A four-board setup that actually works for our conditions.

Why This Quiver Matters

I’ve owned more boards than I care to admit, which is exactly why I feel confident laying out a four-board East Coast quiver that covers everything—from mushy summer dribble to hollow winter barrels.

This isn’t theoretical. It’s built from years of trial, error, and paddling out in every kind of mess the East Coast throws at us.

1. The Longboard (Non-Negotiable)

There’s no substitute for a longboard. Mini Simmons, fish, mid-lengths—they’re fun, but they don’t replace what a proper longboard does in summer surf.

If you want to surf consistently in the warmer months, you need one. I grew up longboarding and spent years trying to make grovelers work instead. It doesn’t pan out.

Recommendation:

  • Setup: Single fin with side bites
  • Use case: Summer surf, small clean days, skill maintenance
  • Why it matters: It’s the only board that guarantees water time when the swell drops out

2. The Groveler (Skill Keeper)

Daily drivers don’t really work on the East Coast. They’re compromised by design—too flat for hollow days, too rockered for weak ones. I’ve tried a bunch, and they all fall short.

Grovelers, on the other hand, can be short and flat enough to stay out of the way on steeper takeoffs. They generate speed easily and keep your shortboard reflexes sharp for when the good days show up.

Recommendation:

  • Design: Split keel style
  • Why: Low drag, fast acceleration, enough hold for steeper waves
  • Bonus: Can feel loose like a twin fin, but still lets you jam on the tail for speed
  • Note: You could skip this and just ride the longboard, but you’ll lose shortboard timing

3. The High Performance Shortboard

You could go straight to a barrel board here, but I think a high performance shortboard is more versatile. It works on barreling days, but also lets you link turns when the swell is strong but not hollow.

Barrel boards tend to lock into a line and struggle to turn. A good shortboard gives you options.

Recommendation:

  • Brands I trust: Surf Prescriptions, Roberts, WRV, Rozbern, Brian Wynn, Pyzel
  • Key feature: Rocker tuned for beach breaks—enough curve to handle steep drops
  • Use case: Chest-high and up, clean swell, punchy beach breaks

4. The Barrel Board (For When It’s On)

This is your strike mission board. Low volume, narrow pintail, quad setup. It needs to duck dive easily and hold a steep line on shallow sandbars. You’re not getting in early—you’re threading the needle.

Recommendation:

  • Design: Full rocker throughout, not staged
  • Setup: Quad
  • Brands I’ve liked: Rozbern, Xanadu
  • Buy used: Odds of breaking it are high—don’t spend $800
  • Extras:
    • Longer, thicker leash to reduce recoil in the washing machine
    • Skip the longer board—it won’t fit the wave
    • Prioritize fit over paddle power

Final Thoughts

This quiver isn’t about chasing hype—it’s about matching board design to East Coast conditions. Our waves are steep, short-period, and often unpredictable. You need boards that fit the wave, not just float through it.

If I had to build a quiver from scratch today, this is exactly how I’d do it. And if you’re trying to surf more consistently, progress faster, and stay ready for the rare magic days—this setup makes it easier.