Stuck on sizing and spitfire/dominator choice

[hdeb89]

I'm looking at getting at getting a firewire, and since my local shop that stocks them isn't that knowledgable, I'd be stoked for some feedback here.

I'm an intermediate surfer (comfortable up to just overhead, can trim down the line, slowly learning to pump properly to generate speed, and can make some mellow turns on the face) living in Vancouver (so I can't surf all that regularly). I've been surfing for 6-7 years but never consistently so my progression has been fairly slow. I've owned a number of used boards, and right now have a big guys short board (6,6 x 20.25 x 2.5) for when it's small/average and an old 6,1 thin, narrow wade tokoro shortboard for the few days when it's pumping which my brother gave me. There is also a good chance I may sell those two boards to help pay for this.

I've ridden a couple of the shorter, fatter hybrids and been really stoked on them so am pretty much set on either a dominator or a spitfire as a "do it all" board, leaving the wade tokoro for a the rare days when it's wayy overhead. (I'm also for sure not a good enough surfer yet to really make the most of it). I'm about 6foot, 22yo, 159lbs and being in the NW i'm always in a full wintersuit, boots, gloves, hood etc

The surf here is usually anywhere from knee to head high, so that's kinda the range i'm aiming for, and leaning towards the spitfire as i've read the narrower tail will hold better when it starts to get to shoulder high, plus I feel like it might be a better board for me to grow into? But honestly I'm not sure. I'm just not sure what size to go for and i'm not too knowledgable on boards. The buyers guide recommends a 5,10, the volume calculator recommends closer to a 5,8, and it seems on the forum many people heavier than me are on a 5,8. I looked on the CBD and saw that there is a 5,9 option so was thinking maybe that, but would be stoked if you'd be able to give me some advice on which board you think would be best, and the sizing?


Here are a couple photos of the breaks I surf, to give you an idea what it's often like, though we for sure get bigger/smaller days!













Cheers!

[buzzy]

They look like really fun waves. That second shot looks Trestles'ish, but mushy.

Given how you describe your surfing I'd opt for the 5'10" over the 5'8". Both would suit - just the 5'8" would be harder work (albeit offering more potential "high end" performance). I reckon it's a toss a coin exercise between the Dom and Spit. I personally like round tails and other more fluid shapes. I'm not sure if that's aesthetics or performance or both. I'd like to think both. So I have a Dom and never complained.

[iggy]

Well if you ask me I will throw in the 5'8" Spitfire. A bit more performant board for those conditions. Draws closer arcs, a bit more pivot due to the tail design.
Both are pretty much the same boards from the front fins upwards. The "bevelled" tail shaves up some volume there when you needed, where the plane area will maintain the same but with less volume, allowing you to dig the tail with a bit more ease
But again its all about preference. Given that you are 6'1", I don't know how would you feel with a 5'8". 159lbs with a 5/4 wetsuit boots and gloves puts you right on the 5'8".
Those breaks look like you could be considering the Hellfire as well!!!

[prjwebb]

Oops I replied to the dupe thread.

[Chris]

yeah I am on board with what people are saying here.

I think the 510 would be my suggestion because it will bag you a few more waves and still be easy to use.

If you think you are going to be getting in the water a bit more, then you certainly can get after the 508 but its going to be a bit more of a challenge up front. You want to think about and make the best choice for you...I think you'll be stoked either way!!

[hdeb89]

yeah I am on board with what people are saying here.

I think the 510 would be my suggestion because it will bag you a few more waves and still be easy to use.

If you think you are going to be getting in the water a bit more, then you certainly can get after the 508 but its going to be a bit more of a challenge up front. You want to think about and make the best choice for you...I think you'll be stoked either way!!

Sweet thank you! Do you think I should perhaps go for the standard 5,9 spitfire off of the CBD then as a balance between easier wave catching, and something that will et me progress into?

[Chris]

I think that is a preference call as to whether you want to wait for the board to be built. Would the board suit you better? yeah it could, but you may go fine on a stock model as well.

up to you! I am not strongly pushing one way or the other....

[hdeb89]

I think that is a preference call as to whether you want to wait for the board to be built. Would the board suit you better? yeah it could, but you may go fine on a stock model as well.

up to you! I am not strongly pushing one way or the other....

Sweet, cheers for all the advice so far! The only other question I had was at 155lbs and with a winter suit on, am I going to have an issue duck-diving the 33.5l 5'10"?

[Chito]

Hey Those Pictures look a hell of a lot like Sombrio first peak and some of those rights look like JR. You surf on vancouver island regularly?

[hdeb89]

Hey Those Pictures look a hell of a lot like Sombrio first peak and some of those rights look like JR. You surf on vancouver island regularly?

I live in Van, so not regularly, but pretty much surf just Sombrio and then outside Port Angles in WA when it lines up right! How'd you like your 5,6 Spitfire being over 6ft tall?