Heya

I am soon to go on only my second trip to Indo at the age of 50. Having generally been a longboarder for a few years I got myself a HP 8 foot mini mal and a 7'2 quad last time around. The 8 footer won't be coming this time - not that its a bad board it goes unreal - I just found it a bit too much to deal with in the waves on offer. The 7'2 is a keeper and I am looking for some advice on a back up. What I'm after is likely to be a second handy something in the 7'2 - 7'6 range with a bit of width and volume.

I am a bit creaky and need all the help I can get to make the pop up but after that I reckon I can work it out. In this size range there seems to be lots of guns and semi guns but generally I feel they will be too narrow for me (ie most around 18 - 19 in wide). Have considered a couple of the firewire models such as Alternator and Addvance however not sure about the life expectancy of the breather set up in the older Alternator I looked at?

Anyway if anyone has any experience with models or designs of the size and nature mentioned above I'd be interested in some help to get the mix right so that I'm pulling in rather than copping a lip on the head halfway through a bottom turn. BTW I am located NNSW - suspect if I was in Vic or WA there might be more on offer.

thanks
F

thanks IFocus

Volume - I think that's part of what I'm trying to balance ie as much as possible without going too far. My daily rider for local points etc is just under 60 litres (at 7'6) - what I envisaged was a fair bit less than that - there is no litres given for my 7'2 (x 22 x 2 3/4) but at a guess I'd say its around 50 ish so lets start around there.

Ideally barrels head high plus a bit.( I don't see myself getting into a double overhead barrel on purpose but you never know)

Not afraid of the firewires - I haven't had one personally but have heard mostly good things hence the interest - caution is with the longevity of a second hand one and in particular how long the valve should be good for.

Paddle strength and general fitness is fine apart from lower back issues (and being a bit unco) hence the desire for some width to assist take off stability.

Interested in your thoughts.

I wouldn't worry about the valve in the older alternator. Plenty of rocker in them to handle steeper drops.
I wouldn't take an addvance as it would feel too bulky in the good Indo waves.
You could also look at used Hellfires if you can find one in a longer size.
Also Simon Anderson Robo molluscs, Rusty big cats and the like since it would be a back up rather than your primary board.
They are rare but come up every so often.
Also check out Michael Cundith for any used boards like his islander or lip hits.
www.mcsurf.com.au/shopping/islander/143/1
They've been used to great success in Indo by older crew.

Check out one of Grant Miller's V-Skates.

There is one on Gumtree at a good size for what you have stated - perfect tail shape for Indo also...

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/chisholm/surfing/grant-miller-v-skate-surfboard/1068812138

leashless said..
Check out one of Grant Miller's V-Skates.

There is one on Gumtree at a good size for what you have stated - perfect tail shape for Indo also...

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/chisholm/surfing/grant-miller-v-skate-surfboard/1068812138

Pricey as a back up board. Could also get a new custom pocket rocket specifically for Indo in your dims with Dick's sponged on colour for the same price from DVS.
That V skate is packing a lot of foam and width for Indo (see the volume thread).

fleagle said..
Thanks Tux and Leashless for those links and also Cuttlefish for the comments above. Much appreciated.

Both really nice looking boards. The Vskate is really close to what I had in mind but for that price I can get something custom locally which is not the plan at this point. Would also be some logistics getting it delivered. Good looking stick all the same.

I will check out the volume thread - at 6'3 and 90 something kilos (depending on booze intake and time spent watching footy) I would have thought those dims ok for me - but that's why I asked - researching boards is proving to be an interesting pastime.

thanks again fellas all ears for any other input.

where are you going to surf fleagle ..? bali lombok ments ....?

Cuttlefish said..
Also check out Michael Cundith for any used boards like his islander or lip hits.
www.mcsurf.com.au/shopping/islander/143/1
They've been used to great success in Indo by older crew.

Good advice. Check his site he has a couple of demo boards for sale - a 6'10" might be ok for you. Reasonable volume and a pulled in tail. You would have a lot of fun on that board