Sweet Potato - Need Advises

[Olitoun]

Hi Chris,

I really want to buy a SP but hesitate which size I should go for: 5'6 or 5'8?
I'm 6'0 and 70kg (155lbs), and riding since the past 2 years a 9'2 long board or 6.1 Fish Southpoint... (intermediate level).

What do you recommend?

As well, is it easy to duck dive both of them?

Thx,
Olitoun

[prjwebb]

Either size is going to have tonnes of float for you, but neither will be easier to duck dive. They pack a LOT of volume. At your weight you could be down on the 5'0" and that'll be ok to duck dive but if your ability isn't there yet it'd end up being frustrating.
Maybe consider the 5'4", but what sort of conditions are you planning on using it for? Ideally with the SP you're in conditions where you probably wouldn't be doing too much duck diving anyway.

[iggy]

Yeah agreed.
To put things in perspective, I bought a potatoe 5'6" being a bit sckeptic of the downsizing. Once i got the board I realyzed how much volume and plane area this thing has. This is the reason why I sold it to a friend of mine to get a 5'2" (I'm 80Kgs dry).
So Olitun, providing that your skill level is intermediate, I would go for the 5'2" or if you want to venture the 5'0". (this one will have plenty of volume for you).
It all depends what and where do you want to go. Please give us more details

[Chris]

Yeah my 2 cents are to be in the 502 or 504 range because it sounds like your ability is at a point where you don't want to go too short. Keep in mind though that the smaller you go, the more room you'll have to grow and improve into your board.

Cheers

[the_ostrich]

Jumping in here guys as I didn't want to start a new thread for size advice.

First off, I am only in the early stages of looking. I moved form San Francisco to Toronto and recently have found that there is surf in the lake with the help of the guys over at surf ontario. Mike S tweeted about the sweet potato and now here I am. I have been surfing for about 15 years and would consider my self to be intermediate to lower advanced as I have taken a few years off in there.

I am just under 5'8 and 205 pounds. Kind of a stalky occy build if you will. The waves we get here are stronger then I thought they would be but being fresh water doesn't have the float I am used to. I am currently on a 6'4 Merrick Flyer 2 tufflite and am looking for a fun wave magnet to glide on.

I was thinking 510 but after reading comments here and in the old forum that sounds like 6 inches too long! What do you think?

Thanks!

[iggy]

Hey ostrich, happy to see you're embarquing into the freshwater movement!!!. We have to deal with wht we got right??. I do mostly river surfing here in Montreal, but try nt to miss any good swell on the Easy Coast.
Remember that the wind swells produced on the grat lakes are very sudden.. These guys are really wired with their meteo.
Now for what I've seen in pics and videos, and takimg into consideration that you will be jumping in the water with a 5/4 wetsuit or thicker and that it is fresh water, I'm inclined to suggest you the 5'6". Remember that the potato is a board designed maybe for not so very shabby conditions (a session saver), and by goig to small you could be limiting the potential of you session.
To put things in persective, I am around 165lbs and bought a potato 5'6" a couple of months ago. Ended up selling it to a friend of mine to get the 5'2". Fresh water, full wetsuit
Hope it helps
Mike Sandusky ride prettu much SUP , doesn't he??
Did he have any ADDVANCE for demo??. You should eventually try that board for the lakes

[Chris]

yeah ostrich have you had a chance to talk to the guys there all that much regarding the waves they normally get?

at your weight, i think you are in the 506 or 508 range, perhaps just a little added length to offset the fact that the waves are weak, inconsistent and that you have to wear thick wetties. does that seem to make sense?

Cheers!

[the_ostrich]

Yeah Chris makes Perfect sense! Thanks. I will be more in touch with them and they do offer FW boards there.

I still can't wrap my head around how short I can go! Makes total sense. Thanks Chris.

