Update on the hundred dollar board... it’s trash. Took it out in some decent 3-5ft waves, and couldn’t understand why the waves kept rolling over the tail no matter how far up I moved when paddling. Finally was able to pop up on a couple and would just bog out. It felt like surfing a Kleenex box. Had no play and didn’t “fit in the wave”.
Went to the nearby surf shop, bought some wax, and asked buddy working if he’d be willing to give me his opinion on it. He took out a 2’ level and pointed out how the bottom was completely flat, also, how the rails were basically square except for the slight bevel on top and bottom. He said the shaper did next to nothing but shape the nose and tail. I felt like a dummy. Thought I understood board physics a little better than that. Hoping I can sell it for what I paid to a lightweight beginner who just wants to go straight in shorebreak.