The right board for me?

[robmcn]

Thanks, just sent him an email

[robmcn]

So it looks like I'm going to struggle to get a 6"6 or 6"10 addvance any time soon, both shops I've spoken to in the Uk suggest a 6"4/6"6 dominator, but having looked at the foils of the boards I was wondering whether an activator might be better at the larger sizes, the shape appears similar to the addvance, although obviously more high performance, and would probably be better in larger waves, am I right?

[iggy]

How long are they talking about?
activator_boards.jpgaddvance_boards.jpg

I believe the Activator is definitely a board to consider, hard to compare with the Addvance. You'll have to go a couple of inches longer to get to the same volume as the Addvance.
The advance has a fuller nose which will help you on smaller days as well.

Have you taken a look at El Fuego?
el_fuego_boards.jpg

[robmcn]

Well apparently there are not any coming to europe, I could make a special order but they said that would take at least a few months and didn't mention cost! I'm basically after something that will allow me to progress to surfing something shorter but handle the bigger days seeing as thats my primary motivation for wanting something shorter to compliment my LB. I'm certain the 6"6 or 6"10 Addvance was the right board but in the absence of being about to get one any time soon trying to work out the best alternative, I know it might take a little longer! The places I've spoken to in the uk reckon the dominator but i was wondering whether the tail of the Activator might cope with being oversized a little better, I'll have a look at the el fuego too, thanks!

[prjwebb]

Yeah I think if you're going to over size the board that refined tail of the Activator will be a huge help over the bigger, thicker tail of the Dominator. Especially if you're looking to use it in bigger surf.

[iggy]

The activator is basically a dominator with a tweaked tail so I think you'll be on the right path. Now you have to focus on the length.
The transition from the longboard onto the Activator/Dominator will need some adjustment time. You don't want to go to big on either board though.

[robmcn]

My thought had been 6"7, a little less volume than the 6"6 dominator or the Addvance, or perhaps the 6"9 what do you reckon or am I thinking too big?

[iggy]

Too big, I will go max 6'7". It will float you more than plenty
The fact that you surf 4-5 times a week is gonna have you getting used to that board in no time. Be persistent, remember the first session or two are gonna be to get used to it but once you dial it is fun time!!

[prjwebb]

The smaller you go the trickier the adjustment will be, but the window of improvement will be larger in the long run.
If you go bigger now it'll be easier initially but you could find yourself out growing the board more quickly.

[iggy]

Yup, there has to be a compromise