Hi,
I queried the forum a while back and was recommended a 610 Addvance (see this thread… http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/f/...=addvance+step)
The waiting time for the 610 was a few months but there was a 702 available immediately at the shop so I took it. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve stopped using my longboard as a result but… I need to take a step down in volume and length. I surfed a friend’s board this weekend – 7’, 21”, 2 5/8” – and had no problems at all. I expected it to feel looser than the Advance but it felt very similar, just didn’t paddle as easily.
So winter’s waves are coming and now that I’m fitter and paddling out in larger beach/point breaks I’d really like something that will become my stock board for the next year or two. I’ll keep the Addvance for the small days but I’d love to find a single board that I can progress on and really get to know - concentrate on becoming a better surfer rather than what to buy next. I didn’t expect to be back on this forum so quickly and would like to avoid a return visit in a few months if possible!
Here’s the breakdown then…
A young 37
Beginner/Intermediate
188cm
70 kg’s
Skinny
Surfing 2 foot to slightly overhead
NB: must be able to duck the board

I’ve been looking at the Alternator, Hellfire or Dominator. I like the look of the Alternator and Hellfire but I chucked the DM in there because it’s spoken about so often. As far as length is concerned I’m stumped – I reckon I should just go for the size that is recommended for my height/build and spend more time in the water until I get comfortable with it.

All comments/recommendations welcome.
rossco

Hi,

I'm 37, 70kg's, 6'2" and still in decent shape. I started surfing 9 months ago on a 9' longboard, not as often as I'd like (once/twice a week) and not in very challenging conditions (up to shoulder high but a forgiving beach break). I want to get a shorter board and I've heard good things about the firewire hybrids.

I took a quick look through the forum and I see the Addvance and Dominator are recommended for a lot of beginners. From what i can see the Addvance might be too small a step down from the longboard so i was considering the Dominator. Please could someone let me know their thoughts on what might be best for me? I don't want to spend the next six months falling off the thing but I'd really like to experience something looser than the board i'm on now, and that I will be able to take to more serious breaks and develop on over the next year or two.

any help much appreciated,
ross