A long time ago I received one of the best tips ever from a shaper before ordering a surfboard, it was simply "bring our favorite board, and we will discuss how to make you a new one" and then you don't have to know anything about measurements, volume, fin placement... Just know your own height and weight, and describe your surfing and what you want from your next surfboard 💁
I think it would do wonders if every non surfboard top connoisseur knew simply this

That's great that he can disregard volume as a metric because he has a vast background in shaping and design. Its great that some people have access to custom boards and even access to the shaper for an in-depth discussion about their inseam and the board they need. The mere humans out there need as much info as we can get to make a decision when spending the few dollars we have to spend. So, me knowing the liters is super helpful. It is in no way the only - or even the most important thing, but it certainly informs me as to how much float I'm looking at and whether I'll be able to set that rail or will it cork out on me etc etc. (when all the other info is factored in).  The comment that the same volume on a shorter board vs a longer board means dramatically different things is true! It sure helps to know what the volume is on that board though. If I'm looking at a 5'2" with 38L well, this tells me a lot of info about this thing!  His attitude is the same one that many of these much respected (well-deserved) shapers have of gatekeeping information and even preventing people from learning the craft of shaping from them. It just swings open a massive airplane hanger sized door for corporate "shapers" to take over the market. Then they look around and wonder why everyone is buying "megacorp" boards, extruded from a factory in china.

This guy is describing adjusting volume based on board shape/width/thickness but without calling it volume

I think most people want to know volumes of boards so they can look on websites of different shapers and have a better idea of what to get and what might work for them. Having the attitude that people are trying to act like know it alls is hilarious when usually people are intimidated by shapers and old timey surfers that they try to use terminology so they don't get laughed out of a shop. If people in the surf world were friendly it would be easier to have conversations like the ones Bill is talking about.

I personally find volume really important when buying a board, simply because as  want some idea of float. I know its not there are a lot of other factors I need to consider also, which I do, but Bill Stewart should really just suck it up and put the volume on the board, unless he just can't be bothered working it out. Generally there seems to be an attitude with more old school sharpers that it is somehow "not cool" and beneath them to advise volume. Maybe that's why people are going for more factory boards, as it is more predictable. You don't have to be as surprised or disappointed on first surf.

Take it easy billy .. buoyancy is important . Even Kelly considers it when designing new boards ( and talks about it in multiple videos )

Bill your example of the clay is so clear.

Yeah it does as before surfboard volumes was a thing it was a guessing game to know if the board was right for you in the respect it had enough foam. I got sold so many boards that weren’t enough volume for me. It was harder to find your magic board. Now that I know what volume range suits me for different conditions I can buy a board with more confidence

30 years ago I had a 5.5 surfboard with a volume of ~22l. From a surfer who paddled non-stop for 6-8 hours, I can surf for a maximum of an hour and a half today.
about 5 years ago I ordered a new surfboard for a Maldives surf trip. The first thing I did when I talked to the shaper was to explain that I needed buoyancy and comfortable paddling (width) on the one hand and the ability to duck dive. I still think it was the right thing to ask. Buoyancy is critical when you're not surfing at high levels.

I agree that this is a bad metric for more experienced surfers where shape for glide/planing and foam distribution is a better way to assess a board's fit for a rider. However, for absolute beginners and through early intermediates, volume is an easy approximation for user-friendliness and ease of paddling. I don't think you'll find an 7'6" funboard at 40L that will catch waves or paddle as easily as one that is 55L. But experienced riders debating 27L vs 30L without considering other factors, that's what I think Bill is talking about.

Good to see Bill Stewart again. I love hearing from someone with wisdom.

I met Bill Stewart at his hair salon on main street in Huntington Beach with my Aunt Carol. He took me to the back room and showed me his Yoda board. So cool. He is a true artist.

Can’t compare my small experience to a shaper that has been doing this all his life but on my journey to dialing in the right equipment for a short board (where volume changes have a bigger impact proportionally), once the shapes, sizes foil & board types are taken into account, volume has been a great tool for sure. For example having tested 15+ boards with different volumes I can feel that boards over 35L felt too bulky and hard to duck dive, and under 30L they started being a pain to paddle and being late on waves. Even if it’s just one variable of the equation I feel that the sweet spot maximizing wave catching, paddling while still being able to duck dive comfortably is between 30-35L. (-minus ~1L on EPS) No need to be  too focused on a specific number but having a range was definitely useful :)

Times are changing. Machines give us the chance to get another parameter about our beloved toys. Ask John John if he is not aware of his boards volume

Love Bill! This was awesome!

I think this concept is comforting for most folks. Sadly they are terrified to just ride any board other then(fill in the blank liter #). I’ve had soo many people ask about liters who come into the shop and exactly your point they have no idea about any of the actual factors that make a board do what is intended to do.  Must be frustrating as person with your skill set to now have to follow this mindless calculation that has now enthralled the masses.  😩😳

250# advanced surfer here, and YES volume matters. As a counter point, the Harbour dim charts suggest I ride a 10-6 x 24 x 3 5/8 which is FREAKING ridiculous. I can paddle for hours day after day on a finely crafted mid length. Big guy short boards never felt good to me after many MANY customs. Too chunky, lacking glide, and void of true feel. An 8-0x22x3 works amazing for me. Stretch it out. Thin rounded pin tail and nicely pinched rails.  Magical. Lost Smooth Operator, Vernor Tree Hugger, etc.

I think volume is an easy way to know around what shape board you like its easier then going by dimensions like thickness x length x width you could know 34L board is a good buoyancy and get very short boards or longer boards same volume and surf different waves

Thank you. Good point! Question: But could that so called "fifty-liter board" for example, possibly be ridden by the "same person" all other things held constant except for the intended wave?

Bill is amazing!  Love my Red Line.