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Firewire Helium Chumlee surfboard 5ft 3 FCS II - White
Product Details
The Firewire Chumlee surfboard in their new Helium technology is a revelation. You’ll read online that its basically Dan Mann’s take on a Sweet Potato but this is not the case, it has all the plus points and none of the drawbacks. We had our first surf on this board yesterday and to sum up it paddles like a dream, glides like a longboard but turns easily and smoothly and is super fast. Its a groveller yes, but it deals with solid bigger surf just fine. You’ll surf it in waves from knee to head high in all wind conditions.
The full rounded tail is nicely thinned out to ensure the board pushes into turns relatively easily, whilst still carrying bags of speed. The wide point is pulled back a little from where you might expect it to be on a groveller to ensure speed through turns. The standout feature is the spine with double concave running though two thirds of the board and out of the tail, this feature combined with this exciting new Helium surfboards construction generates a huge amount of speed. Normally a board like this with so much width is not very responsive and hard to get going and generate speed but the Chumlee doesn’t fall into this category, its lively fun and fast and could easily sit with a more conventional shortboard to give you a quiver to cover 99% of waves you’ll come across.
Firewire’s Helium tech is all about making an already amazing set of construction options even better. Its lighter, seems strong, no signs of any pressure marks at all, and very fast. The top and bottom skins are parabolic rail set up is a new Paulownia/Balsa mix which is meant to give faster flex response. Having surfed the tech in a couple of different models it does feel light but the speed through a stiffer feel and responsiveness is exceptional, Helium is here to stay.
Ride the Chumlee in your normal groveller volume, we surfed a 5’ 9 at 35 litres rider is 12 stone/75 kgs and 6’ 1 and this volume was spot on for both knee high weaker waves and shoulder high better waves.
Boardshop is stoked to be a key partner for Firewire surfboards across Europe and beyond, we've been with them since the very start. Firewire surfboards are more durable than other surfboard manufacturing processes, and for 90% of surfers they will improve your surfing. Firewire is pushing the limits of applying new technology and innovation to surfboard design and always has an eye on the environmental impact of what they do, they truly are different to the other board companies out there. Firewire have come a long way since the early boards and the range of shapes and tech just gets better and better. A big chunk of the boards in the range are perfectly suited to the waves that 90% of us surf on a regular basis so if you haven't already give them a try. The staff here have surfed pretty much every board in the Firewire range at some time or another and we speak to surfers from all over the world and get their feedback on how the boards perform in all sorts of conditions so we're well placed to talk about all aspects of Firewire surfboards.
We're happy to consider trading in your old board against a new Firewire, so If you have any questions about this we'd be delighted to answer them and advise on any potential board choices or enquiries you might have, just drop us an email to info@boardshop.co.uk or call us on 0044 (0) 1243 674250. And don't forget we offer interest free finance on all new premium surfboards!
The full rounded tail is nicely thinned out to ensure the board pushes into turns relatively easily, whilst still carrying bags of speed. The wide point is pulled back a little from where you might expect it to be on a groveller to ensure speed through turns. The standout feature is the spine with double concave running though two thirds of the board and out of the tail, this feature combined with this exciting new Helium surfboards construction generates a huge amount of speed. Normally a board like this with so much width is not very responsive and hard to get going and generate speed but the Chumlee doesn’t fall into this category, its lively fun and fast and could easily sit with a more conventional shortboard to give you a quiver to cover 99% of waves you’ll come across.
Firewire’s Helium tech is all about making an already amazing set of construction options even better. Its lighter, seems strong, no signs of any pressure marks at all, and very fast. The top and bottom skins are parabolic rail set up is a new Paulownia/Balsa mix which is meant to give faster flex response. Having surfed the tech in a couple of different models it does feel light but the speed through a stiffer feel and responsiveness is exceptional, Helium is here to stay.
Ride the Chumlee in your normal groveller volume, we surfed a 5’ 9 at 35 litres rider is 12 stone/75 kgs and 6’ 1 and this volume was spot on for both knee high weaker waves and shoulder high better waves.
