Yes, yes, yes! We've been hanging out to get this board in the racks ever since we saw the first sample a while ago. Introducing the Firewire Xtra Cado by Rob Machado (slight giveaway in the name there). A mid length version of the all conquering Machdocado surfboard one of the smash hits of the last 12 months.

What we really like about this board is that its a simple Mid Length surfboard that will get you lots of waves allow you to just cruise around in average everyday surf but when pushed can handle some power and size. Not going to bore you with lots of avocado based jokes because this board is a really good addition to the Firewire range so lets get into it.

The board has a pleasing outline, roundish nose and smooth squash tail, a fairly deep single concave that goes into a double pretty fast which is flanked by Rob's trademark board eat board panels. The rails are mid, not too chunky but enough there to balance out the board, rocker at nose and tail is medium, again enough but not too much. The Xtra cado has a lot of glide in built in for lazier surfing especially on slacker days, goes rail to rail very smoothly. It generates easy speed and depending on how you set the fins up will do way more. We reckon pretty anyone can surf this board.

The 5 fin set up gives a multitude of options; Set up as a 2 + 1 Machado twin and trailer set on weaker days, a quad for bigger days, and maybe a Groove fin set for more performance surfing in punchier conditions.

Firewire’s Helium tech generates speed in everyday waves more effectively than PU and is all about making an already amazing set of construction options even better. Its lighter, more durable than regular PU boards and thus far is proving a little more robust than Firewire's LFT construction. High Density Aerospace Composite Deck Skins and a new Paulownia/Balsa mix on the rails gives a 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.

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 surfboard 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 [email protected] or call us on 0044 (0) 1243 674250.