This question was asked in my exile board review, “hey man, i enjoyed your review. im looking to by a MS pro shape exile, but i cant decide what thickness i want. is there a big difference in float and maneuverability between the 3/4″ and 5/8″ foam?”

Thanks bro, glad you enjoyed the review. And I’m glad you asked about foam thickness, it’s one of my favorite things to talk about with skimboards ironically enough haha. I have owned four exiles of varying shapes and sizes to date:

• ¾” ML traditional s-glass
• 5/8” ML hybrid s-glass
• ¾” MS hybrid s-glass
• ¾” MS pro-shape carbon (my current ride)

As you can probably guess by looking at the list, I really prefer ¾” foam. The primary reason for this being that I live in Florida. Most of the waves I skim are fairly weak, and every extra bit of push helps. The 5/8” board that I had was a great board. It turned really quickly, and felt great on the face of the wave, but I just really preferred having that little extra bit of speed. It honestly makes a BIG difference. Talking to Steve at Exile one day, he mentioned that even he rides a ¾” board on most California waves, unless it’s a day where Aliso is firing or something like that.

The thicker foam makes the board more buyout, obviously, but it also theoretically makes it harder to turn. In my experience, I prefer the extra speed of ¾” over a little bit of “help” turning the board from 5/8” foam. The difference in speed feels a lot greater than the difference in maneuverability to me. To quote Mr. Peluso “Guys like Paulo and Domke could turn a door.” As you get better, you will be able to maneuver the board quicker and turn better, but you will eventually get to a point where you won’t be able to make yourself go any faster.

All that being said, people still have their own personal preferences. I have friends who skim nothing but south florida ankle-biters, and swear by 5/8”. So, go out there, try different boards, and see what feels right to you. My personal recommendation is for ¾” foam, unless you’re skimming big waves often.

-Jesse

By Paul Barker

One of the things I thought Loaded was missing from their line up was a long long long board. Turns out that they do listen to my prayers and have come out with another sick board that is long and strong and down to get your groove on… With the new Loaded 70mm Oragatangs 4President attached to this slick ride makes it one bad mofo and a must have.

Here are the specs:

FLEX 2 (100-170+)
FLEX 1 (160-230+)
55″x 9″ with a 40″ wheelbase
Pressed with 100% natural linen for high performance and non-toxic epoxy resin
Small nose and tail curvatures to lock your feet in.
Bubbled bottom texture for finish and durability

They are available for PRE-ORDER only. Be the first to get your feet on this sick ride. They will be available in about 2 weeks from this post. Get em here.

The Dancer from Loaded Boards

HALIEWA, HI.   The Innovator of Modern Day Surfing, Buttons Kaluhiokalani, has joined Kahuna Creations to spread the love of board riding.

Board shaper Kahuna Creations Inc. recently celebrated their relationship with Buttons at Sunset Beach.  Friends, family, and neighbors came together to have some fun.   “Buttons was incredible,” says Steve McBride, Founder/Rider of Kahuna Creations Inc. “He signed posters, hugged friends, and taught fans how to surf and ride the Kahuna Big Stick land paddle.  Buttons spread the absolute love of riding a board.  We love Buttons and his pure love of life.”

“I am stoked to join Kahuna Creations!” says Buttons, “Kahuna Creations is a soulful company that pays tribute to my Hawaiian ancestors.  Hawaiians were the first people to feel the love of board riding, Kahuna Creations remembers those roots and has created a line up that weaves in the Hawaiian spirit.”

Check out the Kahuna Big Sticks coming soon to EOS.

Buttons using his Kahuna Big Stick