Spitfire sizing 82Kg 6'1 - 5'8 or 5'10

[Tubbs]

Hi Chris, cheers for the input. I was surfing yesterday in fun waist high beachy surf on a mates Lost Black Sheep which was a 508 with 27.4cl volume. Different design etc to the Spitty but good to get a feel of a much smaller board. The smallest I have ever ridden...sketchily! With that in mind I am now looking back at yours, prj's and another mates comments about board size v local conditions. Listening to everyone's views, it is not so much about will I be able to surf either one, it is how quickly I will be able to get the board wired based on my experience and the type of waves we surf. The 510 will stroke into waves a little easier than the 508 and there will be a marginal differences in riding between the two once up. If the trade off is getting into waves then I think it has to be the 510, particularly if it's weak and mushy. Whilst I am itching to surf something smaller I don't want to hinder progress and so errrring on the side of caution! Hey I'm sure you are both right...cheers mate. T.

[kdropin]

Hey Tubbs, i agree with Prj, from the sounds of it, you'd likely prefer the 508, though you could easily ride the 506 if you wanted to push it. I will add on the topic of period, it depends almost more on how steel the wave is. I surf 15 seconds all the time here in CA but its often VERY weak. Back where i am from on the east coast of the US, i normally surfed 9 seconds, but it broke more steeply on the sandbars near my home.

In your case i would judge your needs based on punch. A slow wave is a slow wave independent of period. I always feel that if its mushy, you can afford to go with more volume. if you are normally surfing punch, then you can get after less volume. Over all, though, based on your other boards, you'll prefer the 508.

Cheers

ne sand bars :)

[David_KJeep]

Hi Tubbs. Just confirming what the other boys said. I'm about your size and weight (a tad lighter) and I used my SF 5'8" all year along in different conditions and if you are going to ride it in the better waves (as your SP will do the small and mushy ones) then 5'8" would be the go!

[savagebee]

Tubbs I agree with the others, go the 5'8. At 82 kg I'm really happy with it and goes great in the small punchy waves. It's the smallest board I've used but every time I surf it it feels more normal. No problems paddling and getting waves.
Let's face it, the spit is not the right board for crumbly weak onshore waves, so I reckon get the 5'8 and save it for the good wall days.

[Tubbs]

Cheers guys for the responses....I've ordered the 5.10 and if its wrong I'll flog it and get a 5.08 but being super conservative! :0)

[cb3rd]

Hey Tubbs! I'd like to hear what you think of the 5'10 at your weight, i'm 6 kgs to the heavier and got the 5'10 and think it goes like the clappers, but kinda feel I could have gone the 5'8. Only ridden it once so far though.

[Tubbs]

Will let you know, it's on order but not expecting it for at least another couple of weeks....PLUS the summer is here and there's been zero surf! But still excited and can't wait. Cheers T.

[hawaii_boi]

Has anyone ridden the 508 or 510 SF in point break waves and/or hawaii waves (e.g. Ala Moana Bowls, Concessions, etc)? 1-3 ft faces? 3-5ft faces?

Tubbs, how is the 510 SF??

[hawaii_boi]

I'm 5'8", 175-180lbs. Intermediate level, coming down from Inter/Advance longboard level. I can't decide between 508 and 510 SF. Volume calculator has at me 33L minimum which is a 510 SF. However, many are recommending a 508 for a person similar to my weight and height. I demoed a 506 Sweet Potato RF and 510 Dominator FST in 1-3+ ft faces. Both are fun boards but begin to slide a little or hang at the top when surfing head high+ (hawaiian). I surf mostly chest to overhead and I'm worried if 508 might not be enough board to make the drop. thoughts anyone??

[iggy]

On those waves have you consider anything with a bit more rocker within the Firewire line?. What's the reason to go for the SF??.
If you decide to stick to it, then the 5'8" will have you covered. On the same sort of train of thought you are on, the Hellfire will be a good option as well with a bit more rocker and pulled in nose will help you on those drops.The Alternatoris also a viable solution to your dilema as well