packa wrote:Some concepts in this category are on my to do list.
Seems to be a LOT of options in this field. What are the core design features to have?
Paddle, float and glide would be a given ... design to allow for easy turns? What else?
Paddle, float, glide and easy turns - what else do you want the board to have...
I'm no expert on this but researched various options before getting my mid length (7ft4); and many boards of that size promise easy paddling, easy wave catching and ability to turn/carve. In reality the different design choices between different boards means that some of those qualities will be more prevalent than others depending on which board you can choose.
I think its really up to you to figure out what is most important - for me, because I'm unfit country dweller who can't surf (thanks SS), it was paddling and ease of catching waves over performance. So I ended up with a rounder nose flat rockered and fairly thick board with more tail rocker for beach breaks.
For you, you may want greater ability to turn or more glide (although even a mid 7ft noticeably glides less than a 9ft) or just something for the smaller days or something fast or whatever.
I have a Grant Miller board, and if you look at his various midlengths you can have a Sub-X, a Powerglide or a larger Waterskate - three quite different boards that have different strengths (and weaknesses). They are all mid lengths but arent going to surf the same by any means.
So the first step is to analyse what it is you want out of your board given your skill level and fitness and where you surf and all the rest, being honest. And dont say 'glide, turn, float, ease of paddle, ability to handle late drops but early entry' etc - you cant have everything and not everything can be
the most important.
This narrows down the designs that will work for you, then you pick the one that best meets your requirements or that you feel most comfortable with, or the shaper you feel most comfortable with or whatever.
I know this isnt answering your question nor is it giving you any words of wisdom that hasnt been said 1000s of times before, but asking for 'core design features' is only a relevant question if you know what you want and hence what design might work best for you. A Porsche 911 has some great design features, but not if you need to transport 7 people.