Here's some pics of a go to spot that is pretty good for a lake:
http://gavinf.no-ip.com/~gavin/surf/Cove/Cove.php

[deadkipper]

I'm 5'11"- 87 Kg- 40 years old. Been surfing 22 years. I bought a 5'8" SP , I was going to get a 5'10", good job I didn't ! I had the 5'8" , 2 months before I got another at 5'6"... This size is perfect for me. As I think everyone stated , they pack alot of foam.
Must admit they are the most fun in small surf, I've had mine out in well overhead beach breaks and it's been fine.
Run mine with Simon Anderson 'large' glass quad fins.

[jsurfer]

I'm the same size as Olitoun... 6'0'' 150-155lbs. I just got a 5'8'' Hellfire on craigslist and LOVE that board. I still have a 5'8'' Spitfire and am now thinking about selling it or trading it for a Sweet Potato. I would love for it to ride the REALLY weak stuff that my Spitfire couldn't get into that would typically require a longboard. would a 5'6'' or 5'8'' do the trick? I don't care about duck diving it because I would only bring it out on really weak days and would only really use it to cruise on the weak stuff or get up on small whitewash. Would even maybe the 5'10'' take the place of a long board for me? Thanks!

[iggy]

You're quite tall (well to my standings jejeje). I had a 5'6" potato and sold it and got a 5'2". The main reason is that that board had TONS of flotation for my weight (165lbs). I don't know what's your skill level but if you are somewhere between intermediate and advance I would go for a 5'4".
I was skeptic of going too small at the begging but once I got the board I realized how much foam this board packed.
At the end it's all a matter of preferences.
Something to remember also is that that board was designed to ride the small stuff, so going too small will in some sort defeat the original purpose of the board. I remember back on the 5'6" I was seating in the lineup at the same level as the long boarders and catching all sorts of waves

[Fritzkat]

Just curious, is the Sweet Potatoe only for small weak mushy stuff undesireable by the Dominator?.. I thought the Dom would be the Easiest board to ride with performance.

[iggy]

Not at all. This board, due to its design,excells in small mushy surf where other boards will simply stay out of the water.
There is people in this forum who have taken it into over head surf with minor to no complains. It's all in the eyes of the beholder!!!.

[jsurfer]

Thanks Iggy! Yeah I'm somewhere in between intermediate-advanced but paddle into waves pretty well. I'm almost leaning toward the 5'6'' sweet potato because I would love the board to paddle into anything (like a longboard). If there is any size or power to a wave (waist high and up) then I'll be on my 5'8'' Hellfire. Another question though- would the 5'8'' Sweet Potato just be overkill for me? I'm not really looking for the board to whip around like my Hellfire- just get up and cruise around. You think the 5'8'' would get me up on more waves than even the 5'6''?

[iggy]

I think that the 5'8" will be tons o foam. The 5'6" was feeling like a longboard for me. So from that perspective I would tell you to stay on the 5'6". Believe me you can't imagine how much foam that board packs. Although I think the 5'4" will fill your needs, I would not recommend to go for the 5'8".

[Fritzkat]

Merry Christmas..
I am thinking a 6-0 SP,
My biggest problem I have with selecting boards is that I am 6'-6" tall at 200 pds and have 37 inch legs (giraffe like) so I have a wider stance than most, I can adapt to boards a couple inches shorter than me, and have had good luck selecting off the rack what works best for me, hence I seen the 6-4 Hellfire, 6-4 dominator and 6-6 Quadra-five models before I bought them. However, a board at 6-0 I think I am pushing it... I just want the board for the super mush 1' days so I dont have to carry a long board in my short bed truck. ( I dont own a longboard yet ) I can ride the 6-4 dominator on almost anything other than 1 foot mush.

I have been surfing over 35 years, with intermediate/advanced ability depending on my sore back and knees.
Any other lankey (long legged, giraffe like) super tall surfers out there on a Sweet Potato?

[Andy]

Iggy, I'm 5'11 and weigh around 70kg. I've been surfing for over 25 years and would consider myself at a competent intermediate level. I'm keen on the sweet potato but unsure whether I should go the 5'4 or 5'2. I'm like jhoyjr in the fact that I don't want the sp to throw around, more, just to cruise and float over sections on those really small days. Where I live the waves are really quick and lack a lot of shape. I kind of feel like the 5'4 may be too big but the 5'2 will be too small. I would love your thoughts?

