Surfing Waves

Hey guys,

I usually surf a 8'4" mctavish carver, but recently i tried my wifes 7'6" minimal just to see how i would do on a shorter board. Good thing is I did great. So I borrowed a friends 7'2" fish type funboard and i did alright but i thought that i was pushing it too far and my arms weren't fit enough to paddle and pop up on the board, leading to one or two good rides at the beginning of a session and not much after that. My problem is I am now having trouble riding my faithful 8'4" (because my mrs refuses to lend me her board now). My timing is off and my position on the board is all wrong. I'm even thinking through my pop ups, thus resulting in late drops and a really tense wobbly stance. I'm so frustrated! Is this normal when trying different types of boards? What's happening to my surfing? Thanks, I would appreciate any insight, criticism advice or whatever.

P.S. Has anyone had any experience with a mctavish bluebird? What's it like? Not much written about ti on their website. Would it make a good shorter board for a bigger guy?

Thanks again.

(Some whatever) Looks like you will have surfing problems or wife problems so.....just tell the wife " I'm taking the board!" No problems, well no surfing problems anyway. Hope I helped
Someone else will have to help you with the wife troubles after

(Some criticism) ..If you don't want frustration with surfing don't try anything new

(insight) I guess you need to get a board like your wifes board so it's fun.

That's the best I can do Good luck!

All in fun brother

Oh One more ...(advice) Don't ask me

you should be able to adjust back to your own board in a sesh or two. stick with your own board till you can get a smaller one of your own. doesn't help early on to keep switching boards (my own school of thought, someone else may differ).
most of surfing is about instinct and reflex, so your reactions will be much more accurate on a board you know well. when you get a bit better changing boards will be easier but will always feel at least a bit weird until you have had a sesh or two on it.

as for the bluebird, you could get it in a good size for you but i'd stay away from pin tails for now. might find it a bit too loose. try finding something with a square/squash, or maybe even swallow if you want something a bit loose but forgiving.

Growing pains, the McTavish probably has more rocker or a thinner outline so it would be harder to use.

If you like your wife's board better go buy one, nothing like buying a board YOU KNOW you will enjoy instead of wondering if another board will do. If you want a McTavish get one with your wife's board dimmensions and rocker

thanks for the advice guys. i found a 7 foot bear fat ass wombat on sale so i snapped it up. really soft rails and it is my second board now (it is a square tail). still love the carver though. paddles so well. I think i'll wait before i get the bluebird.