What kind of board is better for bigger days

[EatinHerbusch]

I surf in NorCal, and this winter we are going to get some big El Niño swells, and I was wondering what board is best for the bigger, more hollow days. I have a 5'8 hypto krypto so it has plenty of volume for paddling, but it is very hard to duck dive on the bigger walls of white wash. When surfing bigger, more hollow waves, do you want a board that has more volume than usual, despite the added difficulty with getting under waves, or do you want a board with slightly less volume so you have more control and is easier to duck dive? Board model recommendations would be great to! Thanks!

[oldmansurfer]

Whatever board you use don't be where the lip is coming down. You can't duck dive it. Surfers who ride big surf use boards that can't be duck dove. They do know how to keep away from the breaking waves. The classic big wave board used to be called an elephant gun. It's long and narrow designed to let you paddle into the waves easier and get down the face before it pitches over and also easier to scratch for the horizon when a big ones is coming. I advise you not to suddenly go out in bigger surf than you have ever been in and instead gradually work your way up and see how your board does. If it works fine for you then that is all that matters. The board you have will work in waves up to a certain size which is yet to be determined.

[waikikikichan]

What size El Nino waves are you hoping to ride ? Board recommendation depends on the wave too.

[Big H]

Surfers who ride big surf use boards that can't be duck dove. They do know how to keep away from the breaking waves.

IMO a very important part of the skill set that needs development as you go up in wave size. Hyptos are popular here but they are borderline grovellers. Altogether different board would most likely be needed. Like waikikikichan asked, what size waves are you targeting?

[oldmansurfer]

Here is Brad Domke riding a short finless board ....does he need another board?
http://www.surfertoday.com/skimboarding/12149-brad-domke-rides-teahupoo-on-a-skimboard