Just got my youngest a custom for his 12th birthday, he is small for his age but has the heart of a lion
He has been using the Naish 8'0" but at 85+ litres it is way too much board for his 38 kilo frame. With this in mind he now has a DTM custom 7'0" x 25". Not so short but very low volume at approx 55 litres with surfboard thickness rails and a domed deck.
We just had a week down the south coast and his surfing has improved 100% already as he can bury a rail much more easily and at around 4.5 kilos gripped and finned he can chuck it around more easily. My other concern was the weight of the Naish which at around 8.5 kilos was a worry if it smacked him in the head.
Anyway he has had it in everything from 1 foot glass to serious 5 foot (10+ faces) reef surf with strong winds and so far is loving it. It's amazing watching kids improve particularly his paddling & board handling skills. He can now spin the board multiple times on the spot in flat water cause the tail sinks so easily. Here's some pics:
