How it surfs
Mike Raven's write-up describes a subtle single-to-double concave with vee out of the tail that "directs water efficiently, keeping it loose yet controlled," and rails soft enough to bank rail-to-rail in weaker waves. That matches how Firewire positions the board: a performance thruster first, with quad and 2+1 as alternatives rather than the intended setup.
Firewire's own review coverage backs the same read. In Surf 'N Show's episode, Noel Salas surfed a stock 5'4" in the Waco pool and concluded the Groove "lets you draw tighter lines in the pocket from a Rob Machado shape," while Wooly MacPherson rode a 5'10" in Western Australia at 6'1" and 195 lbs. Between them the review set spans a wave pool, beachbreak and reef.
Practically: size it close to your normal shortboard volume rather than up. The extra nose area already does the paddling work, and the tail rewards a board that still fits in the pocket.
Volume & sizing chart
Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'4" | 19" x 2 3/16" — 25.8L | Under 65 kg | Intermediate+ |
| 5'7" | 19 1/2" x 2 5/16" — 29.2L | 65–75 kg | Intermediate+ |
| 5'10" | 20 1/8" x 2 1/2" — 34.0L | 75–85 kg | All levels |
| 6'0" | 20 3/8" x 2 5/8" — 37.2L | 85–95 kg | All levels |
| 6'4" | 21" x 2 13/16" — 43.4L | Over 95 kg | All levels |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewire Groove | Performance grovel | Knee to head-high | 9.0 |
| Firewire Machadocado | Pure small-wave speed | Knee to head-high | 8.9 |
| Firewire Seaside | Twin-keel glide | Ankle to chest-high | 9.0 |
Recommended fin setups
- Machado Groove thruster set — The set Firewire designed alongside the board — the reference setup.
- Futures P6 Alpha — Cheaper medium pivot template if you want tighter, quicker turns.
Verdict
Machado's most surfable everyday shape. Buy it if you want one board that paddles like a groveler and still turns off the tail; skip it if you already ride the Machadocado.