Boardshop is stoked to be a key partner for Firewire surfboards across Europe and beyond, we've been with them since the very start. Firewire surfboards are more durable than other surfboard manufacturing processes, and for 90% of surfers they will improve your surfing. Firewire is pushing the limits of applying new technology and innovation to surfboard design and always has an eye on the environmental impact of what they do, they truly are different to the other board companies out there. Firewire have come a long way since the early boards and the range of shapes and tech just gets better and better. A big chunk of the boards in the range are perfectly suited to the waves that 90% of us surf on a regular basis so if you haven't already give them a try. The staff here have surfed pretty much every board in the Firewire range at some time or another and we speak to surfers from all over the world and get their feedback on how the boards perform in all sorts of conditions so we're well placed to talk about all aspects of Firewire surfboards.
We're happy to consider trading in your old board against a new Firewire, so If you have any questions about this we'd be delighted to answer them and advise on any potential board choices or enquiries you might have, just drop us an email to info@boardshop.co.uk or call us on 0044 (0) 1243 674250. And don't forget we offer interest free finance on all new premium surfboards!
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Overall Customer Rating
Chumlee
Jonny (reviewed 23/11/2018)
I'm 6'3" and 90kgs, intermediate surfer. I decided to go for the 5'11" after speaking to Ian and Dan Mann.
Ive used the board a couple of times so far in smaller/weaker surf and once in some slightly bigger stuff. It's super fast down the line but still turns well, and feels reasonably loose.
(I've ridden it as a quad with futures controller quad alpha)
It holds speed through a cutback and makes it round sections or flatter spots that I previously would have found tricky, or not made at all.
Stoked to ride it more and experiment with some different fin setups...
Big thanks to Ian for all the help and advice getting this board into my hands!
Ive used the board a couple of times so far in smaller/weaker surf and once in some slightly bigger stuff. It's super fast down the line but still turns well, and feels reasonably loose.
(I've ridden it as a quad with futures controller quad alpha)
It holds speed through a cutback and makes it round sections or flatter spots that I previously would have found tricky, or not made at all.
Stoked to ride it more and experiment with some different fin setups...
Big thanks to Ian for all the help and advice getting this board into my hands!
6'5 Chumlee
Andrew (reviewed 22/11/2018)
One of the most versatile and best boards you can own. It has a traditional surfboard shape (not these hybrid things) and makes surfing effortless.
Some dimensions and stats: I'm 113kg at 6'6. According to the most volume calculators I would say I'm intermediate in skill but like the bigger stuff. Surfed the Chumlee the last few months in 3-8 ft and it flies in everything. One thing to know, anything about 5ft gets a little quick and turning becomes hair raising as you are most likely going at warp speed with a fat tail. Doesn't matter really as its really a "one board does it all" board.
I truly believe its an undersold board. Its not a traditional groveler but its also not a high performance short board.
Last thing, if you have FCS2 fins, make sure you use grub screws. Nothing to do with the board but its just something that I thought of. Piece of mind
The crew at Boardshop are amazing and really appreciate their effort and service
Some dimensions and stats: I'm 113kg at 6'6. According to the most volume calculators I would say I'm intermediate in skill but like the bigger stuff. Surfed the Chumlee the last few months in 3-8 ft and it flies in everything. One thing to know, anything about 5ft gets a little quick and turning becomes hair raising as you are most likely going at warp speed with a fat tail. Doesn't matter really as its really a "one board does it all" board.
I truly believe its an undersold board. Its not a traditional groveler but its also not a high performance short board.
Last thing, if you have FCS2 fins, make sure you use grub screws. Nothing to do with the board but its just something that I thought of. Piece of mind
The crew at Boardshop are amazing and really appreciate their effort and service
Baked Potato upgrade?
Paul (reviewed 15/11/2018)
Previously owned a 5’5” LFT Baked Potato, and would actually have liked one of those if they were still available. By default this seemed the closest thing, but it’s actually turned out to be a better board: more versatility/range, to a point where it replaces both a BP and a Dominator. (All I’m left with is an SKX and this.) The thinned down rail makes a big difference.