[iggy]

Hey Andy!!!.If you want to have the board as a cruiser then the 5'4" could be an option, although you will find excessive volume on it. On the other hand, if you want to throw a little spicing in the mix, the 5'2" will have you skateboarding in the water but might be too short given your height.
When I had my 5'6", I was sitting in the lineup along with long boarders and catching waves galore. For the small stuff was just perfect, the feeling was that of a groveller but with a little twst. Incredibly maneuverable considering the magnitude of the tail... is just BIG.
So to summarize, if you want the board as a pure groveller to just cruise around and relax, go for the 5'4". The 5'2" might feel a bit too short given your height

[Andy]

Thanks Iggy, that's what I kind of thought. Now to get my hands on one asap!

[iggy]

no problem buddy, keep us posted!!

[jsurfer]

Thanks for all you help Iggy! So just found out that I might be able to get a used 5'2'' sweet potato. Seems like you said that I should stay with a 5'4'' though if I wanted to keep up with the longboarders- or you think that a 5'2'' would do the trick for my weight at 150lbs? (and 6'0'' tall).

[iggy]

Well it's up to you. Flotation wise the 5'2" will float you no problem, the issue might be on the length. How small of a board have you ever ride?. If you're planning on cruising on it and you want ease of paddle, then I think the 5'4" will be a better option considering your height. I know at this point a bit of moral support would have been better ;) , but my two cents is stay with the 5'4"

[jsurfer]

ok thanks :) . yeah the shortest board I've ridden is a 5'6'' Spitfire. Popped up on that fine. But I'm thinking the extra float of the 5'4'' (and length) would be a good thing

[iggy]

yeah me too

[prjwebb]

I'm gonna throw in and say if you're on a 5'6" Spitfire you should be debating between 5'2" and 5'0" Sweet Potato.
5'11" height wouldn't be an issue on the 5'2", that's what Chris is surfing, 5'0" maybe a little short.

[jsurfer]

But would the 5'2'' still let me paddle into the waves as well? Like I told iggy, I'm thinking of something I could bring to the beach instead of a longboard.

[prjwebb]

You're 150"lbs right? I think that the 5'2" would be like a longboard. That's what guys around 170lbs seem to be riding in junk. If you want to just trim I guess you can go as big as you like, but I think the beauty of the SP is there's plenty of float in a tiny board that is designed to rip around in tiny weak surf. If you go too big you won't be able to utilise the performance benefits so much.
As ever, your call!

[Fritzkat]

I am 6-6 at 200 lbs, I cant imagine riding any SP shorter than 6-0 with my giraffe long legs (36") ... AM I wrong?

[iggy]

It all depends what you want the board for. Cruising, pushing the potential of small waves...

[iggy]

Agree with prjwebb. That's the purpose of the SP. but if you wanted The board to simply cruise around, the extra lenght wont hurt. Again the 5'2" will float you plenty, The thing is how comfortable you will be in such a length

[jsurfer]

I could see how my indecisiveness could be frustrating at this point! :) . I wish a shop had a demo around here but looks like someone is going to let me try out their 5'2'' today and see if it's what I'm looking for. I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks

[Chris]

fritzcat, you know I think at your height, a 510 or 600 would be fine. part of it for you will be that you have a wide enough stance to push around that added volume.

I think its an important note for everyone that in certain cases, such as being taller or shorter than normal, board suggestions might deviate a bit from a normal "weight based" suggestion.

Cheers

[Chris]

jhoyjr, yeah you are doing alright in the 502 range in my opinion. I have ridden the 506 down to the 502 and for me, I could have realistically seen myself on any of them, just depends on the waves. I think the 502 will give you enough volume and still plenty of float for your weight. its SUPER FLAT so it catches waves easily so keep that in mind!

