Whilst looking at the Smik twin pin and pro, this board popped up locally on sale. The shop let me borrow it for the weekend. This is the most pronounced step deck I've ever seen!! The rails are proper surfboard thickness. It's 7'10 x 29.5 x 99l. Seems to have a wider pin that has a touch more volume in it then the thinnest part of the rails. Concaves seem very mellow single, almost flat. And very subtle vee out the back fins. Very low rocker in the back, a bit up front for sure. Subtle overall continuous curve?
I haven't been able to try it on a wave yet, but what do you guys think of the design elements? I can't figure out if it will be a smaller wave ripper, or if it's too wide that. Maybe with such pronounced step rails, it doesn't need much vee or double to help it turn? I had a quick paddle. Seemed stable enough. Feels like you need to stand fairly far forward to make use of the volume there. It's a shame the surf is crap this weekend. West coast is nearly 3m and messy. East is flat and wind swept.
what's everyone's hunch on what it would work / not work well in looking at the pics and above info?
Some extra context. I also have an 8'2 pin tail Smik spitfire, and a 9'1 Sunova LB style sup. Was thinking the twin pin could be a smaller wave ripper, with ability to handle bigger stuff too. Guess I'd want the same for this board
If you imagine the step rails angled/pinched instead of square step its not that crazy. Looks like a solid shortboard but will need well shaped waves with a little push not too big to get the most out of it. Since it seems stable to you thats a good sign, I bet it surfs fine.
Thanks Sls. Yeah I just can't figure in my head what its ideal wave size or height is yet vs my 8'2 pin tail spitfire. I do also have a LB style sup if waves are really dead. I assume roughly the same wave size and type would also be applicable for the Smik twin pin in 7'8 x28 size. It's just the wider tail, straighter tail rocker and not much double / vee that make me wonder how easy it will be to turn in junk, or good waves. there's some fun looking waves later this week, but not sure if I can hold it as a demo until then
I rode step rail boards about 15 years ago and loved them. The concept of the narrow rail cutting into the wall of the wave works well. No more big boxy fat rails. Looking closely at that board it looks like it will surf good due to the rocker, rail outline and the nice smooth rounded pintail.
It should be fast and loose, and you will be able to really lean hard over into your turns so you will need to be a reasonable surfer to get the best out of the design. It would make a great beach break board. Go for it 
Haha awesome thanks. In your experience is the wider tail any concern? I just find it unique how the tail is actually quite wide, but thin. Also that there isn't much of a double or vee, maybe the thinner rails don't need as much bottom contour to roll? Hoping to find some waves later this week
