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Hi Todd,

I haven’t talked to you since I got my EPS “Ridiculous” single fin with side bites (6′4″ x 20″ x 2 5/8″) a year ago October. Thought you should know I’m still loving it. People at “Uppers” (Trestles) continue to comment on it and how well I surf on it.

And my wave count is through the roof.

Anyhow, I’m about ready to make some quiver changes and the “lil Rascal” is sounding a bit tempting. I’ve been riding the “Ridiculous” with a 5 1/2 inch single and the small longboard side fins.

I really like the positive, flowy feeling of the single fin- especially backside because I’m goofy footed.

I have ridden it as a twin and a half and didn’t care much for it. So, here’s the question. Would you recommend the “lil Rascal” with a similar fin set-up? I’m curious because it looks like a board I could surf a bit more radically. The nose, rocker, and outline looks very similar between these two boards, thus the transition would be easy between the two. The “lil Rascal” seems like you’ve trimmed the fat, shortened, and put a more pure twin set-up on it than the “Ridiculous”. Is this the case, and how could it be adapted for a 6′2″ tall, 35 yrs. old weighing 175lbs? I’d love to believe I surf as good as Jay, but…. Would you recommend a 6′ 0″ x 20 x 2 5/8″?” Too big or small?

I’d love for it to paddle similar to my current board (or better if you can work miracles).

As always,

Thanks for your time and attention to detail.

Sincerely,

Mark Quest

6′4″ x 20″ x 2 5/8″ Ridiculous Small Wave Wonder, Single Fin thumbtail/roundpin
custom flexible epoxy surfboard construction

Visit the Lil’ Rascal page and watch the movies

Hi Mark,

Good to hear from you. Happy New Year!! Glad to hear your stoked on the Ridiculous. The Ridiculous is just as you perceive….a more
modern version similar to what you are riding now, but with

quicker reaction and responsiveness for tighter hooking turns

while still maintaining the speed. If you want to keep close to the same paddleability as the 6’4″, I uggest you don’t drop it down too much -
I think the magic would be 6’1″ x 20 1/8″ x 2 5/8″ Rascal….and you could even go with a five fin plug setup so you could ride it as a thruster, or quad, or twinny
with small trailer, or straight twinny, or….etc..

I can’t make the paddle better than your 6’4″ unless we add some volume, but you would have to let me know if you’re up for that cause a thicker rail will move through the water different in and out of turns. Lemme know your thoughts…..

Looking forward to your reply….and to making a sicky Rascal for you.

Aloha,
Todd

Thanks so much for the speedy reply Todd.

Everything sounds spot on. There are two concerns I have: 1. I’m not really fond of how Fishes surf (I haven’t seen many people ride them very well). I assume this is because of the wide nose and narrower tail. Is the tail width pretty close to that of the “Ridiculous”? If not, what do you recommend?

2. I have grown accustomed to the positive, drivey feeling of having a larger back fin with smaller side-bites.

Would you recommend such a set up for the Lil Rascal?

Being a goofy-footer at Uppers means backside 98% of the time. Then at O-side it’s more like 50%. My back side surfing is much more flowing; smooth, full throttle arching bottom and top turns, and down the line floaters. This is mostly because I’m tall, Uppers has a small pocket, and I’m old and lazy :-}. Front side is just the opposite.

I’m much more radical off the top and enjoy releasing the tail when applicable,

perhaps because I can see the sweet spot of the wave easier.

I am not close minded to a true tri fin. I suppose I simply need to be convinced. If you have any other recommendations (tails, rails etc.) please let me know.

Forgive my odd questions, I’ve always been fond of unconventional boards and fin set-ups, so I require lots of convincing.

Thanks again for your time,

Mark Quest

Hi Mark,

Waves are smaller than they have been in awhile up here today, but the weather sure is beautiful.

The nose width on the Lil’ Rascal is pretty much the same as the Ridiculous….maybe just a touch narrower.

You could set up the Rascal much the same way as the Ridiculous with the box in the back and removable side fins….so you could try as larger center fin with small sides, single fin, twinny, twin with small trailer, etc…see what works best for you.

Personally I like it with the larger twinny’s and a small center….also actually works good as a thruster believe it or not. I think the best bet is to set it up with what you know works for you with room to experiment too….can’t go wrong thatta way.

The Rascal has a similar rail to what you have there in the Ridiculous (full and boxy with a flatter deck), it does have a slight bit more nose rocker (super slight….don’t panic) to be able to go a little more pockety. The tail width is very similar….and I recommend a swallowtail….or you could try a double wing swallowtail loosens it up a bit off the tail.

This board will be a smooth transition for you coming from what you already know in the Ridiculous….same speed, just more responsive….a blending of old school easy speed with modern board dynamics to give it that special zing.

Ok, well please feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Have a great rest of the weekend…talk to you later, Aloha,

Todd

Sorry to hear there’s no surf Todd. I surfed fun, shoulder high o-side today. Come on down if you need to get out of Dodge.
Well, you’ve convinced me… and I think I’ll try it without the box.
It adds weight and drag, and I’m sure I could put a G7 on if I need to.
I’ve been riding the fin cluster pretty tight lately to loosen things up- probably because I’ve been wanting more performance.

So the FCS 3 fin set up sounds good, unless you can convince me that the 5 fin set up is the true placement for a quad. I know Matt Biolis is doing this too, but I have a hard time believing that the fin cluster is in true tri-fin or quad position without one being out of kilter.

Anyway, I rambling… When’s the best time I can call you; get the details ironed out, get the order in, get the check mailed, and get my new Rascal in the water?

Again,
your service has been refreshing,

your product world class,

your website, so stimulating I ‘m buying another board that I don’t really need .

It’s a pleasure to give my money to a PROFESSIONAL board builder in a world of wannabes.

Thanks,
Mark