I think some board companies (ahem, CI) have weight to volume guides according to skill level e.g. beginner, intermediate, advanced. Don't ask me how they classify those levels though.Hatchnam wrote: and on the flipside, perhaps the reason 'shapers en masse' feel the need to go do damn short is to keep within the confines of the second questionable factor. that of 'board volume to surfer weight'
meaning, if you "weigh X then you've gotta have a board of "Y volume". so by going short, shapers are going too short just to keep within 'Y volume' because of surfer's 'X weight'.
I have gone into surf shops before and the staff would take one look at me and go ... "yeah, I think a fat 5'6" or 5'8" board would suit you". Not that they have ever seen me surfed or know what I can and can't do on a board ...