plummet wrote:...
I agree with Westoz. I think the majority of guys on SB's are doing so not because they are hardened surfers looking for a surflike feel. they are following the pack and doing what is commonly done...
That's offensive and somewhat arrogant. Perhaps people made their own decision and decided what they like to ride.
plummet wrote:...
Dudes that take both TT and SB to the beach and constantly chop and change between the 2 are probably prime canditates for mutant riding.
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It depends on their riding skill. Where I ride you see some guys turn up with a surfboard or a raceboard and a TT. They try the directional for a while but haven't mastered the skills so they give up and switch to the TT. Perhaps they need to spend more time on their TT and develop the skills needed to ride a directional. (toeside and foot swapping). Many eventually master the directional and continue, or not.
Mutants are probably an ideal choice for a lot of people unfortunately there are very few mutants on the market and very little chance of getting a test ride on any of them. I am a bit hesitant to spend money on a mutant to find I don't love it. I have tested a few boards that I have hated (including one mutant). I have offered to buy a Cardboard on a money back satisfaction deal but they won't do it.
Given that the topic is "Why directional" it is worth pointing out that not all directionals are surfboards or raceboards. My favourite directional is a 5'4", thruster fish, about 19" wide with zero rocker or vee. It rocks in light wind, goes upwind better than anything that is not a raceboard, and is blisteringly fast through chop. It is light as a feather and stands up to really big jumps. It's ok in the surf but not fantastic because it is too fast and has not enough rocker for linked turns in the pocket.
A directional made for the surf will turn well but is typically slow and performs poorly upwind because it has too much rocker and maybe too narrow. You need to get a board that does what you want it to do, and have the skills to use it.
While we're at it, the joys of your TT or mutant are also irrelevant. The question is "Why directional". The answer is "Because it's fun and I like it." We all know how much fun TT are. If you want to ride a directional ... ride a directional. Lots of people have and seem happy to continue doing it.