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El Fuego size question
  • jyoojyoo December 2011
    Posts: 5

    Once again a size question. I'm 5'6, 160 lbs, 39 yrs old and consider myself a beginner. I've been surfing for about 10 yrs, but never consistently several times a week. I'm usually a weekend warrioer and get out 2x a week, weather and family permitting; at best 3x a week in the summer. I learned on a 9'2 longboard, then 8'0 funboard and have been riding a 7'0 funboard (7'0, 21 13/16, 2 7/8,49 ltr volume) for a while. I also had a 6'0 Sweet Potato for a few months this summer, but it was way too big for me. I've been wanting to go shorter, find something eaiser to duck dive that can work as a summer groveler, but also use for up to head high or a little overhead on clean days. I surf in San Francisco (OB) unless it's too gnarley for my skills, which is fairly often, especially in the winter. I've been looking at the El Fuego in the 6'1 to 6'3 range which would be in my range under the volume calculator for a beginner weighing 160lbs. The Buyer's Guide recommends a 5'11 El Fuego, but I think that's a big volume jump from what I am currently riding. Any thoughts on what size would be the best fit? I'm tempted to go 6'3, but also looking to duck dive easier? Thanks for any input.

  • prjwebbprjwebb December 2011
    Posts: 2,177

    6'1" would be loads I have thought. I think you'd struggle to duck dive the 6'3"

    6'0" 170lbs
    6'2" x 18.44" x 2.38" Taj
    6'0" x 18.81" x 2.38" Taj CBD
    5'8" x 19.25" x 2.31" Sub Scorcher
    5'8" x 20.00" x 2.38" Spitfire RF
  • aurfalienaurfalien December 2011
    Posts: 180

    Agreed.

    I went to hold a 6'1" myself and chose a 5'11" but I'm only 150.

    So as 6'1" would be very good for you.

    - aurf

    5.10 Futura + H3 - What else do I need?
    5.2 Sweet Potato + MRTFX/GXQ - Well ok, I need this.
    Bonified kookmeister.
  • jyoojyoo December 2011
    Posts: 5

    Thanks for you the input.

  • jyoojyoo December 2011
    Posts: 5

    Another question. I read somewhere on here that rapidfire construction is much more bouyant than the FST. I was planning on getting the rapidfire version as i liked the rapidfire on the Sweet Potato a had for a few months and I've  got some Future Controllers I can use on the El Fuego. Any thoughts on FST vs. rapidfire on bouyancy and its affect on duck diving? 

  • prjwebbprjwebb December 2011
    Posts: 2,177

    I wouldn't say it was more buoyancy. The FST has the lighter foam, but that is countered by the balsa and the high density deck and bottom skins. The RF has slightly denser foam and the bamboo skin so I'd say they'd come off pretty similar in buoyancy. 

    6'0" 170lbs
    6'2" x 18.44" x 2.38" Taj
    6'0" x 18.81" x 2.38" Taj CBD
    5'8" x 19.25" x 2.31" Sub Scorcher
    5'8" x 20.00" x 2.38" Spitfire RF
  • chrischris December 2011
    Posts: 4,998

    yeah reallllly close to the same between the two boards...

    I am the fastest way to Firewire Zen. Ask and you shall receive...
    (6'0/175lbs/28/SoCal - 502PT/508DM/508SP/508SR/509FY/510MB/600AR/602FE)
  • aurfalienaurfalien December 2011
    Posts: 180

    How well do you think a k2.1 thruster setup would work on the EF?

    Perhaps do PC 5 + Deviant?

    Ordered the board today from ZJs.

    - aurf

    5.10 Futura + H3 - What else do I need?
    5.2 Sweet Potato + MRTFX/GXQ - Well ok, I need this.
    Bonified kookmeister.
  • jyoojyoo December 2011
    Posts: 5

    Thanks for the input all. Planning on picking up the 6'1 El Fuego tomorrow from a local shop. Can't wait to try it out this weekend.

  • aurfalienaurfalien December 2011
    Posts: 180

    Cool deal.  Is it FST or RF, FCS or Futures?

    - aurf

    5.10 Futura + H3 - What else do I need?
    5.2 Sweet Potato + MRTFX/GXQ - Well ok, I need this.
    Bonified kookmeister.
  • jyoojyoo December 2011
    Posts: 5

    RF. I have some Futures Controllers. Stoked. I'll post with thoughts after my first session w/ fuego. I'm curious how big the jump will be for me going from my 7'0 funboard to this. 

  • GnubeeGnubee December 2011
    Posts: 133

    The 6'1" will have TONS of float for you.  I am almost 40lb heavier than you and really dig my 6'3".  Make sure you post how it goes with the controllers on there.  It will take you a while to adjust to the board.

    Me: 6'6" (198cm) -195lb (88.5kg) - Intermediate, but stoked!
    My boards: 6'3" El Fuego diamond tail - 7'0" CI MBM step up
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