How should you size the tomo board

[loza welsh]

Hi, new to the forum and after some advice.
Been surfing a Tomo 5'8 19 1/2 2 3/8 MPH copy which is way too big for me, but surfs great, which i usually use as a step up. My go to board is a 5'5 19 1/14 2/1/8 DD . I'm really up for getting a Vanguard but not sure what size to go for, either 5'2 or 5'4. I'm 5'4 145pounds and usually where 4/3 wetsuit. Good fitness and inter/advanced standard. ideal volume 23-26.

any advice would be great, cheers.

[Chris]

I feel in your situation, so long as you are stoked to put some effrot into your surfing, you should go with the 502. that volume is closer to the low end, but the board paddles well and planes great. That would be the direction I went. If you are intermediate/advanced, you will be able to grovel it easily as well!!

[loza welsh]

Cheers Chris,
Definately going with you on this one, the Vanguard doesn't seem like a board you over size and i've got a ozzy wrong 504 for when it's super grovel time! in the process of ordering a 502 but won't get my hands on it till March/April.

cheers.

[big leigh]

I didn't like the board, felt weird and didn't like to turn...maybe I was too big for the 5-10!!

[Freaked_Out]

Hey Big Leigh, how did you find paddling it and getting on the wave, relative to your potatonator?

[prjwebb]

Anyone getting on these yet? Curious how people are finding them for paddling. I'm still juggling between 506 and 504 and need to make a decision!

[prjwebb]

thought this quote from tomo regarding small sizes might help some people (like me) who are contemplating dropping volume.

"In regards to the reduced volume, combining the above design aspects results in significant speed (thrust) increase due to the reduction in drag (both surface resistance and turbulent). The angular tails also help with this. As for paddling?? Obviously there is reduction in paddle power, however in my option I am happy to give up a little paddle luxury for a significant performance upgrade. Saying this, the relative fullness in the front end of many of my designs, allows you to get forward on the board when catching waves and use your feet to kick. Admittedly, my most refined work is not suitable for every rider’s ability."

Sounds like the boards have plenty of get up and go, but if you want to glide around the line up and get lots of waves it's probably best to stick to more normal volumes.

[Chris]

Yeah keep in mind too, Daniel Thomson surfs at a level where his Weight to Volume ratio is smaller than what it should be for a lot of us. He is an incredible surfer and doesn't need the same buoyancy. when you are in the top .5% of surfers in the world, you view equipment differently.

[Slowman]

Anyone getting on these yet? Curious how people are finding them for paddling. I'm still juggling between 506 and 504 and need to make a decision!

I believe mine is in the country but still in Currumbin, due to the floods in QLD things have been a bit delayed, I'm guessing all the logistical resources are being used up to get food and other things to people in flood affected areas in QLD and northern NSW. Won't be long and I will have it.

[nsjoel808]

Anyone getting on these yet? Curious how people are finding them for paddling. I'm still juggling between 506 and 504 and need to make a decision!

Likewise, Im 165. Saw them in the shop yesterday, been anxiously awaiting for feedback from someone on a 5'4 or 5'6
Kudos for the first in depth VG review!