[jsurfer]

So this morning I took out the 5'2'' Sweet Potato (rapidfire). It floated me great and I could actually duck dive it. Wave conditions were 1-2 foot and very mushy. Common for FL most days. Glad I was able to give it a test drive though before buying because I felt like it was a bit short. I stood up and road a few waves but I'm almost thinking that I would love for the board to get up and glide across sections like a fun board. Maybe that's not what it was designed for but the 5'2'' still needed a bit more push for today. So I'm thinking now maybe the 5'6'' would be it. (?) or maybe even bigger (?). What do you guys think?

[iggy]

Stick to the 5'4". The 5'6" will be a bit too much volume in my opinion

[skindog]

I'm inclined to disagree. I'm 6'4" and 190lbs, got a 6'2" SP and love it for its intended purpose. I could certainly have gone smaller, but why? It floats through the whitewash, easy to turn on the face (if my rear foot is back far enough), loads of speed, and I can duck dive it in up to shoulder high waves. What's the point in going smaller? Only thing I think would happen is less rail length and glide, less speed. If you're more interested in how you look carrying it to the beach, go tiny. Want to have fun on something that's supposed to be the longboard day alternative, get something that doesn't compromise.

[iggy]

That's exactly what I mean. Everybody is different and all depends on personal preferences and purposes.
In my case and according to what he had expressed in previous statements, I would recommend the 5'4" to maintain a good balance on what he wants. In my case I owned a 5'6" and sold it to get a 5'2". At 165lbs the 5'6" it was simply too buoyant for what I wanted to get from the board. Again that is me

[Andy]

Hey jhoyjr, it has been interesting to read your posts, especially your report on riding the 5'2. I have had exactly the same dilemma as you for the last month or so....5'2 or 5'4. Interestingly, I am similar in weight and height to you (154 pounds & 5'11). Unlike you however, I haven't been able to get my hands on either size board as demos in my area are in short supply (ie: non existent). When you rode the 5'2, did you catch waves easily enough? From your report it seemed as though you still had to work the board a little bit on the waves, rather than the board doing the work for you. From the test ride, have you decided the 5'2 definitely isn't for you?

[jsurfer]

Hey Andy, yeah I decided that the 5'2'' is definitely not for me. Felt too short. The wave was pretty small today, knee to thigh high and VERY mushy (not as good of waves as on the youtube sweet potato videos) and I had to work pretty hard to paddle into the few waves that I did catch... also was hopping up and down a lot to try and stay in the wave. I wasn't on the wave that long where as my 8'4'' mini longboard would still be gliding over the whitewash for me. (Again, these were very weak waves!). So on the one hand I was impressed that I was actually on the wave- something that my Spitfire wouldn't have worked on for me. Not to mention the other short boarders out weren't catching anything. But like Iggy said it comes down to preference, and a lot of guys want to ride the small board on a day like that to whip around-- but I'm kinda thinking that my preference for this kind of board is more like Skindog's preference - something I can catch anything on with lots of foam to glide over the whitewash when the waves starts to mush out but obviously turn better than an 8'4''. No sharp turns, maybe a slow cut back to get back in the wave. I know I could just take out my mini longboard for these conditions but I would love for a sweet potato to do the same! If the wave is at least waist high I'll most likely be on my 5'8'' Hellfire- but on the smaller/ weaker days would love a sweet potato. So if Skindog is riding the 6'2'' and getting that extra-foam benefit I wonder what board would do the same for me at 150lbs- the 5'6'' or 5'8''? Iggy you said 5'4'' so I'm still thinking about that one too. (Again for those reading this I wouldn't consider myself an advanced surfer...just basic turns and hitting the lip, etc .. no airs).

[iggy]

I think that the 5'4" will float you plenty at your weight and will glide you along sections with ease while keeping the sharpy edge needed, But for what I can see, you're still reluctant about the length. I owned a 5'6" and that thing was huge, at 21" wide it felt like I was riding a cut off longboard, lots of fun but I wanted to get a little extra out of it. At tho point, like when you are organizing dinner is better a little extra that not enough.
I would stick to the 5'4" but for what I see you're aiming for the 5'6" due to your experience with the 5'2". Ultimately it's up to you, nobody knows you better than yourself. For what you want the board for,the little extra will not hurt. I guess this is what you wanted to hear right??? ;) jejeje

