Tom Curren has been exploring a type of surfboard that has similarities to GG's spoon and the cork paipo's I've played with. All three have very thin rails and flex.
https://www.theinertia.com/surf/tom-curren-and-tom-wegener-could-be-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-surfboard-design/
Meanwhile, I bought a SUP and became a father, not in that order.
Being a father means less energy to go out and have an adventure. It's also hard to leave home when a 2-year-old asks if you're going to the park with him and mommy. So I have hardly surfed in two years.
But I did last weekend! I took the SUP on a 2-mile paddle to a wave with nobody around. The wave wasn't worth the effort, but it was a nice bonus. I would have been happy with just the paddle adventure. The weather was great, the waves were small and good enough for me to improve my SUP wave skills a few degrees.
While planning the paddle I considered bringing a surfboard along, or more easily my cork bodyboard and surfmat. I opted to not bother because 1) I didn't know what I was getting myself into, and 2) there had been a recent shark "attack" (ankle bitter) at this remote spot. As it was the SUP was a good option for the waves I found.
There are places around here that have waves but difficult access. Almost all of them are within 2-miles of some decent beach access, and so are within reach of a SUP. My goal all along has been to expand the options I have for surfing, and the SUP certainly does that. It's harder to control in the waves, and I don't get much connection to the waves like I get on boards that leave me low in the water, but I'm out riding waves and getting exercise.
Next up, hydrofoil?
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/14093-the-beginners-guide-to-foil-surfing
(probably not)