As ever, volume seems to be the key. The BP was 36L and for a small-wave board I wasn’t sure which size to get, the 5’9” at 35.2L or the 5’11” at 38.something. Based on previous Firewire experience I went smaller and I think it was the right call: the board still catches the smallest imaginable waves, but doesn’t feel too floaty in head-high surf. It’s a very wide tail and I guess a higher volume might be fast, but hard to turn.
Too early to assess the Helium tech, but my previous Firewires have lasted well so no reason to think this won’t. It’s super light, for sure. Overall, a great board - one Firewire might regret releasing, it cleans out so many of their other models.
As ever, volume seems to be the key. The BP was 36L and for a small-wave board I wasn’t sure which size to get, the 5’9” at 35.2L or the 5’11” at 38.something. Based on previous Firewire experience I went smaller and I think it was the right call: the board still catches the smallest imaginable waves, but doesn’t feel too floaty in head-high surf. It’s a very wide tail and I guess a higher volume might be fast, but hard to turn.
Too early to assess the Helium tech, but my previous Firewires have lasted well so no reason to think this won’t. It’s super light, for sure. Overall, a great board - one Firewire might regret releasing, it cleans out so many of their other models.
Love it
Eduardo (reviewed 27/09/2018)
First impression is great. This is the smallest board I’ve ever had, yet rides comfortably even in knee high conditions. Love it
Fantastic
Anders (reviewed 13/08/2018)
This board is amazing. I have ridden this the past three weeks in the Philippines in weak summer waves, 1-3 ft. It paddles like a charm and catches waves easily. Once up it feels lively and fast. I am 179cm and 72 kgs. I bought the 5´7 after consulting Boardshop and I think the size is perfect for me. I consider myself beginner/intermediate. I rode the board mostly with some twin fins from eBay which worked great but I cannot wait to try the MB split keels when the waves are a bit more powerful. Best board for small waves, cannot wait to try it out in something bigger. Absolutely recommended!
Thank you boardshop for your excellent help!
Thank you boardshop for your excellent help!
Great board and excellent service from Boardshop
Zack (reviewed 16/07/2018)
Thank you guys for terrific service!
Boardshop helped me throughout the entire process. From choosing between two boards I was interested in, helped me to select the right size for the board and finally, Boardshop shipped everything fast, secured and on time.
About the board :
I got the Chumlee 5'7. Had my first session today on waist high, 8sec, beach break waves and boy this baby owns!
Fast board, easy to paddle and glides like a king.
At first, I tried it with my Thruster setup (Futures Fins WCT Honeycomb medium Rasta medium). It was nice but could be better on the takeoff.
Then I switched to Quad, and BOOM, like a charm!
Smooth on the takeoff, super fast but yet easy to maneuver.
I guess I should stay with the quad or buy bigger thruster fins.
Anyhow, can't wait for my next session :)
Boardshop helped me throughout the entire process. From choosing between two boards I was interested in, helped me to select the right size for the board and finally, Boardshop shipped everything fast, secured and on time.
About the board :
I got the Chumlee 5'7. Had my first session today on waist high, 8sec, beach break waves and boy this baby owns!
Fast board, easy to paddle and glides like a king.
At first, I tried it with my Thruster setup (Futures Fins WCT Honeycomb medium Rasta medium). It was nice but could be better on the takeoff.
Then I switched to Quad, and BOOM, like a charm!
Smooth on the takeoff, super fast but yet easy to maneuver.
I guess I should stay with the quad or buy bigger thruster fins.
Anyhow, can't wait for my next session :)
Best groveller yet - 5.5 31.7L Chumlee
Bobby (reviewed 09/06/2018)
This year I sold my libtec Puddle jumper and brought a Longboard but quickly got bored of the old log and starting thinking about grovelling again.
Some perfect grovel swell appeared on the radar and a quick note to the boardshop ensured the board was immaculately packaged and delivered on time as promised.
