New Board hunting

[dream2live]

Hi All!

It's been a while since I've posted but figured I want to get some input.

I'm thinking of getting a new board soonish, and thinking of how to expand my quiver.

I have a 5'10 dumpster diver (my everyday go to board, but have trouble paddling sometimes)
I have a 6'0 CI Bobby Martinez which i scored 2nd hand(although quite an old board and heavy i enjoy it on bigger days)

I'm looking into getting another board which is easier to use and easier to paddle in all conditions. I was initially thinking a firewire baked potato or similar, but finding it too short and wide..

I'm really keen on a hayden Shred Sledder which can be used for most conditions (or a krypto)
The website suggests i get a 5'6 x 18 3/4x 2 1/8 with 22.9L volume, but im worried that id have trouble paddling as it's shorter. but if i get it a bit taller i'm worried it'd be similar to my Diver board.

I'm by no means a good surfer, intermediate at best. I'm able to catch some waves and practicing my turns now. I'm just looking for something that paddles easy so i can focus on improving other skills.

Surfing for about 5 years, try to get out 1x a week when theres swell, surf normally small waves in Hong Kong.
I'm 5'7 and weigh 150lbs, I'd rather not get a longboard/funboard just yet..

Looking forward to your thoughts!

p.s im also open to other shapers

[waikikikichan]

I'm thinking of getting a new board soonish, and thinking of how to expand my quiver. - You have 2 honda civics, but considering a Nissan Sentra or a Toyota Tercel. They're all the same type of sub-compact sedans. Get something different like a truck or a van. You just looking at longer or shorter of the same surfboard similar outlines

"I'm really keen on a hayden Shred Sledder which can be used for most conditions (or a krypto)
The website suggests i get a 5'6 x 18 3/4x 2 1/8 with 22.9L volume," - I would stay away from Rounded Pins and especially quad setups. And on those volume calculators, go more up on sizes if you can't turn yet.

"I'm by no means a good surfer, intermediate at best" - So since your average surfer, why don't you get the "Average Joe " model by Channel Islands ? You already have C.I. Dane Reynolds Dumpster Diver and C.I. Bobby and kelly rides a C.I.

"I'm able to catch some waves and practicing my turns now. I'm just looking for something that paddles easy so i can focus on improving other skills". - So you can't really turn yet. But you ride Pro model boards ? You don't surf like them ( yet ), so why ride what they ride ( now ) ? I recommend a Retro Fish or a Mini-simmons. Might look strange to you, but they be the best for catching waves and riding slop.

[dream2live]

Noted Waikiki. Maybe changing it up a bit by trying a different shape. Makes no sense in buying the same type of board, prob best to go foamier now just for variety

[workplayadventure]

Check out a Mark Richards Super Twin and put a three fin thruster config on it. Tonnes of volume, thick and easy to catch waves with from the smallest mush to 6 foot overheads. A super chilled ride on the gentle days and quick and manouverable on the big ones. I ride a 6'8 but the 6'6 would be a bit more responsive I imagine.

[waikikikichan]

for a Retro Fish shaper, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmdGqL_uZwU ( fast forward to 25 seconds, watch him blow longboarders away ! )

for a Mini-simmons, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZOBzF4FPvo ( if you're not convinced after his 3rd hit, I don't know what to tell ya )