smaller dims or specifically designed for having size

[Jay1010]

Good day, my last post here was back in 2016 when I was a beginner. I'm 181cm, 90kg, reasonably fit, 39 year old and would gauge my ability as somewhat intermediate. I surf half the year nearly daily, the other half I am working so have no chance. My local is a point break with good quality waves.

Past three years I have been using a beefed up copy of a pod mod with narrower width, 6'10" x 2.5"x 2 15/16” (47 L). The board has been well used by now and needs to be replaced. But to what? My original idea was to transition to a smaller pod mod maybe 6'6". I don't have trouble catching waves with the current board, and sometimes wonder if there is too much volume. While on a wave I find myself moving forward on the board with my back foot in front of the tail pad, only stepping back to turn. From the Lost website, el patron surfboard description: "It’s easy to inflate any model to larger dims, but another thing altogether, for it to remain nimble, responsive and forgiving" I think I am guilty of this with the 6'10" pod mod and wonder if I would have a better experience using a board specifically designed for having larger dims or moving down a size or two on the pod mod.

What would you suggest as a replacement
1.Buy the same board but with smaller dims
2. Buy something designed for length like the CI M23?
3. Something else

The practical answer to my question would be to borrow/rent something similar and see. unfortunately where I am the rental place has only soft tops and my surfing mates are on short boards.

Thanks in advance

[Geezer]

What size board would you like to surf? What kind of board? Do you want one like the pod mod or what are the things you don't line about your current board you wish fir in your next board?

[Jay1010]

thanks Geezer for the reply. Ideally no longer than the 6'10 I have now, most of its repairs have happened from me banging it against things out of the water. Something that is going to feel quick and skatey and more responsive. the mod definitely feels quick and is fun when waves are a bit bigger, on smaller days the waves are still easy enough to catch but it just doesn't seem to get going. A 6'6 pod or maybe a rocket wide was my initial plan but the more I look at what is available, and there is a lot, read the reviews and confusion sets in.

[Geezer]

What are your conditions like usually? Clean and hollow, onshore weak and crumbly or some degree in between? Waist to shoulder or head high ++?

I really like the regular pod. Getting one of those in a 6’6” (43 L) or 6’4” (40L) or something similar would give you a gentle introduction to a board that is shorter, a bit more nimble and can take better waves (I have had both BTW). Im just a hair taller and heavier than you and the pod is very versatile and not far away from a shape you are familiar with.

[Geezer]

Check this.

[Jay1010]

Hi Geezer, in season its a strong wave usually chest high to overhead, I am not comfortable in anything bigger than head high plus the water movement and currents just becomes way too much. The wave is clean with a flat bit in the middle and hollower sections. Off season its weaker, smaller and slower and usually only part of the wave works.

I will follow your advice and order a 6'6" pod. That feels like the right way to go. Thank you for your help. cheers

[Geezer]

You are going to love that board. One more thing; the Pod seems to like a smaller fin. I usually surf large fins but use medium in the pod and seems a better fit. Have fun!