My aim is to review boards for the average knockabout surfer (or ‘kook’ like me) without all the technical terms and manoeuvres.
Before we start, here is a full disclaimer…
I don't usually review High-Performance boards because I am an average surfer. My skill level cannot unlock the full potential of these boards, and I feel that reviewing them wouldn't give the right amount of credit to these shapers, so I stick to the beginner shapes and soft boards to help surfers like me on their learn-to-surf journey with the correct set-up, That I can do!
But when I was well overdue for a new shortboard, I thought, why not put pen to paper to try and help surfers who are in transitioning into the shortboard world like me.
The board I chose is The Monsterbox 2020 by JS Industries. The reason I chose this board is that it is a very popular model on the South Coast. You cant paddle out into the lineup these days without having someone surfing one beside you. So I had to see what all the fuss was about.
I purchased a PU 6’0 at 32L. I am 6ft, weigh 85kg and surf roughly three a couple of times a week. This is the perfect size for me.
-This a reminder that PU as a construction refers to a surfboard built from a Polyurethane blank with Polyester resin, whilst PE refers to a Polyurethane Blank with Epoxy resin.-
I chose PU construction because it is a cheaper option, and I prefer the feel of PU in the water. This is a personal choice.
The Monster Box 2020 shape says it all. It has a wide tail with plenty of foam across the chest, which ensures good paddle power and plenty of forgiveness for foot placement and minor adjustments. With this shape, it caters to most surf conditions from 1 ft to 6ft. Any bigger-sized waves, and I know I won't be out there. I will be watching instead.
When it comes to turning the Monster Box 2020, it engages the rail exceptionally well. I am comfortable attempting maneuvers that are well and truly out of my league. It gives a feeling that I'm surfing really well because of how smooth it is on the wave. Having this board will take my surfing to the next level.
I had this instant connection with The Monster Box 2020 that I can't really put into words. Every wave on take-off was so fast down the line, yet so smooth and controlled. Even just paddling around, I found I was sitting in that sweet spot every time.
Now I didn't want to sound too cliché when writing this, but The Monster Box 2020 did everything I wanted it to do and more. It has been my favourite shortboard I have ever ridden, and I probably won’t venture too far from the JS range for my performance shortboarding as I'm in love.
The only downside to this board is that I wish I were a better surfer to ride it to its full potential. There have been waves that I have taken off on, and I know it wants to go harder than I'm pushing it.
I got the wave of my life at a local break, and it was all thanks to The Monster Box 2020. I wouldn't have made half the sections if I was on any other board.
The Monster Box 2020 retails at $999 (but there are definitely deals out there for a lower price), and I’m rating it a solid 9.5/10. If you are thinking about this board, just buy it and thank me later.
Reach out with any questions or to keep up to date with what I am doing, follow my socials, https://www.instagram.com/southcoast.kook/
To buy this board or boards similar to this, click the link here and have a look at the amazing range of Js Industries boards.
Can you help me with any information or recommendations regarding my next south coast board?. I am looking at a 9 '6"x 23.25 x 3.2 South Coast CR3 tri-fin. I am a beginning intermediate surfer Oh yes, I am an active 72-year-old and I'm not popping up as fast as I did 50 years ago and I weigh between 175 and 180 lb.
I'm not sure how much volume would be best for me.