Hi I have just recently went to a local surf shop and was told to get a 5' 10",5 fin combo, round nose fish (This board is based off of the Lost RNF). I am 5'3" and 130lbs. I usually surf anywhere from head to overhead high surf. I have been using a 6'4" short board and it wasn't responsive at all. I am an intermediate surfer who is looking for a more responsive board. Is this the board for me? Thank you for your help!
The general rule of thumb for short boards is you want a board 2-3 inches taller than you are. Iam 6' and wouldn't want a fish any bigger than 6'4".
not sure i agree with that one. i ride a 6'2" squash tail thruster and im 6'3" and it works just fine for me. i would say hop on a few of your friends' boards and try them out and work it out that way. some people prefer a shorter stick with more width while others may prefer a thin board with more length. just try out a few and see what seems to click. the 2 to 3 inch rule is probably close to right...but don't go buying a new board without riding a few first...if thats an option
not sure about the shops in your area, but at the shop i work at, we have a quiver of about 30 demo boards that we let people borrow for a few days if they're not sure what they want... everything from AVISO (carbonfiber) lost shapes... to Cole quads, to Mark richard retro fishes... try 'em out
Chris Birch makes some really nice fish-style boards. Surf The Earth in Pawley's keeps a couple in stock.
Thats old school thinking and there is nothing wrong with it. Im 32 and grew up around that school of thinking but never followed it. I have always liked much smaller boards. Most pros and rippers ride boards as tall as them or shorter. Also it all depends on your skill and paddling ability. Best boards are always custom, so get with a shaper who knows their **** and be honest about your skill level and what can get you to a higher level.
ImpactSurf is 5' 3" 130 lbs. riding a 6' 4" fish. I'm trying to get him into something shorter. You are right about the shape. It doesn't matter the length if the shape is wrong for you or for the type of surf. He said he is intermediate. The 5' 10" they recomended at his local shop is probably too big if he wants better turning and performance.