[jsurfer]

haha! :) . Thanks for being patient with me Iggy! Would love to try out a 5'4'' or 5'6'' sometime. If a 5'4'' shows up somewhere used them I'm on it! Here's another question though... I used to have a 6'8'' Superfish XL a few years ago (21'' by 2 & 3/4ths). It caught the very little stuff easy and it had a volume of 44 liters. The 5'8'' sweet potato is the closest thing to that in volume-- in your opinion would the two boards float me the same or would the 5'8'' sweet potato have a lot more lift on it to to the compacted length? I have a feeling that the answer is that the 5'6'' sweet potato would float and glide like that big board-- but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask (yet again, haha :) ).

[prjwebb]

if you want a big board to glide in the mush have you considered an ADDvance? The Sweet P was more designed as a higher performance little nugget for ripping around in small surf and not really as a cruiser.

[iggy]

Jajaja no problem buddy, that's what we are here for.
The beauty of the potatoe is that packs lots of volume in a shorter length. That combined with the deep double concave through almost the entire length, makes for this board to be quite something.
Not to take anything from any other board but the potatoe must be one of the most engineered boards inch by inch in the lineup.
Massive tail, rail config, step down rail, deep double concave finishing almost in V are part of the ingredients for this board to work the way it works in the conditions it works best.
I used to glide with ease over anything on my old 5'6" and I'm considerably heavier than you ;)

[Andy]

Iggy, how do you find the 5'2? Do you still float over sections? Are you able to get the really small stuff? Oh, and did you consider the 5'4 before the 5'2? Finally, as an average surfer, would I really feel the difference between a 5'4 or 5'2?

[iggy]

Iggy, how do you find the 5'2? Do you still float over sections? Are you able to get the really small stuff? Oh, and did you consider the 5'4 before the 5'2? Finally, as an average surfer, would I really feel the difference between a 5'4 or 5'2?

Hey Andy!!!, as an average surfer I think you will see the difference between the 5'2"and the 5'4". The 5'4" will help you go over flats easier than the 5'2" for sure. 3 lts difference is quite noticeable.
For the really small stuff and given that you are in the "cruising mode", I think the 5'4 will keep you happier most of the time. I actually tried a 5'4" before ordering the 5'2", but as I said before I like to squeeze the board. I've always ordered my boards with a little extra volume, that's how I like to ride them

[meri]

Hi. Needs some advice
I order an alternator to my boyfriend (6,0 It's a gift for Christmas but has not yet come there problems ). But now he want a sweet potato too for the small days. Hes 181 cm and 76-77 kg dry 30 years old . What size do you recomended?. His board¨now is 6,0 x 18 3/8 X 2 3/8 ( for normal conditions head or head +) and a gun for heavy conditions. His an intermed surfer and a one year ago he rode a fishcuit 5,6.
Thanks

[prjwebb]

5'4" would be lots of fun for him. 5'2" would work well also, but needs to be more aggressive, 5'4" more smooth.

[iggy]

Wow a lucky one!!!! jejeje
Agreed, the 5'4" will bring him the perfect balance between maneuverability and wave count. FST tech is oneI like a lot

[prjwebb]

Wow a lucky one!!!! jejeje
Agreed, the 5'4" will bring him the perfect balance between maneuverability and wave count. FST tech is oneI like a lot

Iggy, would you buy a 5'4" if you bought another potato? I'm picking one up for the summer here but debating between the 5'2" and 5'4" myself. On paper I think 5'2" every time, but it'll be for tiny summer stuff, a foamie replacement, so wondering if the 5'4" would be a better pick.

[Roger]

Fritzkat,

I am 6'3" 210 and surf Kona side all the time. I own a 6'8" Hellfire, 6'6" Dom and a 6' Sweet Potato. The SP is in San Diego though. I wish I had it in Kona. It would be my go to board for all those small days. My guess is that a 5' 10" would be perfect for you. The board is a blast on mushy, small days. For a break like Lymons, it would be insane up to head high.

