Time to buy a gun
I'm looking at buying my first gun or semi gun and having a crack at larger waves.
I live in Melbourne, would probably use it at Bells (or further West), in anything over say 8ft to as big as I can manage.
Currently riding a 6'1'' go to and a 6'4'' step up with a fair bit of volume (33ltrs). The step up serves me well at most places I surf when the waves are bigger, but I've had a few surfs at Winki where the paddle in was getting hard and the drops were getting a bit twitchy.
thinking the 7' to 7'4'' range.
Would love any advice - should I buy new? Should I grab something second hand and see how I go? What was your first big wave board and how did you get into it?
If you keep an eye on the second hand market you can often get 7ft + guns very cheap as there is not a huge market for them and the guys that want them often buy them custom.
But you can't just expect that what you want will be available.
I'd recommend Greg Brown or Darren Dickson to shape you a good one down there.
Maurice Cole Protow.
Have a word to him. His custom boards are beautiful and he glasses them heavy. Plus, you won't have too far to go to speak to him personally, he's very approachable.
I'll put in a vote for getting a new one.
Firstly, gun shape has changed a lot in the last ten years. I've got a swag of guns out in the shed, each of them with classically refined lines: sleek, narrow and thin, and every one of them is now redundant. Foam is the new black. My current go to guns are comparitively wide and thick, especially under the chest and forward of centre. If you must go second hand then make sure it's a modern design. Sometimes hard to tell off eBay so unless it's a total bargain - i.e you can afford to blow your dough - get it from a shop
Another reason for buying new is that bigger waves demand more focus and commitment so you'll need to consider equipment more carefully. You've already made a considered decision to ride big waves, now apply the same thinking to boards. Take your time, have a good think and an equally good look around, but unless something in the second hand racks really jumps out then I say own the process: do some homework then throw yourself at the feet of a good gun shaper.
Lastly, the lifespan of high performance shortboards can be measured in months, yet a good gun should last you for years. And though it'll get used less, I vouch the waves you catch on it are remembered more. Look at the long view.
Fortunately you live in a state that's home to some of the best: Mick Pierce, Greg Brown, Maurice Cole, Micheal Anthony etc etc.
Here's to lofty ambitions...
A gun for Vicco will resemble a gun for Indo in planshape only. You'll need less rocker and more foam to handle chop and a long wetsuit which adds a bit of weight.
+1 for Greg Brown.
You get a tick for deciding to get one and have a crack
You get as second tick for not fucking around and going straight into the over 7 foot catagory
If you want a 3rd tick go and see Browny
Anglesea surf shop often has a good range of second hand guns.
But in saying that its fucking exciting ordering a new gun and then having the anticipation of waiting for it to arrive.
Depends how much above 8ft you want to surf whether you get a 7'0, 7'6 or 8'0+
If your having trouble a Winky , then i suggest you stick that till you can handle the biggest that has to offer . Realistically you should be able to handle anything it can throw at you on a 6'10 or 7'0 max considering your standard board is 6'0 and step up is only a heavy foamed 6'4 . No need putting yourself out over your comfort zone on a board you will struggle handle duck diving . This is only a suggestion , but maybe buildup to a board that will take a change in technique to handle in solid waves .
I got 3 mean boards from that anglesea.shop
Last one was a hardly used Kirk Bierke 6.8 for two humpty. ☆Happy☆
I have a mate who has a few to sell, I know one is a Kirk Bierke 7'0" finish coat, glassed in fins. Perfect nick for a bit over 300 I think. I'll check if anyone is interested.
Without hijacking the thread, similar to Stok I’ve been putting some research into a 7’6-ish mainly for big Bells / Winki, but also for OS. I've been looking at local guys (Browny, Phipps, Mick Pierce, MC) but recently had a chance to handle a Rawson - great feeling board and the owner had a lot of good things to say about it. So now have also started looking at the Hawaiian guys / gun specialists.
A lot to be said for going to a quality local shaper, but just wondering how much of an advantage that local knowledge is when stacked up against someone like Rawson / Bushman / etc? Anyone with comparative experience to share?
Have a look at Wayne Webster’s site.
Nice range of guns on there
Who ever fitted the legrope plugs to the 9'6 Black Hula should be sacked.
Care to explain yourself Udo or are you just the master of questioning everything?
Ol’ Udo loves just dropping a comment and leaving it hanging for others to work out
Sorry chaps - pic on Webbys insta
Hehe I see what you mean. Few too many beers at smoko.
How good does the yellow 8’0 look tho
Nothing wrong with asymmetrical Udo.
Speak to MC... I have a few step up pro tows and a 9'0. All are amazing
Webster in Ballina is a great board builder for serious waves too.... I have 2 x DS models off him and they make hard waves easier to catch and smooth to ride.
what size are your step up protows Cycd?
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