Should I invest in a step-up board?

[hit_the_lip]

Hi everyone! I live in San Diego, and the waves here are small most of the time. Most of the year, its smallish, under 5 feet. As such, my quiver is geared more towards smaller waves. I ride allot of hybrid, groveler shapes, fishes, and I own a fun board for when it gets really small. I do have a thruster that I ride when the waves get bigger, more powerful, and punchier. It goes good in that 6-7 foot range. My question is that I don't own a board for waves in that 8-10+ ft range. It very rarely gets this big in san diego. But when it does, I take out my thruster and I feel completely under-gunned, with no paddle power to get into waves of that size. I live in an apartment with limited space and no garage, and my wife is already pissed about the 6 boards I own taking up too much space. Do you think it would be worth it to invest in a step up board? I'm thinking no, because it rarely gets that big in SD. Honestly, how often would I use it? Maybe a few times a year max. Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to buy a new board. I'd like to get something similar to my thruster (6'3), but a meaty 6'10 - 7'2, that would cruise into big one's easily.

Should I go for it, or no?

[jaffa1949]

What does your wife really want, what could you bribe( buy) her?
Sell a couple of the grovellers and create space FIXED!
SW marriage counselling 101

[tony g]

I do like Jaffa's idea of selling a couple grovelers to create space. I will say that having the right board when the surf gets bigger can make a huge difference. I know when I have been under gunned or on the wrong board my confidence has suffered.

[drowningbitbybit]

I'd like to get something similar to my thruster (6'3), but a meaty 6'10 - 7'2, that would cruise into big one's easily.

Yes, go for it.
I bought something similar recently (6'10 x 21 x 2 3/4 - fairly high performance with proper rocker and rails) and not only is it a marked improvement on big days, it's become my go-to board of choice as it ups my wave count dramatically in almost all conditions.

[dtc]

You are asking a surfing forum whether or not to buy a new board? Obviously 'yes' is the answer. Even if you dont need it.

[neilg80]

that question comes up alot with socal surfers. I'd say get one, and since it your only using it maybe twice a year, it will last forever.

[pandarturo]

I don't know, I don't think you should get a proper setup, if you see the boards in my quiver most of my shapes are pretty close to groveler, but my latest board has handled all the way up to 6 foot hawaiian so just about 10-12 haole. and I'm pretty sure I could push it farther but unless you're going to be charging some sick heavy 10 footers I think step ups are a waste of money, most people don't/ won't ever need the extra rail it creates in order to fully utilize a step up. With that being said, if you're using it as another excuse to get a board…why the hell not!? lol

[IB_Surfer]

Yes buy a step up. Just do it!!!

I don't use it all the time but every time I do I am grateful I have one.

I actually use it more often when I'm under the weather (or hung over, though I don't drink much so it doesn't take much to get a hang over). I use it so I can surf but use less energy in paddling and such. It also comes in handy when you want to surf mushy tourmaline of sunset cliffs

[TowelCircus]

You wont use it often so it will last longer. You will not lose money in the long run.

[Thedudeabides]

You shouldn't need a step up board until it gets to atleast 7-8 foot (by that i mean Hawaiian or Australian measurement) Also depending on how hollow the waves in sd get, i'm usually fine riding my 5'8 shortboard all the way up to 6 foot.