Why a Custom Twin Pin Mid-Length Might Be the Only Board You Need in Your Quiver

If you look into the racks of most surf shops, you’ll find rows of white, machine shaped shortboards designed for wave conditions that most of us only see in magazines. But in our rural workshop in the Byron Hinterland, our shaper Simon at A Mano Surf is taking a different approach.

In a world full of mass production, there is a quiet rebellion happening in shaping bays all over and one of the stars of the show is the mid-length twin pin.

If you’ve been wondering whether a mid-length twin can actually replace your daily driver, you aren't alone. Let’s break down the common questions surfers ask when moving away from standard shortboards and into something more aligned with everyday surfers and the waves they surf.

What makes a twin pin mid-length so popular?

The appeal of a twin pin lies entirely in its ease of ride and it’s versatility. By combining the foam placement and paddle power of a mid-length with the freedom of a twin-fin setup, you get a board that generates effortless speed off the bottom. It bridges the gap between the glide of a retro single fin and the performance of a modern twin, making it excel anywhere from chest-high peelers to much bigger, hollower days.

Can a handshaped mid-length paddle well in small surf?

Yes, exceptionally well because this style of board typically carries a flatter rocker and a more generous outline, they glide effortlessly into waves long before a traditional shortboard would catch. You spend less time frantically paddling and more time feeling the wave's natural energy.

How do I choose the right dimensions for a custom surfboard?

Buying off the rack works for some, but a custom surfboard is built around you; your weight, your surf style, and the waves you frequent. When you chat directly with a shaper, all the details of the board are considered and fine tuned to match your progression. A great custom board should match your current abilities and also be able to grow with you as you improve over time. The good news is that at A Mano Surf you don't always need to come with us with everything worked out. Ordering a tailor made surfboard is a collaborative process, we will take you on a journey exploring your experience, the feelings you’re chasing in the new board and translate this into a design built specifically for you.

The Beauty of the Unhurried Wave

For many people surfing is all about exploration, not just of new coastlines, but of the equipment we choose to ride. Just as new waves can heighten and excite our surfing experience, a tailor made surfboard can take our every day pursuit to new and exciting places. When you ride a thoughtfully handshaped board you can feel the human touch beneath your feet. Next time you're in the market for a new board, consider slowing down, opening a dialogue with a shaper, and discovering what a true hand-crafted mid-length can do for your stoke.

[Explore A Mano’s range of handshaped Twin Pins and others similar here.]