Just a quick shout in case y’all are wondering about these things. All boards look sick when the pros are riding them but I’m just an average 39 year old dude with an average skill set; so here it is…
My first impression of the board was winging the 5’6” 55 liters. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it did the job well. I’m about 160 or so lbs so it was challenging to find the sweet spot for my knees to stay when starting. I will say it was easier to start than my 30L board, especially when the wind dropped. Ultimately I think a dozen sessions on the wing and I’ll have it dialed in better. It felt great when up and flying and the width was great for switching feet.
This thing sings in the surf! I took it out on a small, offshore day that would have been tricky with the little board. Right away I noticed I could catch anything I wanted within reason. It truly felt like paddling a funshape. I was getting into waves early enough that I didn’t worry about sticking the foil in the sand. Pumping was hardly hindered. I was stoked that I could sneak in early and still pump around for 5 waves. The first session I noticed I was drawing more log/funshape style lines. It felt like riding a high pro log at a big point break; felt killer. The second session I had a better feel for it and was able to throw it around a bit more. By the third session I was totally hooked on it! This board surfs like a dream and is a pleasure to wing, just like Erik and Mike said. Those guys were great to deal with too.
I doubt these bigger boards are for everyone, or all conditions, but they’re a lot of damn fun! Thanks Erik and Mike!
Hopefully y’all got a laugh out of “funshape”. That’s what they were called, a long time ago.
Mind posting some pictures? There are barely any pictures of the boards online besides some far away shots and videos on their site of people riding them. Would like to see some close ups
I have had the 5-6 55L for a couple of months. But finally started riding it about a month ago. Honestly, it’s all I pull out of my truck now. Also own an awesome Portal 4-5-36L. The bigger board is just so easy to paddle and catch waves I just can’t put it down. And finally
Just got mine last week had 3 fun sessions on it !! I find it rides much better with the mast slammed to the front of the box. Tried it in the middle first few sessions and pumping was tough now its all the way forward i am really enjoying it. Being able to get in earlier and draw lines like i am surfing is awesome and the paddle is a breeze catching tons of waves. When i switch back to my smaller board pumping is super easy. Overall its been alot of fun and the hype is real
I have only had mine out in stomach high or less conditions so I can’t report on that. With the extra paddle power, whitewater takeoffs may not be necessary.
Good to hear your digging it. I’m looking at probably another month until I make some sort of decision. Either a portal or the new armie mid length. Similar sizing but a bit narrower. The 55 liter is 18 wide compared to 20 on the portal. Probably makes a difference when wing taxiing but not issue when paddling.
Find yourself able to get up on some unbroken waves?
I love octopus pads for feel. Mike has been putting the mystic cull deck pad on his enigmas. Stoked you got it!!! I have a proto 5.2 coming in a couple days with a comp light glass job. Can’t wait to feel it!!!
