Whatever fanatic Allwave has as a bottom works insanely well in mushy waves

Picking a board based on type of concave, is like buying a car based on kicking the tires.

Buy based on rocker and template.

I understand many buy based on concave because it's something easy to see

You want a rolled belly so you get up to speed quickly.  Think Baked Potato.  The following video does a great job of explaining the design philosophy of the rolled belly, rails and bottom contours:



Skip to 4:15 for the start of the design discussion.

I agree that rocker and profile is profile is probably more important than bottom shape.  1) Flatter rocker in slower waves  2) Wider tail in slower waves, and 3) Belly in the nose cuz who doesn't like a little belly? 

Had a board with pronounced belly in the nose.  To me it felt like it was plowing on take off rather than popping up onto a plane.  Kinda felt "sticky".  That board was surfed from the tail, what was happening in the nose was irrelevant after takeoff.

Does seem like most boards today have a deep concave underfoot moving to a double concave tail.  Seems like the concave would effectively remove rocker underfoot, or flatten out the rocker.

Although I agree rocker and outline are primary, the problem I have with rocker in general is you kinda have to guess what is going on. Short board rocker vs reduced vs low entry...but no numbers anywhere.  That is one nice thing about a machine shaped custom.  Aku shaper file and 3d render are pretty easy figure out.

Steve Lis......that is where to start

concaves are for control, not speed.

Yup, concave add lift and stability at the sacrifice of some speed.  Great for the tip of a nose-rider.  +1 on Mini Simmons for mushy waves.