Usually riding shortboards of around 28L, I went a little bit too big on the PJ at 34L and always felt I should have had the size smaller. 5.5 CL feels the perfect size. (h 5'11 w 77kg)
I've had four sessions on it now ranging from knee to neck high, the first wave I had on it banged out a 3 with the most ease I've ever experienced, a great start. The rest of the session was a revelation, the best first surf I've had on a new board by a long stretch. Catches everything, absolutely flew from takeoff and easy to do fun manoeuvres on. A lot of other surfers where complaining about the gutless nature of the surf yet I was flying down the line popping little airs! (board is so easy to do airs on)
The only negative is the tail is huge and you're foot needs to be quite far back on the board and a bit more effort to bang the lip on it, but then it would be impossible to have the many other attributes without this.
I have a Gamma in helium which was the main reason for buying this....the construction is epic!
Best groveller I have tried!
Some perfect grovel swell appeared on the radar and a quick note to the boardshop ensured the board was immaculately packaged and delivered on time as promised.
Usually riding shortboards of around 28L, I went a little bit too big on the PJ at 34L and always felt I should have had the size smaller. 5.5 CL feels the perfect size. (h 5'11 w 77kg)
I've had four sessions on it now ranging from knee to neck high, the first wave I had on it banged out a 3 with the most ease I've ever experienced, a great start. The rest of the session was a revelation, the best first surf I've had on a new board by a long stretch. Catches everything, absolutely flew from takeoff and easy to do fun manoeuvres on. A lot of other surfers where complaining about the gutless nature of the surf yet I was flying down the line popping little airs! (board is so easy to do airs on)
The only negative is the tail is huge and you're foot needs to be quite far back on the board and a bit more effort to bang the lip on it, but then it would be impossible to have the many other attributes without this.
I have a Gamma in helium which was the main reason for buying this....the construction is epic!
Best groveller I have tried!
Wow
Philip Rafferty (reviewed 01/06/2018)
Bought this board as a summer board to avoid using my longboard if possible. Im using it in Co.Clare, Ireland. Great board, straight away it ticked all the boxes echoing the positive reviews I’ve read.
Im 5’7 and around 66kg, I’ve had it out on 1ft glassy rolling reef, shoulder to head high reef and beach, in light offshore and crumbly onshore. Really fun and working in all those conditions. Paddle demon, & notably fast when taking off behind the peak, one pump into a high line and its getting around sections I’m familiar with and wouldn’t be making otherwise, had a few comments on how fast it looked. Feels very good on late drops and hollow sections. Turns really nicely with the tail often sliding around before the fins bite and returning the nose forward.
Im riding it as a quad with FCS2 Performer quad set, bought a nubster centre keel fin to try in bigger / more powerful conditions. Highly recommended, specially with the amazingly light and durable Helium construction. Many thanks to Ian for the the pre purchase advice. Need to sell my other boards.
Im 5’7 and around 66kg, I’ve had it out on 1ft glassy rolling reef, shoulder to head high reef and beach, in light offshore and crumbly onshore. Really fun and working in all those conditions. Paddle demon, & notably fast when taking off behind the peak, one pump into a high line and its getting around sections I’m familiar with and wouldn’t be making otherwise, had a few comments on how fast it looked. Feels very good on late drops and hollow sections. Turns really nicely with the tail often sliding around before the fins bite and returning the nose forward.
Im riding it as a quad with FCS2 Performer quad set, bought a nubster centre keel fin to try in bigger / more powerful conditions. Highly recommended, specially with the amazingly light and durable Helium construction. Many thanks to Ian for the the pre purchase advice. Need to sell my other boards.
Chumlee 6'3
Gavin (reviewed 12/05/2018)
I'm 6'0 tall and about 14st 9lb, 40 years old and been surfing 31 years (Dosnt mean I'm any good tho!) I've bought 4 FireWire boards from Ian over the last year and half so when I called him up last Thursday and asked him to send me the chumlee in 6'5 he said I was mental and should go for the 6'3 as the other is way too big, I was very hesitant but went for it anyway. I pretty much didn't sleep last night worrying that today's session would prove a nightmare with a board that would float me! So glad I listened to him!!! I took it out this morning at Highcliffe in knee high clean waves ( occasional waves- long wait between ripples) it paddles really fast, feels super stable- and picks up the waves really easily. When your up it goes exactly where you put it and feels really loose and performancy for something with a tail that wide. It wasn't a fair test and was never going to be but I was stoked with the results which means when it's half decent I'm gonna be flying! The board duckdived no problem but I do have the weight to sink it. Can believe how light and white the board is.
