Step-Up Dilemma

[TommyRio]

Hey!!

Hoping for a bit a guidance...

I'm looking for a step-up board for a Tavarua trip in April (and future Nica/CR trips etc.). I want something that will hold in larger more critical waves.

I live in Huntington Beach and surf my a 5’6” TOMO EVO (32.3L) or 5’10” HS Hypto Krypto (33.70L) most of the time. I have a 6'2" Firewire Tomo V4 (34.9L) as my current Step-Up board.

I'm really interested in the Hayden Shapes Shred Sled King but can't decide on the sizing. They make it in 2 stock sizes.

6’2 19 1/2 2 5/8 33.40L
6'4 20 2 3/4 36.4L

The 6'2" is the same volume at my Hypto just 3/4inch narrower and 4 inches longer. Will that paddle faster/get in earlier than my 5'10" Hypto at the same volume? Do you think I should go for the 6"4? I could also do a custom order 6'3" that would put my right at that 35L volume mark. Longer more volume etc. Or the 4th option would be just to stick with my 6"2" V4.

I just don't know a lot about Step-Ups and what I should be looking for. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

All the best!
Tommy

[Big H]

What size do you feel is too big for the hypto krypto? What size are you and what size waves are the max end of what you want to ride?

[waikikikichan]

I just don't know a lot about Step-Ups and what I should be looking for. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You do know a lot about board volume numbers. Why don't you ask your trip buddies what size board they're bringing ? I think you need to figure out what size waves will there be in Tavaura, to determine what size board. If your decision comes down to between two sizes, go with the bigger one. Better to be over gun than under gunned. But you're bringing more than one board right ?

[dtc]

You are being distracted by volume. Step ups usually have narrower tails and more rocker (esp than something like the HK) and are often a touch thinner - than your normal shortboard.

if in doubt, go longer as waikikichan says.

Is the shred sled suitable? It's better than an HK for bigger waves and probably for shallow reef waves, but what size are you talking about?

[TommyRio]

Thanks for the feedback. I surf my HK to well overhead. I have only felt like it was too small one time while down in Nica when it was macking. I jumped to my 6'2" and was still under gunned.

I actually pulled the trigger on a Shed Sled King today. I found a like new 6'3" PU with heavy glass on Craigslist for $450 with FCS2 fins.What are the chances?!?! Super stoked to try it! Hopefully the swell keeps pumping!

Thanks again!!

[Big H]

Report back on the handling....I'm curious. It looks like an all arounder for fair to good waves (like we have around here) more so than a hypto krypto would be....

BTW, how heavy are you?

[IB_Surfer]

2 3/4 seems kind of thick for Tavaura, you'll get stuck on the inside when duckdiving