OK, completely love the ElF and it is THE board for me in anything knee to head + high. The question is what to match it with for the bigger days (up to 2x head high on the face) or on the rare occasion when it gets hollow and the drops get too steep for the ElF? I have been on a 7'0" Channel Islands board (7'x19"x2 3/4") that is a rocketship when it gets bigger, but its size is a bit much for the really hollow days and it is a standard PU board and won't last forever.

My El Fuego is 39.8 litres in volume, which is great for me in my wetsuit. When looking for a bigger wave board, what is the best call with the volume? I have heard that I should drop it to allow for more performance, or raise it to get an easier paddle in. I could just keep it the same as well I suppose.

As I see it, my options are an Alternator (6'6" or 6'8"), a Hellfire (6'4" or 6'6") or Hellrazor (6'7" or 6'9"). The MB might be in the mix as well, but something about it is not really grabbing me. I like the idea of staying with the hybrid designs of the HF and HZ, since I do not get to surf nearly as often as I'd like.

I recall that on the old board someone here (prj maybe???) picked up a set of Controller-like FCS fins from Indofins online shop. I was waiting for a report on them to see how they go. So, any updates?

I'm headed to the Dominican for a week and staying in Cabarete. I've heard it can get good there, but I'd love to know more about the place if anybody has any info. I can't bring my boards, so I'll rent one when I'm there. Any suggestions for good spots to surf/rent equipment?