I'm about 5 mo into prone foiling having transitioned from SUP. I'm about 90 k. and have been using a 5-0 at around 48L. Wondering how many liters I need? If a 35L board is reasonable? I ask as I am wanting a second shorter board. See all kinds of screaming deals on boards in the 4-8"/ 35 L range. Something thicker more volume at that length means a custom and more $$$$$. Know the best way to find out is borrow a friends board at that Ls, but would like to get some feedback here as well.
If your a good paddler or foil using strong tides to your advantage you should be ok on a 35L board.
Must add that I have noticed that the custom EPS board that I have is way more buoyant than say a Naish board of same size, also some foils (full carbon that float) add to bouancy.
I'm on a 32 liter 4'8". I don't mind it. You do have to paddle a boogie board around a lineup though.
I went from 5'10 @ 51lts to 4'6 @ 32 lts and have settled on 5.0 @ 40 lts. If board is too small it creates more problems than a board that is too big ( up to 6' ). See if you can try a mates smaller board to see if you can paddle around ok.
I found I was fine for the first 30 mins on a small board but was using much more energy than I thought and if you have long paddles back out to the takeoff you will really notice it.
Thanks for the feedback. I primarily surf 2 breaks. One is an outside reef that reforms 3 times all the way inside for some loooong rides... and paddles. The other is much easier paddle, less water moving around. Likely what I'd be using this for.
I'm just tempted because I've thought of trying smaller and at the moment have access to a really good looking 4-8 /35 L custom from a good shaper for $300.