http://www.losethestraps.com/forum/view ... ?f=9&t=942
Think of a rail like a knife, the thinner the knife, the less resistance to slice through the water, which translates to speed. There is a reason skimboards and snowboards have thin rails.
Flex gives the board range. In light winds, the board can flex giving negative rocker. This improves board speed at slow speeds. Wegener learned that negative rocker aided in the ability to catch waves.
I've ridden both alaias and Tom Wegener's Seaglass Tuna, the alaias are a much faster ride, the Tuna is an easier ride. Both are fun. There is a reason Tom Wegener won shaper of the year.
I look forward to his future designs.With respect to a wooden board, Tom Wegener will also confirm that an oiled board is faster than a glassed board.