The Nugget: McCoy Design Philosophy
The McCoy Nugget is truly a renaissance in surfboard design
The Nugget range of designs are available in a complete variety of sizes and ability levels.
- Extra thickness for paddling power and speed
- Full plan shape for consistent speed and flow
- Area tail for greater manoeuvrability and drive
- Unique bottom curve- the amazing loaded dome neutralises reaction giving more control
McCoy Design
High performance does not exist in my world at all!
High performance is a myth some thing created by clothing companies and pure ignorance, its just bull shit it has nothing to do with actual surfing performance and true design for the majority of surfers the illusions created are totally unobtainable for all but the very best.
Performance surfing is done on all levels from beginner to elite and each level requires a different performance to have the desired out come, no point having a high performance surfboard when you are only average as it does not work.
To my mind elite advanced surfing is done with creative thinking regardless of the boards design.
The Nugget design takes in all aspect of riding a wave on an object that provides reliable consistent performance through the use of curves and superior design and function.
The Nugget design is a combination of science, physics and practical function.
The first true complete surfboard design ever released to surfing. The Nugget design is built to deal with pure energy (the wave) and its many shapes and energies, harmonising with the flow of the wave allowing the surfer the freedom to just ride the wave. Having a wider tail area is the only natural way to obtain more speed on the wave, it also provides good stability, quick turning and better hold in hollow waves.
It is only a matter of time now and all surfing will move towards the shorter, wider and thicker boards for all round small wave surfing, as it is a much more practical way to go for most surfers. Nugget design is many years ahead of other designed surfboards, that is why it is so different in appearance and function its wave range is quite amazing and all round performance, mind blowing!
The amazing success of the Nugget is testimony in itself, the design has had no publicity and it is currently being acclaimed world wide in surfing. Geoff McCoy designs speak for themselves!
In 1994 I decided to redesign surfboards, that is, to make boards which were more practical and functional for a wider range of surf conditions and surfing abilities. I made the first Nugget in 1994 and since that time there has been a steady increase in general interest reflected in the sales. The Nugget phenomenon is unfolding.
The Nugget, which has evolved over my many years of design, is the end result of my almost forty years experience and thinking about what a surfboard should be. It is a true Renaissance of a surfboard design, the best of what has always been essential with the very best of the potential – combining many practical aspects for a surfboard to be functional in a wide range of conditions.
The Nugget designs incorporate the Loaded Dome bottom contours, which is a blend of curves throughout the bottom of the board. The contours actually assist the board to perform manoeuvres by taking the emphasis off the surfer’s having to control and guide the board, giving more time for the actual manoeuvre.
The Nugget Design, which is basic and simple to look at is in reality a subtle blending of curves, which react at full optimum when surfing a wave. You really have to ride a Nugget to believe its performance capabilities. The Nugget range are all proven performers in their special wave size; short and thick for small waves, long and slender for big waves. Buoyancy is a key factor is surfboard design. I believe the surfer has to be supported by the surfboard, relevant to the wave size and speed to attain maximum performance in a range of conditions; that is what gives the board speed and manoeuvrability.
PLAN.SHAPE.EVOLUTION
These designs ‘Above’ illustrate how Geoff McCoy’s designs evolved.
In the beginning there was the 9-footer which evolved to an 8-footer, then into small double enders around 6 foot. This started the twin fin revolution, progressing through to the Lazor Zap, which ranged in length from around 5-feet up to 6-feet, six inches. Now, the last stage, The Nugget which range in length from 5-feet to 8-feet.
The evolution of Geoff’s designs has been a major influence on surfboard design worldwide. His design concepts have been incorporated by many of his contemporaries.
ROCKER: or bottom curve is consistent throughout The Nugget range. I use a three stage rocker nose entry lift into a less curving planing area, through the standing area, then curving slightly through the fin and tail area.
This combination can be varied to suit any performance required.
PLAN SHAPE: is also consistent throughout The Nugget range. The major area of the board is in the back half. This achieves support for the surfer, also quick manoeuvrability. The plan shape really harmonises with steep hollow waves, providing amazing stability and control.
RAILS: can be varied to perform a range of functions. Once again I use the same basic rail shape throughout The Nugget range; soft and forgiving in the nose lift area running into the planing area, a slight dull edge is used well inside the rail line, before running into a hard edge through the fin area for release at the back.
THICKNESS: or volume is a key point of the design of the board. Most important the board should support the surfer comfortably to achieve maximum performance. The plan shape and thickness distribution determine how the board functions in varying conditions. I use a balance which takes into account the speed of the board in motion; this allows the surfer to stay in the one position when riding the wave.
FINS: the stabilisers of the board, the more you use the more stable and slower reacting the board becomes. I offer a range of fin styles with Nugget designs, this depending on whether it is 1 fin, 2 fin or a 3 fin combination. With the Nugget designs I use fin size and placement for drive; as the board is soft and curvy it relies on the fin for hard drive.
