Getting new fins and or getting a new fish :)

[Tobikey]

hey Guys,

I have been surfing for a couple of years, but in the last year since I am now in NZ I have been surfing more.
I would call myself intermediate surfer.

I am about 5'8" and about 65 kg's .

i am currently having an al merrick 5'11" (19; 2 5/16) thruster. Wave catching and stability are good.
(for small waves I also have a black&white 6'10 shortboard with wide nose etc.)

I am riding at the moment standard glass-nylon M5 size fins.
Question No. 01: would better fins with good flex be very helpful for me, developing new skills? -> or should I stay with my standard stiff finns.

I was thinking about getting a fish for more drive, esp. when the waves are smaller.
I was looking at a retro 5'9 (19; 2 1/2) retro quad-fish.
would you recomment to get new fins or this fish or stay with my old stuff?

as I said, I am intermediate, and pretty confident with my 5'11 merrick.
btw. I am planning a two week surfing trip, that's why I am thinking of getting some new stuff.

/ another thing: do you reccoment a hood for NZ autum-winter surfing? ( I am going to camp outside)

Cheers
tobikey

[dtc]

I would try different sized fins before worrying about stiffness. Maybe try some M3s or an M5 centre with bonzer sides. Smaller fins are much looser and can be a lot of fun.

Fish are good for small waves, not that I surf them. Thats about as much advice as I can give! As to a hood, probably better to have one available just in case