I had to choose the big board to be sure I had enough volume just in case something happens in this kind of weather. It was not very cold but after all I probably could have used 7.5 but thought the wind would pick up a little bit in the afternoon. It did not but nevertheless we had a great surf. I could'nt keep up with the buddies on smaller gear but the fun was equal    I did cheat a little bit because the 2 fastest runs where made with Benjamins set (he had a much smaller board than I had) Thanks for using your gear Benny!!