Surfing Waves

Hey everyone,

Just joined up and am 8 months new to surfing...

Hopped on a fish for the first time recently and was hooked (pun intended...?). Now I'm looking at getting one for small waves. However, I have no idea how to size it.

Should I try to equal the volume of my thruster or add volume to it?

I'm specifically looking at a Machado Go Fish... my thruster is LFT (34.5L) and I like the construction a lot. Sadly I have no way to try one out before I buy it, but I'm new enough to surfing that I'm sure the limitations will be the surfer, not the board

Also, I've been pleasantly surprised by the durability.

My stats:

190cm
86kg

Thanks in advance! Cheers!

Scott

Firewire has their own volume calculator that shows it's recommended boards for your volume range.
I entered 90kg and Beginner ( 8 months surfing right ? ) and looking for something in the 34.5L that you're currently riding, got this size for the Go Fish.





If you change the setting from Beginner to Beginner-Intermediate it changes the size down to 5'9".

I wouldn't recommend the Machado fish. That board has a super thinned out tail. I'd say that board is for intermediate to advanced surfers, leaning to the advanced end of the spectrum. It's a helluva sexy board that's for sure. If you put the tail of that fish next to a normal classic fish you'd see what I mean. I've heard the Seaside is good. If you do get the fish, I'd love to hear what you think.

Thanks for the replies!

I would say I'm more or less an intermediate at this point, but on the lower end of intermediate (I've surfed 4-7 times a week for the last 6 months). But I'm not really interested in hardcore power surfing... just want to cruise.

I'm linking turns just fine as long as I can get out in front of the wave (the break I spend the most time at is a very fast beachie).

I guess what I'm really asking is, should I try to match the volume of my everyday shortboard or try to bump it up a bit for smaller waves? Want to keep the rails sharp and the board maneuverable... can't stand a board I can't turn.

Thanks again!

Ratfinksurfer wrote:I wouldn't recommend the Machado fish. That board has a super thinned out tail. I'd say that board is for intermediate to advanced surfers, leaning to the advanced end of the spectrum. It's a helluva sexy board that's for sure. If you put the tail of that fish next to a normal classic fish you'd see what I mean. I've heard the Seaside is good. If you do get the fish, I'd love to hear what you think.

I'll certainly let you know if I do get it!

Ratfinksurfer wrote:I wouldn't recommend the Machado fish. That board has a super thinned out tail. I'd say that board is for intermediate to advanced surfers, leaning to the advanced end of the spectrum. It's a helluva sexy board that's for sure. If you put the tail of that fish next to a normal classic fish you'd see what I mean. I've heard the Seaside is good. If you do get the fish, I'd love to hear what you think.

Well, I went for the GoFish at 5'11" x 35L and just surfed it for a few weeks in Costa Rica...

I freaking love this board.

It took me a few days to get a feel for it, as the tail doesn't push back like other boards I have. It bites pretty hard when you want to turn. But man... once I got it dialed, it absolutely flew. Especially on waves with some size and punch!

It worked just ok on small waves. But I liked it better on days that were overhead. Nailed some really fun/memorable carves with it.

Overall, I will probably to take this thing out over my shortboard on anything that isn't super hollow (and maybe even then too as long as it's not 2X overhead). It paddles like a dream and catches waves with ease – way easier than my shortboard. And it really fits the way I like to surf.

Now if I could just get the airlines to not smash the nose in next time....

Cheers!

Scott

Nice! I was drooling over this and the Seaside, but the price point here in NZ is wayyyyy too high, and they get snapped up like lightning in the classifieds. I ended up grabbing a Superbrand Fling for a good deal. Yet to really get it into some wally waves ( and now it is Corona lockdown) so am keen to get out again soon. Glad to hear you love the GoFish! Sounds amazing.
One day I'll get my hands on one...

stturn wrote:Hey everyone,

Just joined up and am 8 months new to surfing...

Hopped on a fish for the first time recently and was hooked (pun intended...?). Now I'm looking at getting one for small waves. However, I have no idea how to size it.

Should I try to equal the volume of my thruster or add volume to it?

I'm specifically looking at a Machado Go Fish... my thruster is LFT (34.5L) and I like the construction a lot. Sadly I have no way to try one out before I buy it, but I'm new enough to surfing that I'm sure the limitations will be the surfer, not the board

Also, I've been pleasantly surprised by the durability.

My stats:

190cm
86kg

Thanks in advance! Cheers!

Scott

Hi. Do you enjoy surfing? It is very cool. I also used to like to catch waves and feel the surrounding water. But I had to give up this sport because of an injury. But I still can't give up the habit of taking a Board and swimming on it. I even once tried to fish sitting on the Board. I just love the feeling of solitude and peace. AndI managed to catch fish. However, I was able to bring only two fish to land (just all the others flew off the Board while I was swimming to the shore. But I advise you to try it, because it's a great feeling.