Surfboard decision

[Fabs]

Hello,


I'm wondering if I should buy the CBC SLASHER 7″ that has 57L or the CBC SLASHER 8″ that has 73L of volume. I would really like some opinions on these.

I'm 1,78m (5'10) and I weight about 67kg (147 lbs), I'm not a complete beginner to surf, I have done about 10 sessions so around 25-30h doing it, I've been using a 5'8 CBC sushi surfboard (it's a fish style board with foam that has 36L) but this board feels too small for me, atleast at the level I am right now, I have major problems with the pop up in it, the paddling is totally fine, I'd say that paddling is my strongest feature at the moment, I don't really have problems with getting the wave, it's the pop up with balance that is denying me to surf the waves.
So thats why I'm not sure if I should buy the 7" with 57L or the 8" with 73L, I intend to when I'm ready move from this soft top to a good size fish, I don't wanna surf a longboard forever. I've tried a soft top for about 30 mins, and it was way easier to pop up on a wave with control, but I didn't like the fact that it takes so much time to turn to catch the wave, and on this aspect I think the 7" might be more suitable to me.
Since I live in a island where there's no surfboards for sale, trying it before I buy is not really an option sadly.

Which of these sizes do you think would suit me best? Thanks

[one0one]

57 litre imo

because you are lite so should work a treat to learn on especially if you are paddle fit.

how much is it?

maybe go second hand because you won't be surfing it for long i'm guessing. you will progress to a smaller board quickly with all that volume

[Fabs]

I'm paying 250 eur for it with shipment included.
You're right though, renting a second hand would be better, but from what i've been searching I couldnt find any that would be worth buying, simply because the shipments to my island even from the mainland in portugal, are expensive, either the website already has shipment included, or your paying about 150 eur usually just in shipment from my research on many surfshops, this website I'm buying it from only charged me 10 eur for shipment because I believe they have some good deals with the shipping companies.

Thanks for your answer, I'm going with the 57L

[waikikikichan]

If you are having problems with your pop up then I wouldn't go with the 7'0". Learn on a board 3 feet over your head. Own a board and learn the basics on a board 2 feet over your head. Once you can bottom turn, trim and do turn downs and turn ups front side and backside, THEN go down to a board a foot over your head. At 5'10", I would go for 8'0" until you learn the basics.

[one0one]

i learned on a 6'10 x 22 x 2 5/8 minimal

but im a hearty learner lol.. west coast small days is the key i reckon.. powerful but small.. once you get up lots of time on the wave to learn to ride..

once you learn the pop up its like synergy and you get better at an increasing rate.. find a good rip to paddle out in though so you don't get smashed with all that volume..

small days are the go.. not worth paddling out on big days.. all you learn is how to get back in safely without riding a wave lol.. good luck

[Fabs]

Thank you both for your insights, really appreciate it.

I ended up going with the bic duratec 7'3 mini malibu, found a website that had it for 300 eur including leash and fcs fins, and shipment was 30 eur, from what you both wrote here and the videos I saw people riding that board and reviews, I think it's a good choice.

"f you are having problems with your pop up then I wouldn't go with the 7'0"" That would make sence, but I've tried a surfboard that was 7'0 after what I wrote here and I was quite comfortable popping up with control on it, I think what was happening with the 5'8 is that since im 5'10 it mathers way more where I land my feet and also where I put my hands to pull me up, wish i've been figuring out and i'm starting to have more consistent pop ups with control even with the 5'8, I still struggle in it to pop up at the right time in the wave tho, because since I have to be more careful with where I place my hands I do it a bit slower, I believe the 7'3 will help me alot in this factor and help me pop up at the right time.

"i learned on a 6'10 x 22 x 2 5/8 minimal" Thats awesome, I've found some people out there that learned on a surfboard around that size aswell, that size can be fine if it has the right amount of volume for you, I got told

"small days are the go.. not worth paddling out on big days.. all you learn is how to get back in safely without riding a wave lol.. good luck"
Hahaha this is so accurate, i've paddled out a day where it was constant 2m waves and all I did was wipeout over and over again hahaha, was fun still, but definetly didn't improve much that day

I'm expecting the board to arrive next week, I'll post here later how it went

[Fabs]

I've surfed on it 3 times and I'm loving it, having tons of fun with it.

The second wave I caught, I instantly pop up with control on it, had such a blast, cause I never had that kind of control with my previous board, feels really great and stable.
I'm popping up with control most of the waves and i'm starting to take the drop even on slightly bigger waves like 1,5m height (4-5ft), its quite maneuverable too, way more then a soft top. I'm able to turn on it fairly easily and gain speed on the wave.
The shape is really good, the nose of this surfboard is more elevated then the other soft tops I tried and it helps a lot to prevent nose diving when catching the waves.
I'm really happy with it. Thanks once again for the insights!

[Sophie01]

Hey there! It sounds like you've got some solid surfing experience under your belt, and you're looking to upgrade your board. Given your height, weight, and experience, I'd recommend going for the CBC SLASHER 8″ with 73L of volume.

Here's why: Since you're having a bit of trouble with the pop-up and balance on your current 5'8 CBC Sushi (36L), a slightly larger board can provide more stability, making it easier for you to catch waves and work on your pop-up technique. The 73L volume in the 8" should offer a good balance between stability and maneuverability.

Also, considering your intention to eventually transition to a fish-style board, the 8" would be a great intermediate step. It's essential to have a board that challenges you a bit but doesn't overwhelm you.

Given your preference for a quicker response in turning to catch waves, the 8" should still be manageable, and the extra volume will be beneficial as you continue to progress. Unfortunately, not being able to try before you buy is tough, but based on your description, the 8" seems like the better fit for your current skill level and future plans.

[Sophie01]

Hey! Sounds like you're in a bit of a dilemma, but that's totally normal when picking a surfboard. Given your height, weight, and experience, I'd lean towards the CBC SLASHER 7" with 57L. Here's why:

You're not a total beginner, and you've already spent some good hours in the water. The 5'8 CBC sushi you've been using has 36L, and you find it a bit small, especially struggling with the pop-up and balance. Moving up to the 7" with 57L should give you a bit more stability while still allowing you to progress.

You mentioned you've tried a soft top and found it easier to pop up with control. The 7" might be a nice middle ground, giving you the control you want without sacrificing too much in terms of turning and catching waves.

Since you're looking to transition to a fish style eventually, starting with the 7" should help you build the skills you need without feeling too overwhelmed.

Remember, it's always a bit of trial and error when finding the right board, but based on your info, the 7" seems like a good fit. Best of luck, and enjoy the waves!