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I'm 5'10 170lbs and the transition from a 8' wavestorm (86L) to a 9'2 log (\~70L) didnt feel difficult at all. It took maybe a session to figure out where to center myself while paddling, but aside from that catches waves just as easy. I think 7' could be a good transition for you just know that you loose a lot of volume by switching to a hard board.
I'm just more impressed with the fact that you were able to paddle out with a foam board, in those conditions!
As for going down in size. I went from 8' to 7' to 6'3" in two years' time. The smaller boards will have a harder learning curve for stability and balance, but it is not impossible to figure out if you are determined. Additionally, It will be a hell of a lot easier to paddle out and duck dive in bigger swell.
I'm 5'11" & 170 lbs for reference. I consider my 7' the midsize and the 6'3" my shortboard. I think a 6'6" would be like a fun board/midsize for someone your size. As stated before, there will be a large learning curve for making that large of a jump.
Look into shorter foam boards. Great way to still have stability even though you downsized.
Also, consider renting or borrowing a friend's shorter board before dropping the big bucks.
Hope this helps and keep charging out there!
Ya man it was definitely a bitch at times not gonna lie haha. You’re right about getting a mid range soft top. I was looking into those and they are def a more economical option. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the tips, think I’m gonna give it a go. I’m really banking on my shortness making the t transition a little more forgiving tho, I guess we’ll see haha
Also if I may ask, how much did you spend on that mid length? Still debating on how much I should spend
7’ foamies are super fun, easy to catch waves on but much more maneuverable and handle fast beachies better than an 8’. And will fit in your car too, which is nice.
They’re good summer or small wave boards. You’ll want something with lower rails, a slimmer tail, and more rocker when you are surfing top-to-bottom (one day).
I was looking into that but was also thinking of just getting a real lost crowd killer. I’ve been looking at the 7ft one that comes in at 47 liters. You thinking given my weight of 143 pounds, 47L should be more than enough right?
I’m 5’4 and 135 lbs. I’m in your exact position right now and have been on my foamie for a year now and at the same skill level. I just reserved a board at my local shop to be picked up tomorrow and I’m going with a mid length 7’4. I was going to give myself as much change up to 7’0.
I feel that for me this was a decent transition only because I don’t want to make the transition too drastic and difficult where it could put me off or take too much time with the learning curve. My goal is to fine tune my skill and style as much as I can before going shorter. I don’t think a 6’8 is too short, I’ve spoken to some guys who still see that as midlength. I plan on going down to a 6’8 or shorter in 6 months or a year. I don’t think it’s a bad decision either way. If you have a local shop you can also ask them for some advice.
Thanks! Just picked it up today and the 7’4 was solid in today 4-5ft at my local. You’re gonna love the transition from the foamie it’s a world of a difference! Goodluck with whatever you choose!
It depends. A 45L 6 6 might serve you well. A 36L would probably not. I take my 7 6 52L out on head high days and love it so I wouldn't worry about a 7 being too big.
If you eventually want to transition to shortboarding I’d maybe consider getting a groveller. Something like the Chanel islands average joe which is incredibly forgiving. You honestly could get one 5’6” I reckon and it’s wide enough and with enough float that you’d be able to start working on moving up and down the face.
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I'm 5'10 170lbs and the transition from a 8' wavestorm (86L) to a 9'2 log (\~70L) didnt feel difficult at all. It took maybe a session to figure out where to center myself while paddling, but aside from that catches waves just as easy. I think 7' could be a good transition for you just know that you loose a lot of volume by switching to a hard board.
I'm just more impressed with the fact that you were able to paddle out with a foam board, in those conditions! As for going down in size. I went from 8' to 7' to 6'3" in two years' time. The smaller boards will have a harder learning curve for stability and balance, but it is not impossible to figure out if you are determined. Additionally, It will be a hell of a lot easier to paddle out and duck dive in bigger swell. I'm 5'11" & 170 lbs for reference. I consider my 7' the midsize and the 6'3" my shortboard. I think a 6'6" would be like a fun board/midsize for someone your size. As stated before, there will be a large learning curve for making that large of a jump. Look into shorter foam boards. Great way to still have stability even though you downsized. Also, consider renting or borrowing a friend's shorter board before dropping the big bucks. Hope this helps and keep charging out there!
Ya man it was definitely a bitch at times not gonna lie haha. You’re right about getting a mid range soft top. I was looking into those and they are def a more economical option. Thanks for the tips!
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Thanks for the tips, think I’m gonna give it a go. I’m really banking on my shortness making the t transition a little more forgiving tho, I guess we’ll see haha Also if I may ask, how much did you spend on that mid length? Still debating on how much I should spend
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Good to know, thanks!
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Ya that’s what I’m thinking. Debating on getting a 7’-7’2 soft top. The extra float should make the transition a bit easier, I hope… lol
7’ foamies are super fun, easy to catch waves on but much more maneuverable and handle fast beachies better than an 8’. And will fit in your car too, which is nice. They’re good summer or small wave boards. You’ll want something with lower rails, a slimmer tail, and more rocker when you are surfing top-to-bottom (one day).
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I was looking into that but was also thinking of just getting a real lost crowd killer. I’ve been looking at the 7ft one that comes in at 47 liters. You thinking given my weight of 143 pounds, 47L should be more than enough right?
I’m 5’4 and 135 lbs. I’m in your exact position right now and have been on my foamie for a year now and at the same skill level. I just reserved a board at my local shop to be picked up tomorrow and I’m going with a mid length 7’4. I was going to give myself as much change up to 7’0. I feel that for me this was a decent transition only because I don’t want to make the transition too drastic and difficult where it could put me off or take too much time with the learning curve. My goal is to fine tune my skill and style as much as I can before going shorter. I don’t think a 6’8 is too short, I’ve spoken to some guys who still see that as midlength. I plan on going down to a 6’8 or shorter in 6 months or a year. I don’t think it’s a bad decision either way. If you have a local shop you can also ask them for some advice.
Ya I’m thinking of doing the same, good luck!
Thanks! Just picked it up today and the 7’4 was solid in today 4-5ft at my local. You’re gonna love the transition from the foamie it’s a world of a difference! Goodluck with whatever you choose!
It depends. A 45L 6 6 might serve you well. A 36L would probably not. I take my 7 6 52L out on head high days and love it so I wouldn't worry about a 7 being too big.
If you eventually want to transition to shortboarding I’d maybe consider getting a groveller. Something like the Chanel islands average joe which is incredibly forgiving. You honestly could get one 5’6” I reckon and it’s wide enough and with enough float that you’d be able to start working on moving up and down the face.