"Seaside and Beyond" Surfboard Review
Make Surfing Easy.
Today, I'm stoked to share my experience with a board that's taken my surfing sessions at home in Mt Maunganui to a whole new level of excitement - the Firewire "Seaside and Beyond" surfboard. For those of us who have kids, pack a few kilos and surf a little less than we used to… It might be time to get a bigger board.
Personally, I don't quite vibe with a longboard. They feel too stiff and slow to me, even when you’re flying down the line.
I want something that will catch plenty of waves when it’s fat but gives me the feeling of driving into a tight cutback, bouncing off the white water, doing top top-to-bottom turns, and hitting the lip on the end section.
If you are in the same boat, this mid-length might just be what you're looking for.
Here’s a cool video by Skipper Surf Review.
Why the "Seaside and Beyond" Stands Out
I'm 6'2", weigh around 86kg, and I chose the 6'8" model of the "Seaside and Beyond." This board comes in three sizes:
6’8” x 20 3/4" x 2 5/8" = 40.9L
7’0” x 21 3/8" x 2 11/16" = 45.3L
7’4” x 21 3/4" x 2 3/4" = 49.5L.
What's incredible about this board is its versatility. It's a stretched-out version of the original Seaside, featuring a mix of low entry/exit rocker and single to double concave. This design not only gives it heaps of paddle power but also a surprising amount of speed and performance.
Performance in Various Conditions
One of the first things I noticed with this board was its adaptability in different wave conditions. Whether it's waist-high or solid overhead waves, the "Seaside and Beyond" performs exceptionally well. It's like a hybrid step-up board in many respects, especially with the grip and speed of the quad fin setup.
Fantastic review by Wooly TV.
The Right Choice for the Right Surfer
The "Seaside and Beyond" is a hit among a wide range of surfers. Beginners can benefit from its forgiving outline and ample paddle power, while intermediates and advanced surfers will appreciate its performance in pushing turns and handling bigger conditions.
As a new dad, my fitness routine took a back seat, but this board has been a lifesaver. The extra paddle power it offers has been a game-changer, keeping me active and engaged in the sport I love.
Customizing with Fins
I usually surf with the Machado fins designed for this board, and I definitely recommend purchasing them with the board to get started. However, I also switched to a set of performer quads for a more lively feel, which is fantastic for tighter turns versus drawn-out arcs, but only after I had surfed a while on the Michado set and got the board dialed in.
Wrapping Up
If you're in the market for a board that combines the ease of a longboard with the feel of a fish, I highly recommend the Firewire "Seaside and Beyond." It's become my go-to board, significantly increasing my wave count and overall surfing enjoyment.
Ready to give it a go? Head over to the Firewire store to grab yours!
Want to surf & travel more?
I spent 7 years traveling around the world non-stop, surfing many of the world’s best waves. I found countless ways to make travel more affordable and more luxurious than ever. I have decided to share these tips and tricks with you.
For example, we saved 72% on a 5-night luxury surf vacation in Fiji. - Here is how we did it.
