ASK Al: What's the Difference Between Moving the Wide Point Forward or Back?


  • 04.16.2021

Hi Mr. Merrick,

I have been looking at versions of the shorter and wider trend of surfboards. They tend to place the wide point on these boards at 2″ forward of center, whereas the Channel Islands semi-pro has the wide point at 2″ behind center (as stated in the sem-pro description on your website). What is the difference in performance between the wide point at 2″ forward of center and the wide point at 2″ behind center (as in the semi-pro)?

Thanks!
Ross

Al Merrick responds, “The overall outline of the board is more important than where the actual wide point is at. It is actually quite difficult to determine exactly where the actual wide point is. The outline of a board is achieved mainly with volume control in mind. We are most importantly trying to focus on the outline curve between your feet.”

Ask Al

  • 04.16.2021