Just got my Baked Potato today (5'3 RF) after 3 months of waiting (!), and it looks hectic! Was so stoked to take it out for a paddle today (2-3ft mush). Handled perfectly, was super fast through the lines, tore up the swell. Was sooo happy!

However, I found that during my ride it had sustained a slight crack on the side of the nose - totally devastated! Was just wondering if anyone else had encountered softish rails, as I was surfing a beach break and really don't understand how the rail could have gotten damaged? Nothing of any significance occured: no massive wipeouts // spills, no drop-ins, nothing really that could have explained how it occurred (perhaps seaweed? there was a little // alot washing around inshore).

Have loved my FST Hellfire for the last year, and whilst I am absolutely stoked with the Baked, a little bummed that it occurred on the first ride and that I will have a week downtime for repairs. So, the high (great board, soo fast!) and the lows (damaged rail) of surfing!

Although there are numerous posts that outline people's specific heights/weights in relation to board choice, I am still utterly undecided. The EF seems like the perfect board, but don't know whether to go the 5'7 or 5'9.

Bio: I am 5'8, approx. 67kg's and aged 24 (hence, no more massive growth spurts...). Been surfing for almost 10 years (I would classify myself as intermediate-advance), mostly mini-mals (8'4 currently). My brother has recently purchased a 6'0 alternator and 5'4 sweet potato, and is completely stoked with both. I am on the east coast of Aus., and mostly surf 3-4 ft days, 1-4 times per week (work dependent) - however, every now and then (rarely these days, the endless bummer!) surf bigger stuff.

I am leaning towards the 5'9 - however, I don't want too much float for bigger days/duck-diving. Any help would be appreciated, although I understand that choosing a board is usually based on personal preferences, etc.