they saw the videos and think they will be surfing like Devon Howard even though the usual conditions are small and gutless?I don't understand the thinking of mid lengths for small days. What can they do on a small day that a stubby groveler or longboard couldn't do better? I currently own one (6'8") and have ridden a couple others and to me they excel shoulder high on up where you have enough face to turn the extra length. A lot of fun on those bigger days. I just don't see the reasoning to want to grab a mid on a small day over something that trims better (longboard) or fits in a small wave face better (groveler).
They want the paddle power of a longboard, but longboards just aren't cool, man?
No idea what the CI Mid is like and I have no illusions I'll be stylin like Mr. Howard. I just wanna link mushy sections for long rides on small days. Personally, I wouldn't reach for a mid when it's SH and lined up... that's pretty much the sweet spot for most of my other boars (5'6-6'1), which I'd have more fun on. YMMV
When I want a longer boar is when it's knee-high and soft and I can't motivate to get wet on a stubby hybrid /minisim. I always had a longboard that I would ride a few times a year for these conditions, but finally admitted to myself that I just never loved logging. Sold my 9'6 and got a 8'0 Mitsven mini glider and couldn't be happier. It does everything I want on a small/ gutless wave: catches anything, trims from the middle, flies down the line, connects hopeless sections, and is still small enough to carve and turn well from the tail if a shoulder or open face presents itself. Bonus: easily fits in my garage and SUV, so don’t have to mess with racks. Never had a bad session on it and never ridden it over waist high.
I also have a 7'0 darkness that I've only ridden a few times, but this is basically just a smaller mini glider with a similarly flat rocker meant for weak/ small waves.
So, IMO midlengths can be great grovelers... just be realistic about what / how you want to surf and choose wisely!
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