wanting to go shorter

[mitchali2na]

so I'm 5 10 145 and I'm riding a 7'2" right now. 20" wide and 3" thick, pretty pronounced rocker throughout, pointed nose, squash tail. This was my first board, and I bought it as a board that would be pretty forgiving, you know, easy to paddle and catch waves on with more mobility than a long-board. I've skated and snowboarded avidly all my life so I for sure had an advantage learning, (getting up and reading waves were the hardest parts for me). I enjoy riding this board and feel quite comfortable on it, i can ride down the line, bottom turn, and pump pretty well on it, but it is EXTREMELY hard for me to duck dive on. I'm looking for a new board that'll be easier to maneuver and duck-dive, and want something around a 6'6" or even 6'4". I don't want it to be too crazy of a transition where I can't catch waves anymore but need something smaller for sure. thoughts??

[dtc]

Go for it - you want it and it will always be there on your mind if you don't get it.

What advice are you after? Sizing or suggested brands?

[Big H]

My 2c....
That's a solid size change....for a duck dive that is worth anything (being able to get deep enough to actually miss the brunt of the wave....just getting hair wet doesn't count as you'll quickly find out) you're going to have to surf a board around a max of 33L; at 6'6" for a short board that would be dimensions around 6'6"x 19 x 2 3/8 depending on the design....pretty big difference to what you're on now and still not a piece of cake to duck.

Why not get one more board between where you are and that duck dive point and go for a fun board hybrid shape around 6'8"/same width as what you're on now and something around 2 5/8". You'll feel the difference paddling and riding and should keep you well occupied for awhile and not be too much to bite off at once. Going down from 7'2" you won't be able to "cheat" anymore; when you paddle around you will have to support and streamline your legs with a shorter board. The board won't be there to break the water or rest the legs on at all. You'll also have to sort the pop up with your legs hanging off in the water and re-discover what paddle fitness means.

[pmcaero]

Go for shortboard shape around 6' 8" in length, 19.5" width and 2.75" thickness
I'm your weight, beginner-intermediate level, and can easily catch wave and duckdive this board.

[mitchali2na]

Sweet thanks for the input amigos, think I'll go with a 6 8 or 6 6 with those dims