Skill set to ride vanguard?

[iggy]

And that extra area on the nose gives you all the confidence when paddling

[megsy]

I've been riding a demo 502 VG for the last 3 days in 2ft, weak, sloppy waves. It's been an effort to paddle onto theses kind of waves, where as I reckon my SP or PN would have been more suited. They would get into the waves a lot earlier but the VG seems to get held up in the lip of the wave for a bit. Once it comes off the bottom it can go, but being held up in the wave on the take-off sometimes puts you behind the section & challenging to get around & out in front. I hope it will perform better in different conditions & I'm sure it will, but the forecast for tomorrow in Sydney looks dismal & then unfortunately I give the board back to the shop the following day. So, I haven't made a definitive decision on the VG in the conditions that I've surfed it in...more testing required in better conditions!

Oh i just reilised you have a 508 HELFIRE I went for a 5,10 because of the rubber we ware here in UK. How did the vanguard compair to the HF.

[Freaked_Out]

If I can surf it, anyone can. Much easier than a normal high performance shape of the same volume, by a long way.

[Filipe]

Hi all, sorry to bring this subject again but I have just ordered my VG 5'8" - 32.2L.

From what I have seen here, I am confused a worried about my choice.

I have 82 kg (37yrs) and intermediate skill level and ride the Michel Bourez pro model with 29.9L. The VG 5'6" is 28.8L and Inwas concerned about the paddling and getting into the wave...

Should I keep my choice or change it.

Many thanks in advance

[iggy]

Filipe it all depends on every case. In mine, I'm 87Kgs today (whatever the scale says) and got myself a 5'6". Used to ride 30lts boards I was a little apprehensive about going down in volume, but the shape of the board is so unique that it allows to paddle surprisingly well despite this fact. The wider nose and overall rail line, mixed with the volume distribution allows fo the board to float really well.
If you want to play safe the 5'8" will do the job.Remember this board excel on better waves. But the board floats me plenty even on a 6/4suit with all the trimmings

[Filipe]

Filipe it all depends on every case. In mine, I'm 87Kgs today (whatever the scale says) and got myself a 5'6". Used to ride 30lts boards I was a little apprehensive about going down in volume, but the shape of the board is so unique that it allows to paddle surprisingly well despite this fact. The wider nose and overall rail line, mixed with the volume distribution allows fo the board to float really well.
If you want to play safe the 5'8" will do the job.Remember this board excel on better waves. But the board floats me plenty even on a 6/4suit with all the trimmings

Thanks Iggy - will try to change the order then.

[Bonzer]

I'm 88kg and 5'11" and my 5'6" Vanguard goes great for me. It doesn't paddle into grovel as well as high volume fish designs but its not designed for small and weak waves, its ideally a replacement for your daily driver in good waves.

It paddles in a lot better than a typical high performance shortboard at the same volume due to the different physics of the shape moving through the water.

[fokaiHI]

i agree w bonzer, but i went a lil big to paddle around the line-up better. it paddles extremely well.

[iggy]

i agree w bonzer, but i went a lil big to paddle around the line-up better. it paddles extremely well.

How does the extra volume feels once on the wave?, bottom turns and snaps?

[fokaiHI]

the board flows real smooth and w the different shape, i just adjust to it. i've said before though, extra volume doesnt bother me as much as a person that only rode short boards.