Ross’ Approach to Shaping Longboards
In the world of longboard shaping, the possibilities are endless. From classic longboards to performance longboards and beyond, there’s an unlimited amount of design features to get creative with. Different shapers cater for different types of surfer in mind, whether that's honing in on a specific niche or covering the whole spectrum.
Ross’ approach since the very beginning - Design longboards that are user friendly for the everyday surfer whilst providing all the features and attributes to allow for progression and top level surfing.
You’ve probably seen our team riders absolutely ripping on their Ross Concept longboards. These guys are the cream of the crop, but this doesn't mean the boards are for professionals only. Ross has put in the time and sweat to create longboards that average surfers can put under their feet and very quickly feel the progress they are making. Learning how to cross-step and noseride on a longboard?…… You need a board that is stable and forgiving, not a dialed up ‘ferrari’ that only top level surfers can ride. This is essentially what Ross has created, a range of longboards that every level of surfer can enjoy and progress on, instead of struggling and getting frustrated.
Take the Resolution model for example; this board is designed to provide incredible stability whilst cross stepping and excellent hold whilst on the nose. This is thanks to the boards fuller outline from tail to nose, 50/50 rails and perfectly blended rocker. Everyday surfers will benefit from this board, allowing them to progress faster instead of hindering themselves on a board that is hard to ride. Similarly, the Lady Log is designed for stability and progression into noseriding, but has the added benefit for female surfers of being lighter, more refined and easier to maneuver. Why struggle with a board that’s too hard to turn or too heavy?
Below in the left image, you can see the Resolution model on the left, and the Lady Log on the right. Both are fantastic boards for stability and progression on the nose, yet both have their own characteristics. In the right image, you can see Lo Lesya on her 9’2” Lady Log, a board that has helped her progress with noseriding.
Top level surfers will still enjoy models like the Resolution of course, and in-fact it's a firm long standing favorite amongst our whole team. Tedi would argue that it’s too easy to noseride and he needs a challenge….that’s where other boards like our Fluid Drive and Magic Mix come in. These two boards have more performance attributes such as narrower tails, sharper rails and more extreme rocker profiles which allow high level surfers to perform powerful turns and very critical noserides. We don’t want to put you off these boards, and they are excellent options for further down the line, but if you’re progressing and learning the art of cross stepping and noseriding, then we heavily suggest a Resolution or Lady Log.
Below, Ross rides his trusty 9’8” Resolution, still his favorite model to this date.
So, if you’re looking for a board to maximize your progression in the world of longboarding, then look no further. Drop us a message here and we will get your perfect board in motion!!