A board is a board.

Everyday on WW I see people asking what board is right for me? What board will allow me to progress to the next level? What board will help me land my first invert?

It's my opinion that a board is a board and the only thing holding back a rider's progression is time on the water, ability, and a willingness to take some hard crashes along the way.

There was another thread recently asking if a Sol or Motive would be a better beginner board, and it prompted me to make this post. The Motive is the old Belmont shape from 2000/2001 if I recall correctly. I also believe that this same board is the board that Shaun Murray rides in his detention video. My point being, that if Shaun Murray was able to ride that board and perform all of the tricks that he does in the detention video on it, then I can't see how a board like the Belmont/Motive can ever be outgrown or outdated.

I still ride the old belmont shape, and I love it. I'm not a great rider, but I have a great time everytime I'm out on the water. Do I think a new board would enable me to land my scarecrow? No. Do I think the new boards of today are made better and offer specialized characteristics? Yes. Do I think buying one of these boards is going to make me a better rider than I can be when riding my Belmont? No!!!

Any thoughts on the subject?