[iggy]

well bu tiny little thing, if you want to maximize the wave potential the 5'4" is a good choice.
In my case I'm buying the 5'2"cause after trying a 4'8" my taboo for going short has disappeared. I'll be using it mostly in the river but as I say, going too short on this board will be defeating the purpose of it, which is the tiny little waves that will usually keep you out of the water. I'm intending on using it for 2-3ft East Coast USA mushy fat waves, which I believe is it's perfect playground.
At the end it all comes to personal preferences and particular conditions. I've read people in this forum taking it onto head high waves...don't think I would feel comfortable dong that.
In my case, for the really small stuff I take out the SUP... ya I know, guilty as charge!!!!! but that is a real cruiser. I also have a 9'0" flexfire that I bring along the things are not certain. But usually is a matter of Spitfire and potato when I drive for waves

[prjwebb]

I'd probably be using it for waist high and below clean stuff and maybe up to chest high super mush. I want to be able to ride small weak stuff easy but I also want to be able to turn it properly. Baring in mind I tend to prefer less volume to you as a whole do you think me going 5'2" would be a safe bet?

[iggy]

So you want to squeeze the board a it. Volume won't be an issue here but length might. I think that for chest high waves the SF and the Subscorcher wil have you covered, Now for the real small stuff, the mushy less than desirable stuff,you might need a bit extra rail. To play the safe side and have fun on no matter what the 5'4" will have yo covered, but if you want to go farther and squeeze the board's potential, the 5'2" gill give a nice twist to your session

[prjwebb]

Yeah, I like the sound of the 5'2" but it would be a shame if it struggled when the waves were tiny. I wish I could demo one but I think even if I could the UK demo board is a 5'6" or something.

[iggy]

Demo the 5'6" so you put things in perspective. In all honesty I think that the 5'2" will struggle a bit in tiny surf, but again how tiny are you expecting to surf???. For guys like us I believe the 5'4" will give you the best of both
In my end I'm experimenting with the 5'2" because the conditions here allow me to do so

[prjwebb]

Fair play. Thanks for the feedback

[iggy]

Anytime buddy!!

[Chris]

tag team, even he advice givers need help.

[prjwebb]

Ha yeah, the SP puzzles me. I don't want to end up not being able to use it when it's 1-2ft weak but peeling perfectly because it's under volumed, but I still want it small enough to wrap a cutty on it.
You've ridden 5'2" and 5'4" Chris, where do you stand!

[iggy]

Hey guys, here is a pic with the 5'4" I tested a few months ago. So you get a visual idea of the dimensions of they board214

[Erling]

Prjwebb:
I'd say it's a bit like the 5'8 vs 5'10 dom/spitfire issue.... you can use both, but the bigger one will go better in smaller surf. In the beginning the 5'4 SP felt a bit floaty for me, but I only noticed it when sitting on it and duck-diving it. It does not feel too big when surfing it. And after using it I now don't have a problem with the volume at all, I'd rather have that little extra float in the typically the small summer stuff. But then again I haven't tried the 5'2 and can't compare them.... I'm happy with the 5'4, but I'm quite sure I could use the 5'2 if the intention was to use it in a bit better waves. I've used the 5'4 in knee high small mushy stuff and up to shoulder high waves that I normally would use my Alternator or Spitfire in, and it goes great in both.


Conclusion(?): the 5'4 will go great in small, mushy and better waves: safe bet. While the 5'2 might be the one if the intention is to use it only in waves that have slightly more punch in them...

- Are you planning to keep the Spitfire or is the Potato going to replace it (or maybe another board is to replace the spit)?




Here's my 5'4 :)
The sides of the tailpad is from some leftover bits I had from another tailpad. Wish I didn't spread the tailpad out that much, but I didn't plan to make the pieces on the sides until after applying the pad.

215

[prjwebb]

Cheers guys. The 504 looks huge haha.
Erling, it'll prob be a case of Spud for anything too small for my Sub Scorcher. I can't have too many boards or I never know which to take.

