Looking to mix up the quiver and go fishing…looking for recs. on size of fish to go to at 5’10 180lbs. In decent shape, 40 years young. Raised on longboards and want to minimize the pain and maximize the fun. Have the opp. to pick up a 6’5" Rainbow Fish at a decent price…too great a leap? Board too be used at South O.C. breaks. Open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!
Aloha “Kick” - I just scored a used 6’6" Kane Garden/ Larry Mabile twinzer that is absolutely the new favourite board in my quiver. I’m pretty close to you size-wise (5’10"+, 175#) and a mere 4 years behind you. Rode longboards for over 1/2 of my surfing life (started at 16), got shorter (my boards, not me) about 4 years ago, jumping on a 6’10" Anderson Pescado. Changed my surfing life… Good luck!
I’d have to say a longboard to a fish is going to be a big leap, no matter how you cook it.
I say go with something just over 6ft… maybe a 6’4… Fish are very forgiving shapes, and I think you need to get the true fish experience. So go for a board that will ride like a true fish instead of one of those big fishes that ride more like a hybrid or “funshape.” Because they’re so easy to ride and catch waves on, it will only take you a few sessions to have it wired.
Then you’ll be hooked…
Hi,
I have a homebrew fish just over 6’ and I’m roughly your size and age (or feel that age, whatever) and love it. I think you’re pretty safe with something between 6’ and 6’6" as long as it’s a real fish. Might take a few surfs to get used to it, but it’s worth it. Good luck.
regards,
Håvard
I have a 6’5" ish quad fish from Ellis that I loan to friends trying the transition. Unreal transition board – everyone gets up on it. I don’t know why, but I’m thinking it’s the monstrous width of the thing (22"). It’s as wide as some LBs, so the stability is def there.
If you want to come down to North County San Diego, you’re welcome to try it out, too. Should give you an idea of what you’d be in for…
I’m 6’ 1" and 215lbs, and I ride a 6’ 5" x 21.5" x 3" Shane Stoneman twin keel. This is a really good size for me, although I could probably go a few inches shorter and still feel pretty comfortable. I’m 36 and surf twice a week max. It was an easy transition coming off of a longboard, and It floats me slightly more (halfway between my bellybutton and pecks) than a standard shortboard. At your height and weight, I think you should try to stay around 6’ 2" or under, and around 2 1/2 - 2 5/8" thick.