Custom al merrick biscuit surfboard, opinions?

Question

i'm getting a board shaped by a local shaper and i'm getting it shaped just like a 5'10" al merrick biscuit. However, i'm thinking of tweaking it a little and making the dimensions 5'10 x 21" x 2 1/2" (so a little wider and slightly thinner than the regular 5'10 model). I'm also thinking of adding a small little swallow tail (so i can ride this in a bit of bigger surf). What do ya'll think? yes or no on the new dimensions and the swallow tail? thanks.

Answer 1

Sounds like a nice design, but when you notched the tail, you stop building a "Biscuit" clone and went off like a Channel islands "Fishcuit" which is also a nice stick, and it comes stock at 2 7/8 for 5'10". To be honest, as a fat guy (back up to 220 after vacation last week), I'd even look at it at 3" for a 200 pounder. 21" wide sound just about right, but rap with your shaper and get his opinion, it's more valuable than mine.

From Channel Islands web site:

Glide your Fishcuit approximately 6-8 inches shorter than your normal short board. Comes standard at your local dealer:

5’2 x 19 ¾ x 2 3/4

5’4 x 19 7/8 x 2 ¾

5’6 x 20 x 2 ¾, 5’8 x 20 ¼ x 2 ¾

5’10 x 20 ½ x 2 7/8

6’0 x 21 x 3

6’2 x 21 ½ x 3

6’4 x 21 ¾ x 3

Answer 2

i say definetly go for it. sounds like a great board. i would get the swallow tail too cause i love to ride bigger waves

Answer 3

Sounds like a good setup.... I think John and I are on the same boat as you. I was at 200 about 2 months ago but managed to shed 15ish lbs...

I just got a shortboard shaped for me and i rode it last tuesday (Hurricane Fay) its 6'3" 19.5x2.5 It was great.. the dimensions are perfect,I might even be able to shed a smaller stick seeing as Im 5'7"...mabey an inch or two smaller (eps epoxy too)

Its all in your ability... If you know you can ride it go for it man. 2.8 might not be a bad idea... but like John said talk to you shaper he  knows more than us