[Erling]

OK. So if you want the SP to handle the lower and mid range of the 5'8 SF, maybe the 5'2 SP is the way to go. Otherwise I would go for the 5'4 SP.
Yeah the 5'4 is huge, but that is what makes it so much fun. The speed you get from this thing is sick, and with the wide tail you can still do turns without the board stalling and loosing speed like other boards tend to do in softer waves. And it still goes in better waves as well, the only thing is the lack of rocker and the width might be a problem in steeper take-offs, really have to drive it from the tail from the moment you get on your feet.

My 5'4 is about as high as my chin, so I guess the 5'4 does feel smaller for me than it does for Iggy, although we're about the same weight.

[iggy]

Exactly!!

[Erling]

Took the time to remove old wax and clean up my boards today, and took a few pictures of them together. Have to say, the Billabong tailpad on the Spitfire makes the tail look a bit strange... And the Sweet Potato tail is strange, not just the tailpad ;)

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[prjwebb]

nice quiver you've got there!

[Erling]

Yeah, think it got me covered for most of the conditions I surf. Haven't got to test the Spitfire out properly yet, and could probably managed with just the alt and potato.... but I think the spit will find it's place in there as soon as I get to try it out and get used to it (and find the right fins for it) :)

[iggy]

Covered you are!!

[Tbone]

could anyone give me an idea regarding a sweet potato. i am 6 foot and weight 109kgs currently surf on a 8 foot 7s super fish xl which floats me more than enough. i travel all the time for work and want to downsize to take the board with me, (the 8 foot does not go in small rentals to well!!!) my question is do you think the 6;4 sp will float me ok or be to small. I am an average surfer and have only been surfing for just over a year. any help would be appreciated

[Erling]

Looks like your 8'0 7s Super Fish XL is 71 liters: http://globalsurfindustries.com/surfboards/7S_superFishXL.php
The 6'4 Sweet Potato is 58.9 Liters.... so that is about 11 liters less than your 8'0.

Based on the volume calculator: http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/quiver_volume_calc.php
Beginner@109kg: Min: 53.2 L , Max: 72.9 L
Intermediate@109kg: Min: 45.6 L , Max: 59.2 L
Advanced@109kg: Min: 43.4L , Max: 52.5L

Depends on what kind of conditions your want to use the board in, how you want the board to perform and how good your surfing technique is . Maybe something around 55-60 liters would be good, making the volume of the 6'4 Sweet Potato perfect, BUT I've never heard of anyone riding the 6'4, and I think you might struggle with turning that board even at your weight... and it might not be the best board as an allrounder
I think the Addvance will be a better allrounder with the narrower tail: 6'6@48L , 6'[email protected] , 7'[email protected]

To answer your question, yes the 6'4 Sweet Potato will float you ;) It's actually the recommended size for a beginner at 109kg: http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/quiver_buyersguide.php?boardid=buyersguide

Anyway, I think Chris should be the one to help you out here, he'll have the CORRECT answer for you :)

[iggy]

Tha's the biggest problem!!!!.I remember my old days when I could not afford boards jejejee
Cheers guys. The 504 looks huge haha.
Erling, it'll prob be a case of Spud for anything too small for my Sub Scorcher. I can't have too many boards or I never know which to take.

[prjwebb]

Ha yeah, I used to be strickly a 6'2" 18.25" 2.25" which I surfed in anything. I never even thought about having different boards. It was just a case of, "If my 6'2" won't catch anything there's no point in going in!"
I'm glad my outlook has changed, my best surfs have been on 5'8"s now!

[prettu]

Hi guys.. I have read many posts about yours advices, but i don't find a case like mine, so i need your help..
I'm 183cms, 75 kgs and i surf like low intermediate (I think). I'm interested in SP to catch lots of waves and surf, trying to make a few simple maneuvers such as cuts .. I am a basic surfer at an early stage to maneuver .. Mostly just surf the wave without any maneuver ..
Before this I would like to know your opinion on the ideal measures for my SP .. I was thinking a 5'6'' or 5'8''.. What do you think?
Thank you!
Hugs

[iggy]

