I'm 175lbs, 5' 11" tall intermediate+ kitesurfer (5 years kiting). Last directional board was a Naish global 6'-1" (~18.5" wide quad). I'm taking a trip to Fiji (Namotu) in 2 months, need to buy a new toy beforehand. I'm looking for something that will be stable on overhead+ waves but be a little faster to turn than my global.

For my weight is the 5'6" hell fire a good choice? I'm reluctant to ride a board that short, but I haven't tried on in surf (nor can I realistically demo before I need to order). I'm a kook surfer so surfing on the board is not an issue. I'm not worried about upwind performance, nor performance in chop. WIll ride it strapless in small surf, strapped in large. Wishing I could bring a fleet of boards down there but it looks like travel gear will be limited! (1 kiteboard only).

Thanks!

GK