The modern Tow boards have not changed much the
last 10 years due to the movement toward longer
paddle in boards that although demonstrate the size of
one’s gonads, still do not allow the freedom on the
face that a smaller well designed toe board has at
speed. High speed control means minimum surface
area to subdue the immense pressures bought to bare
under one’s feet. Obviously, there is no intention to
paddle meaning they can act like a water ski and
therefore can be man handled at supersonic speeds.
This allows them to be easily put into all sorts of
positions on the face of these immense waves they are
purposed for with ease since the pressures have been
minimized being so narrow and thin.
PLAN SHAPE
The plan shape is obviously narrow as previously stated
and the inclusion of a small bighting swallow tail is a
must for the claw to the face and a necessity for driving
bottom turns at speed. The narrowness of the tail is an
absolute necessity keeping in mind the position of the
straps where the rider is positioned more forward in
order to have complete control over the whole boards
planning speed and pivot control.
BOTTOM SHAPE
Tow boards need speed and more speed so the bottom
shape consists of a deep 10mm concave from nose to
tail allowing it to lift and fly under pressure and when
on rail the face bight is enhanced due to the
lengthened tucked edge where the deep concave exits
the trapped water flow giving the surfer supreme
control through high-speed turns.
BOTTOM ROCKER
The bottom curve is flatter than normal performance
boards but does have some late flip in the nose to
counter unexpected surface texture that are common
in big wave scenarios and being strapped in does not
allow much retreat to the tail when that may happen.
Keep in mind that with deep concaves like this there is
more rail rocker than actual stringer rocker meaning
when on rail a lot of added forgiveness and freedom in
and out of critical turns at top speed.
RAILS
Due to the thinness of this design and the rolled deck
the rails are very knifed, again enabling the board to
slice and tilt at high speed. Remember because the
surfer is strapped in and the lift of this deep mono
concave rail catching does not happen or indeed can
be controlled.
FINS
These board need to have a 70 degree x 20 degree foil
on the front fins so they do not cavitate when applying
pressure through a turn. Using normal flat insides on
the front fins there is too much pressure and they will
lift out of the water. It is amazing how just a very
shallow foil on the inside allows them to behave.
SURFBOARD WEIGHT
It is common for these types of boards being so
smallish in every way and indeed being surfed in big
conditions it is imperative to weight them down with
excess glass. Some have 4 layers of 6-ounce cloth on
both top and bottom and in more extreme conditions
as in Hawaii we run PVC conduit through the inside of
them filled with lead buckshot so as to maintain inertia
countering strong offshore winds.
DIMS
Keep in mind these boards can be customized although
saying that the weight of the surfer is almost irrelevant
due to paddle issues that are non-existent. Of course,
some much bigger guys do opt for more customization.
The sample pictured is….
6.0 x 17 x 2 1/16 = 22 liters.
This model is usually customized to suit.