Hi guys.. I have read many posts about yours advices, but i don't find a case like mine, so i need your help..
I'm 183cms, 75 kgs and i surf like low intermediate (I think). I'm interested in SP to catch lots of waves and surf, trying to make a few simple maneuvers such as cuts .. I am a basic surfer at an early stage to maneuver .. Mostly just surf the wave without any maneuver ..
Before this I would like to know your opinion on the ideal measures for my SP .. I was thinking a 5'6'' or 5'8''.. What do you think?
Thank you!
Hugs

Hey Prettu. How small of waves do you want to surf???. 5'6" packs lots of volume.What board are you currently riding and how small is the smaller board you have surfed so far??. Any problems popping up?
Have you considered the dominator???. Very user friendly board. If you want to develop your surf I believe this board will have you ripping the small stuff as well... unless the small stuff you are intending to ride is really small.
Let us know

[prjwebb]

Yeah I don't think the SP is an ideal daily driver to develop your surfing on. Something like the Dominator would be much more versatile and forgiving for learning the basics and it'll feel much more familiar when transferring those moves to different boards. The SP is kind of in it's own little world.

[prettu]

Thanks for the replies iggy and prjwebb =) .. Well, in response to questions:
1) How small of waves do you want to surf ? -> I surf a few different types of waves, as well as sizes, but I know that the SP is for small waves, very small .. Many times, the swell in my area is less than 0.5 m ..
2) What board are you currently riding and how small is the smaller board you have surfed so far? ->The board was a 6'0'', 20 1/4, 2 1/2. Now i'm surfing with a 6'6'', 20 1/2, 2 3/6 (fish) =x
3) Have you considered the dominator? -> Yes. I'm also thinking about purchasing a dominator .. =) By the way, a 6'2''will float over to me?

Basically, I'd like to have both boards, I just have some doubts regarding the fluctuation and therefore appropriate measures to my weight and level of surfing ..
Do you think I'm thinking right? So I have two different boards to surf diferent conditions right? Or think for my level of surfing, for now, the dominator is enough?
And other important information .. I identify myself with the very classic style of surfing .. And I like the wide and thick planks that allow an easy paddling and a few tricks .. classical eheh
What you can advise me?
Thks guys

[iggy]

Well at this point in time I thinl one board will suffice. I would go with the dominator forst. This board will allow your surfing to grow and anyways she's a keeper, a board to be kept on your quiver. Then from there you can venture into any other board.
The Dominator will be a much more agressive board than a fish due to its lines and tail.
The Addvance could be another option as well for really tiny waves.
On the Dominator even the 5'10"will float you plenty
Now at your level going that short???. Maybe the 6'0" will cover a wider spectrum of waves at your current level of proficiency, specially if it's really small most of the time. If you feel confident on your pup up and going down the line I reckon you could go for the 5'10". No problems there even with a 5'4" suit.
I'm 80kgs and went from a 5'10" dom to a 5'8" spit with no issues

[Chris]

great words folks.

thanks for the help.

[prettu]

Thanks for your advices iggy :)
The Dom is comming :)
Cheers \m/

[Chris]

great stuff. I do think you will develop in a more through manner on t he dominator as the board is incredibly well rounded in respect to both performance and usability. Enjoy it and post some pics if you get some.

Cheers and stoked on the support

[iggy]

As a refference, here is a Spitfire 5'8" and a potato 5'2" side by side
249

[gpballerbenni]

Hi There,
I'm thinking about getting a SP but as most people i am unsure about the size. I am 94 kg, 187cm and in OK shape... I would consider myself an intermediate surfer but usually I only get to surf on vacation (mostly France during the summertime and the occasional trip to further destinations during winter) and shitty waves in the netherlands every now and then, so a wetsuit is in use most of the time. Right now I am leaning towards a 5'10 but I also want to make sure to get a board that really lets me catch as many waves as possible. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated,

Ben

[prjwebb]

5'6" - 5'8" would be my recommendation. The 5'10" would be pretty big, but still work no doubt.

[iggy]

Agreed there with PRJ

[surferireland]

If you dont get in too often you want to make the most of it when you do, so be generous go 5'8.