Rockers
Rockers and bottom contours are extremely important in surfboard design. after all, its the surface that has the most contact in the water.
Rockers can vary depending on the types of conditions.
I use a variety of rockers for different surfboard models and/or conditions.
I can go deep into each different rocker types, but generally speaking, high rocker helps the board react quicker because it has less wetted surface area. Less wetted surface means they can get on a plan quicker, but also can hit a maximum speed.
Low rockered boards trim well, they are more stable because they have more wetted surface area. This generally means they initially take longer to get on a plan, but hit a faster velocity speed than a highly rockered board.
Contours are equally important as how the water is directed under a surfboard, determines its performance.
There are different bottoms contours ranging from "VEE" , single concave, single to double concaves, rolls to planning hulls. All are designed to enhance waterflow. Concaves are designed to create lift and flatten rockers for faster water flow. Vees and rolls are designed to displace water for rail to rail transition and to make the board more forgiving.
Its important to note that the right contour has to work together with the rocker and surfboard planshape, and that goes the same with the rocker versus planshape outline.
Rockers can vary depending on the types of conditions. Here is my variety of rockers used for different surfboard models and or conditions.
MPA
This Rocker is suited for the surfer looking for lots of speed with ease of turning in tight areas of the wave. Great for even weighted surfers.
The MPA rocker has generous nose curve with a flatter section through the stance area with moderate tail curve. It has a single to double concave running from nose to tail. This is considered my most popular rocker.
MPA/2
For the surfer looking for tight surfing in the pocket, but also wanting to get out on the wave face with front foot drive,The MPA/2 rocker is similar to the MPA but with a flatter front foot section for driving a longer line under your front foot. This board is also great for skimming over flatter sections. Single to double concaves.
MPB
The MPB is a high performance rocker for the vertical attacking surfer. It has a continuous rocker in the rail line with a deep single concave running through the middle making this board very lively and free feeling. For the well established surfer looking to get tighter in the pocket and turn more on a dime.
MPB/2
The MPB/2 rocker is for the strong powerful surfer looking for heaps of drive and speed. It has a continuous rocker in the nose with a flatter tail. It has a single to double concave to “V” right off the tail. It’s a very drivey board off the back foot.
MPC
This rocker is for the back footed surfer who loves a free feeling nose for surfing in the pocket of the wave. The MPC has a generous nose rocker with a flatter tail and it has a deep single concave to bring back run through the mid section. This board is great for the vertical attacking surfer but with heaps of back foot drive.
MPD
The MPD rocker is for the surfer looking for a board to suit all round conditions. The MPD is my lowest rocker to suit a variety of surf conditions with slight concaves and soft rails. It has a slight hip in the tail for quick direction changes.