Hey Zuz, I’m confused. Is it too early to downsize?

This must be one of my favorite Hey Zuz, I’m Confused questions ever asked to date. Because it’s the one that every beginner must be asking themselves: when should I downsize my board? We have so many opinions on the subject.

Not time to read? There’s a micro-pod for that.

😵‍💫 hey Zuz, i am confused

I have been surfing for a few months now, and with the holidays coming up I thought I could treat myself to a new, smaller board. Too soon, do you think? I’m finding conflicting info on the web. And even more importantly, what size? I’m riding an 8-footer now.

🥰 dear reader

I’m afraid I may not make matters better. But I will definitely attempt not to make them worse. You see, it’s a difficult question to answer because, truly, it depends on your circumstances. Let’s make it simpler on ourselves, shall we: why do you want to downsize?

You’ve probably seen the quiz-like lists on the internets that, if you answer yes to, you’re ready for a smaller board. They go something like this: Are you catching plenty of waves on your current board, in a variety of conditions? Can you paddle out, turn, adjust your line, and generate basic speed? Do you consistently catch green waves? And blah blah blah. Yes yes yes, all valid.

But what if you started on a board that was too big for you in the first place, because you’re light or petite, and you struggled through but persevered during those first beginner months? Huh. How do you like them apples now?

See, this is what I mean by different circumstances.

Or perhaps you just got a holiday bonus and a new surfboard is the perfect self-gift. Of course, you won’t be getting another board of the same size; you want to build your quiver like a smart person.

You may want to think about it this way: what will this new smaller board give you that your current board doesn’t? It could be as simple as: I absolutely hate riding a foamie. Then perhaps a small step down or even a side-step to a 7’0–7’10 epoxy will make you happier.

Or maybe you look at other people in the lineup who ride as well as you, but their rides look smoother, more majestic-like. They glide when your board chokes. Now you’re on the right track. Pay more attention to what kind of boards they ride, maybe even strike up a conversation and find out the exact make and model, and why they chose it for your local break. Preferably interrogate after the surf.

Perhaps you’re a surfer who answered all those quiz questions with: yes, of course I can do that. And you’re also a strategic thinker, flush with cash: why shouldn’t I have a smaller board if all the signs point to the fact I am now deserving of one? Go and get one.

Downsizing is not evil per se. But it’s an adjustment; it requires time, sometimes a lot of time, getting used to a new board. We did a whole episode on one of the listeners hating their new board. Check it out.

Basically, what I am saying is: have a good reason to downsize. It doesn’t have to make sense to other people. It just has to make sense to you. Because at the end of the day, you will be riding it.

And of course, if you’re keeping your old board anyway, do whatever you please. As to what size to choose, that’s an entirely different crab boil.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team