Ordered the board at 2pm on Thursday and it was in my hands with a tail pad stuck on it by 10:15 Friday morning- wondering if it was going to float, not only did it float- it flew! . Listen to Ian- he knows what he's on about (most of the time, LOL) Great service and great board. If your thinking about buying one of these- just do it!
Ordered the board at 2pm on Thursday and it was in my hands with a tail pad stuck on it by 10:15 Friday morning- wondering if it was going to float, not only did it float- it flew! . Listen to Ian- he knows what he's on about (most of the time, LOL) Great service and great board. If your thinking about buying one of these- just do it!
Chumlee 6.1
Adrian (reviewed 15/04/2018)
Great help and advice from the boys at Boardshop. Fast delivery and very well packed.
Super fun board, paddles and catches waves brilliantly. I was a bit worried about the size of the tail but the board holds nicely and is very manoeuvrable. Had a blast surfing it all week in 2-5ft clean waves.
Super fun board, paddles and catches waves brilliantly. I was a bit worried about the size of the tail but the board holds nicely and is very manoeuvrable. Had a blast surfing it all week in 2-5ft clean waves.
Great HP groveller in probably the best construction to date
ANIBAL (reviewed 28/01/2018)
We do not have a lot of days/year of waves in the mediterranean sea, and days of good waves are even more rare. However, you can surf here like 50-70 days/year, but of those only 5 to 15 are good days. So if you want to surf often (and have fun) you need a long or a groveller. Until I bought the Chumlee I've been riding a 5`7 Baked Potato TT. Being narrover, with notably refined rails vs the BP and extremely light, the CL excels in mushy waves like the BP, but if feels faster down the line and rail fame is more much direct, volume is magically managed in this board.
Only rode it 3 times. First, two days in 1-2ft with not much power. Only some guys I know, with longboards. They just could not believe how muh fun I was having, riding this **** little waves to the shore as them, but linking some nice turns and roundhouses on the way, unlike them :P
Finally, yesterday we had some decent swell coming from storms in the gulf of lion, 3-4ft with good power, quite fat and glassy. I had a lot of fun with the CL; the rails hold perfectly when you charge hard in better waves, it pivots really well for its volume, and the fact of having a slightly more rocker than the BP allows for more critical take offs than the BP. However, I do not feel it is suited for more powerful / hollow waves, as overall rocker is still very low (it is not a HPSB but a HPGrovel).
Definitely a board that allows you to keep practising HP surfing manoeuvres in small waves.
Finally, a word for the Helium construction: stoked! Been on fst, carbon wrap, surftech and PU board. It is soon to tell as I have ridden the board only three times, but this may be the best construction to date. It is unbelievably light, really the lightest board feeling, and in the water the compromise between flex and reactivity is amazing. Maybe the wood rails have to do with that. Plus, It feels very resistant (not as the TT) but at the same time very smooth to the feet (unlike the TT which transmits rigidity).
All in all, a fantastic board.
Customer service at Boardshop is top notch. Great packaging keeps the board safe, Grats!!
Only rode it 3 times. First, two days in 1-2ft with not much power. Only some guys I know, with longboards. They just could not believe how muh fun I was having, riding this **** little waves to the shore as them, but linking some nice turns and roundhouses on the way, unlike them :P
Finally, yesterday we had some decent swell coming from storms in the gulf of lion, 3-4ft with good power, quite fat and glassy. I had a lot of fun with the CL; the rails hold perfectly when you charge hard in better waves, it pivots really well for its volume, and the fact of having a slightly more rocker than the BP allows for more critical take offs than the BP. However, I do not feel it is suited for more powerful / hollow waves, as overall rocker is still very low (it is not a HPSB but a HPGrovel).
Definitely a board that allows you to keep practising HP surfing manoeuvres in small waves.
