How should i transition from my 8'6 to a 6'6 Fish?

i went from my lb to a 6,4 fish a long time ago...tips keep your feet a little bit about the water less paddle resistance so you have more speed. with the pop up its most likey foot positioning. what are the dims on it? is it super thick..if not you should probably get a bigger board as in thickness since your such a big dude i assume. i also bet you know to keep your fingers together lol... make sure your taking off on the peak so you gain more speed dont shoulder drop it and give it a few pumps for some more speed. dont over think it..also it will take awhile it doesnt come instant.

 

in case you don't know A LOT of surfers choose to not ride fishes. why?
cause many (myself too) feel thrusters work better. try chubby chedda by firewire.

 

move as far forward on the board as possible without the nose going under when paddling for a wave.

 

6'6 seems too big.

 

It might be positioning. With a shorter board you'll need to take off deeper and later.
Sit where the short boarders sit and go for waves that you think are going to pitch you. You will get pitched often at first but you'll get the timing down. Beats missing waves.

 

like the blaster said, what's the volume (width and thickness too)...could be you don't have enough volume, or are just having touble adjusting to a lack thereof

i recently stepped down from a 7'6", 22" wide with a ton of float thruster to a 6'4" 20" wide fishy/swallow tail thruster...at first it was a little wobbly, and noticeably deeper on the paddle, but now i love it. like santiago also said, press that chest as far forward on the board as possible when paddling (might have to arch a lot, but it'll get you in)

what also helped was making sure i take it out in the right conditions. it doesn't like days that aren't at least 4'+...also outgoing tides and strong off shores will make me sit inside more rather than outside where i like to sit

i could be wrong, but overall swimming ability might have a little to do with adaptation as well (or at least rate of adaptation)

know the conditions, feel your board, and try to figure out what it wants. with enough patience and willingness to try new things you should be able to figure it out - good luck

 

Both of these are correct.

 

By falling alot. Watchig a lot. Working out.

And one day having it click.


Have funn

 

+1 THis was the tip that worked for me.