Surfing Waves

Hi Guys

Have been surfing for about 5 years and, work permitting, get in the water about twice a week. I surf a hybrid 7,8 most of the time but last year, with a view to learning to duck dive, experiencing a looser board I bought a twin fin retro fish 6,4.

My problem is that in head high I'm having real problems with the fish. I either perl after popping up or dig a rail in whilst pumping or trying to do a cutback. When the surf is waist high and well formed it goes like a bullet down the line but again it is very loose and sometimes gives me problems on turns. And that's frontside. Backside is a nightmare. Often what happens is I go out on the Fish and then determined to enjoy my session put the fish back in the car and take out the hybrid which gives me no problems and is fine for pumping and cutbacks (if obviously a little more pedestrian).

My question to you guys is - did I make a mistake buying a fish - should I have gone for a similar sized 3 fin Thruster. Would it give me more bite? Or is a poor workman blaming his tools? btw I'm 6ft and 13 stone

Yeah man i think that it is time for u too get one i see noo problem with u surfing it by your post. the retro will be a good board they are meant for smaller days but at then end of the day its up too u if u feel ready too make the move, then make

yup it seems like you are definately ready for a shortboard mate. keep the fish though. theyre not designed to go well in bigger waves so it will be good for those smaller days like you say.

cheers guys

any technical advice for surfing the fish in head high?

Also, in your opinions does the fish have problems in larger surf because of the fin set up or the hypersensitivity of the swallow tail?

What's your advice for a thruster? What type would be a good first thruster?

cheers

do not ride the fish in big surf its because of fin set up the swallow tail and the rocker as we said they are meant for small surf

i would go somthing around 6Ft6