Hydrodynamic Planing Hull is what Bob Simmons called his boards. Based on Lindsay Lord’s design experiments for the most efficient planing hull this design is a mind blower. I first saw a modern short version shaped by Joe Bauguess at the first Sacred Craft show.
I then vibed on a photo of an incredible Simmons twin keel balsa with deep concaves and generous belly and shaped my first one. I took my oldest template (a 7’6″ egg) and sawed the tail off to 16″. The result was 6’7″ with nice hips toward the tail, perfect and a lot curvier that any replica would be. It has become one of my all time favorites and it seems everyone that tries it wants one.
This board has to be experienced to be believed. It really picks up waves a board it’s length has no right to. It is nearly impossible to pearl. Down the line it feels like a displacement hull but when you step back turns with the ferocity of a fish, without the wiggle.
Massive belly forward to DEEP single concave . Soft chiney rails to edge towards the tail.
Steve, do you shape the mini-simmons and how much would it cost?
100% hand shaped and hand built at Channin’s Precision Fiberglassing in Encinitas, Ca.
Price depends on size and options. My standard 6′ to 7′ with wooden keels and volan run about $850. If you go clear E-glass you could knock about $50 off. Color, add about $50 per side.
Hey Steve,
I bought the 6’4 HPH you recently had at Surf Indian. I took out in 1-3 foot San Elijo . The board perormed great! So much fun! I just wanted to give you my thanks. It’s a great board.
Thanks for the note. I really appreciate any feedback I can get. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any observations or criticisms of the board. Hope you enjoy it for a long time.
Hi Steve. I was in Surfindian on Sunday 3/13/11 and saw an HPH of yours in there, mostly white, might have had some kind of yellow? graphics, if that helps. As I recall, it was under 7′ long. I wanted to see a pic of it again but there’s no mention of it in Surfindian’s site. Do you know of a link to pics of it anywhere?
Steve,
Just bought your 6’2″ HPH from surf indian. Beautiful board and amazing ride. Super fast and not too loose. My girlfriend is jealous cuz I spend more time with mellow yellow than I do with her.
Thanks a lot. I always appreciate any feedback on my shapes. Feel free to let me know about any long term impressions.
Steve,
I am 6’1″ 210lbs., what size would you recommend going on this board?
I have a friend your weight on a 6’10″ and he loves it. Of course he ‘s a very accomplished surfer. I’m about 170 and over fifty and I do a 6’7″ speedster which is more foiled (less foam) and am very happy with it. I’d say anywhere in there depending on if you are coming down in size from a long board or up on size from a short board. These boards have a LOT of tail and foam for their length and so you can usually go shorter than you think. My single fins that feel similar in wave catching ability are between 7’3″ and 7’6″. Thanks