Filed in: Surfboard Reviews | On: April 17th, 2010 | Comments: (4)
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Dimensions: 7’4 x 23″ 5/8 x 3″ 4/4 On a recent clean but super small day on the south shore of Oahu, I tried my buddy’s 7’4 Ben Aipa Big Boy Stinger. At first glance the board looked like it would ride similar to a longboard as the board was super wide (23″ 5/8) and very thick (3″ 3/4) and I figured I’d catch a ton of waves and go straight. To my surprise the board did catch every knee high wave I went for but the responsiveness and maneuverability was quite impressive. You can actually pump this board along the wave face and the stinger keeps the tail very loose yet the board is loose enough to carve on the face and pump but still has enough drive off the bottom to get you around sections. I hear this all the time but this board really has longboard paddling with shortboard-like turning and in my opinion is a true “funboard”. The 3″ 3/4 thickness provides both small and larger surfers more than enough paddling power though the bulk of the thickness is foiled out on the rails creating a domey deck. Somehow all the width in the center of the board provides you with longboard like paddling while the pinched rails give the board all of its turning ability. Best of all it’s made from Boardworks’ sandwich epoxy which means a very floaty and durable board which is ding resistant compared to PU boards. This is a great board for beginners or advanced surfers looking to ride the boards of yesterday in small surf. I recommend this board for mushy type waves ankle high to neck high.
You should play around with the center fin’s position to get the right amount of looseness/drive for your surfing style. For novices, pushing the fin forward makes the board looser while moving it back creates more drive. Other Big Boy Stinger Dimensions:
Website: http://boardworkssurf.com/shapers/ben_aipa/bb-stinger.php 4 Comments »By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Any violations of these terms may result in account suspension or deactivation. Please keep your comments civil and in good taste. To report a comment, email info@surfboardshack.comGreg Pentecost, on November 12, 2010 @ 5:40 pm |I picked up the 8’4″ a could of years ago and it completely changed the way I surf. The 8’4″ catches as many waves as my 9’6″ Bear All-Around, but I can cut and carve all over the place on any size wave. I weight the same as you Rich, but I am about 2 inches taller. My recommendation is the 8’4″, but if that concerns you get the 9’4″. ducky, on March 13, 2011 @ 3:41 am |dude one of the best epoxy’s I ever rode ( Ive ridden about 15 of’um no lie ) hands down the 9-4 Big Brother Sting Im 5-11 290lbs and I Rip when i get to my feet. it does all of the above exceptionally well floats and paddles real good ( im in my 50’s )you can also bury the rail pretty good and doesnt bog down also it didnt act stupid on windy days. do yourself a favor and get one. i give the 9-4 an (E)xcellent Bingocal, on October 30, 2011 @ 11:27 am |I have an 8’4″ Aipa Stinger,when i first bought it I was skeptical about the size as i only used 10 ft. boards before. I’m 5’7″ tall 170lbs and haven’t surfed for 40 years.It paddles like a dream catches almost any wave, easy to turn ,cut back,and pump,because of the stinger and the swallow tail. Ive used it on bigger days 6+ fast & loose. Leave a comment |
Rich Behrens, on August 3, 2010 @ 4:09 pm |
Hi, I am interested in getting one of Mr. Aipa’a surfboards yet need advice. I currently ride a 9’6 epoxy that I picked up at blue planet about 8 years ago, it is not very thick, maybe 2 5/8, not sure. I am 52 and although in good shape, do not have endurance. After paddling my current board I have to go in after two waves, i am too tired to make it back outside. I weigh 215 lbs, am 5’11. I am not a noserider, I like to cut at the bottom and then roller coaster up and down and then do a cut back if the ride is long enough. What board would you recommend for me? What Aipa board would be best and what size? Would the Swallowtail Longboard 10 be good? Thanks for any advise, Rich