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

Should probably add that I’m 6’2, 205 pounds. Also I get up and carve consistently on the 9’6 but definitely have more trouble getting up consistently on the 6’10.

Thanks, Ben!

[Anonymous]

Hi Block,

Thanks for your question – this is one I hear often so thank you for asking.

Transitioning from a longboard to a shortboard is always going to be a challenge but I know a lot of guys, specifically in Southern California, resort to a longer version of the Rusty Dwart for exactly the scenario you describe.

The DWART is a really versatile performance fish design that feels stable, works well in knee high mush all the way to overhead, hollow beach breaks yet I don’t believe it will feel too foreign as a step-down to your longboard.

The standard DWART dims only go up to 6’2 @ 41.8L, which is enough volume for your size but a lot of stores seem to stock the DWART in longer lengths. See if you can find a 6’6 / 6’8 / 6’10 and see how it feels under arm.

I hope this helps you!

All the best,
Benny

[Author]

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