Finally, a word for the Helium construction: stoked! Been on fst, carbon wrap, surftech and PU board. It is soon to tell as I have ridden the board only three times, but this may be the best construction to date. It is unbelievably light, really the lightest board feeling, and in the water the compromise between flex and reactivity is amazing. Maybe the wood rails have to do with that. Plus, It feels very resistant (not as the TT) but at the same time very smooth to the feet (unlike the TT which transmits rigidity).
All in all, a fantastic board.
Customer service at Boardshop is top notch. Great packaging keeps the board safe, Grats!!
Wierd and wonderful
Tony (reviewed 13/12/2017)
I am a 52 year old surfer 6'2" and 13 1/2 stone on a good day. Was contemplating moving up from shortboards to a longboard, just for a competitive edge in the lineup, but despite the strange shape I was convinced by the review to buy a 6'3" Chumlee. I've been lucky to catch a couple of clean 4 foot offshore sessions and it has proved to be a revelation. Can only agree with what has already been said, great wave catching machine and an instant turn of speed has put all thoughts of a longboard away for a good few years yet..
Chumlee 6´1
Rodrigo (reviewed 04/12/2017)
I just can say it is magic, what a board, paddle is amazing, fast, light, turns very well... i can´t be more happy with a board, i m 1,86m, 80kg and a intermediate surfer I want to say thanks to Ian for his help to choose the correct size
Rad
Nigel (reviewed 21/10/2017)
Well i bought this as i had lost 2 stone...and normally like CHUNKY boards....but at sub 14 stone i bought a 6.3 chumlee.44 litres
It paddled great from 1st moment. Got in easy and handled steeeep drops well. Once up turned on a penny. Very happy bunny. Ian at boardshop went above and beyond to put this board in my hands. Bizzo
It paddled great from 1st moment. Got in easy and handled steeeep drops well. Once up turned on a penny. Very happy bunny. Ian at boardshop went above and beyond to put this board in my hands. Bizzo
The tech is a step forward for sure.
dave callaway (reviewed 16/10/2017)
Loving the Chumlee. Had a few great surf's with it in pretty marginal conditions and it's flown!! It really does make you feel you're better than you are. Gets into waves really well. A brilliant groveller. The tech is a step forward for sure.
Chumlee 5'11
Glen (reviewed 10/10/2017)
After watching a lot of reviews from the Boardshop i decided the Chumlee was the best option for what i needed. I had my first quick surf on it in below average conditions and it was so much fun. The board does everything it's made for. It catches waves easily, has a lot of speed, is super light (feels like you could do airs like Toledo), doesn't feel clunky and is just so much fun, even when the waves are not.
Chumlee 5.9
Loic (reviewed 12/09/2017)
Hands down the best firewire board so far! The helium construction is amazing...super lite! This board is an absolute must in everyones quiver!
Great board
kev Walsh (reviewed 12/08/2017)
Board arrived next day packaged superbly. Surfed it today in fun head high waves at gwenver,set up as a quad, went like a dream! Great service from the company, friendly and personable. Definitely use you guys again!
Rad little board
nikolai (reviewed 27/07/2017)
After receiving great advice from Ian, I ended up ordering the 5'9 (14 stones) and after a few surfs, I can easily say that I am very happy. Quick shipping and arrived looking like a million bucks. The most fun I have ever had in tiny waves. The board flies and turns super easy. Definitely magic in 1-3 foot.
Wow
Chris (reviewed 08/06/2017)
I'm so impressed with this board it's unreal. From knee/thigh high to slightly overhead and everything in between. It's the first board I've ever been able to say that about. If I'd wanted a super groveller I could probably have gone a couple of inches longer but then I'd have lost the top end I think. Really impressed with the construction as well. Don't pretend to understand the tech but it's crazy light, is really strong (so far) and goes really well
Superb board
Craig Wills (reviewed 10/04/2017)
Chumlee...WHAT A BOARD! That's it, doesn't need any other words.
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Delivery Options for Firewire Helium Chumlee surfboard 5ft 3 FCS II - White
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