New Buddy - Customize
The New Buddy is your go-to small wave performance shredder. A custom shortboard by Jeff "Doc" Lausch designed to make weak surf feel fun again.
The New Buddy excels in softer waves thanks to a wide, full-volume template that paddles like a dream and gets you into waves early. The outline narrows quickly through the back of the board with a bump into a squash tail, locking in control where most small-wave boards start to feel washy. Underneath, a single-to-double concave generates speed through flat sections, while full, forgiving rails through the middle of the board keep the ride loose and playful.
Together, these design elements make the New Buddy shred in small waves the way most shortboards only shred in good ones. It's the board you grab on a 2 ft summer morning when you want to actually have fun.
The New Buddy has been so loved by Surf Prescriptions customers that Doc eventually built a more performance-oriented version of the template for stronger surf. That board became the F-Money.
Doc's Board Recommendation
- Thruster
- Bump Squash or Round Tail
- No Channels
Best for:
- Waves from 1 to 6 ft
- Summer beach breaks, weak afternoon sessions, and small-wave shredding
- Surfers who want a fun, easy-paddling shortboard for everyday conditions
Specs:
- Fin setup: Thruster (FCS or Futures boxes)
- Bottom: Single-to-double concave
- Tail: Squash tail with bump
- Outline: Wide and full through the front, narrowed through the tail
- Rails: Forgiving through the middle for loose, playful surfing
- Drive Speed: 4/5
- Wave Height: 1–6 ft
- Maneuverability: 3/5
- Paddle Power: 4/5
- Construction: Available in PU/Polyester or EPS/Epoxy
Custom shaped to order in Huntington Beach, California. Typical build time 3–4 weeks.
PU Polyester
- The standard blank, offering a classic feel and smooth ride. Known for its flex and responsiveness in a variety of wave conditions.
- Polyester Blank
- Polyester Resin
Poly with Epoxy Resin
- Stronger than polyester resin and makes the board more durable.
- Polyester Blank
- Epoxy Resin
EPS Epoxy
- Great strength to weight ratio.
- Lighter and stronger than a polyester board in the same dimensions.
- Slightly more flotation.
Single Slot Channel
- A single slot channel is a singular, short groove starting about 10 inches from the tail and getting deeper as it exits out the end of the board.
Benefits:
- Improved Drive: The single slot channel helps direct water flow, providing the board with extra drive and speed, especially in smaller, weaker waves. A great alternative to having a center fin on twin or quad fins.
- Control: It offers enhanced control by channeling water more directly under the board, making it easier to maintain a stable line during turns.
- Versatility: This channel design is versatile, performing well in various wave conditions, from small beach breaks to bigger surf. Adds a little grip to your rip.
4 Channel
- A 4-channel design features four grooves on the bottom of the board. A slightly longer center channel. The outside channels are a little shorter starting from the back quarter of the board, starting shallow and progressively get deeper as it exits the tail.
Benefits:
- Speed and Lift: The 4 channels create lift by directing water flow more efficiently, allowing the board to plane better on the water's surface, which results in increased speed.
- Enhanced Grip: This design provides additional grip and hold during turns, making it excellent for carving and generating speed through sections of the wave.
- Responsiveness: The configuration of the channels offers more responsiveness in turns, allowing for sharper, more precise maneuvers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: High-gloss shine enhances visual appeal and makes the board stand out.
- Durability: Offers a little bit of strength and durability.
Protects the crucial area of the board under your back foot. It’s worth the price if you are hard on your boards and have a tendency to crush the tail with your back foot.
DRIVE SPEED
4/5
WAVE HEIGHT
1-6FT
MANEUVERABILITY
3/5
PADDLE POWER
4/5