Seems like a lot of prone boards are getting increasingly long over time →
New Amos Kruzer at 5’9 x 38L ish, 6’0x60L Florence/Pyzel board from Lift, probably many others
Haven’t seen much discussion on these longer than usual boards. When/where do they make the most sense?
Anyone prone even much longer boards? Without the volume of a downwind sup / parawing board, I guess
The Lift Florence was not designed as a prone board for regular prone surfing. I think it’s meant for guys that can paddle up prone in ocean swell. That’s why it’s shaped more like a PW / wing board.
I have a Kruzer V2 5’6" and I love it. I learned to prone on a 5’9" board. At this point in time, I really don’t want to go longer than 5’6". I’m fine with that but I don’t really ride shorter boards much, even though I have some. I plan to put more time on them, and maybe then I’ll find the 5’6" a bit long for pumping. But then again, I ride 5’5"-5’9" for wing and parawing, so I doubt I’ll ever complain about a prone board feeling too long.
Point breaks and long paddle out reef breaks with long period ocean swell- go long.
Beach breaks and jettys with return currents and/or short period swell - go short.
The extra length paddles way better and with the right board like Amos, the extra length is not much of an issue as you are probably running a foil that pumps very good to be able to link the longer period swell.
The shorter board is more maneuverable in small pitching waves, and pumps better with less lifty foils. Shorter board better for reform foam take off.
Your fitness. Young expert surfer go short. Old or intermediate surfer- go longer.
Go with a volume that floats you appropriately for your density.