If you’re on the hunt for a versatile mid-length to slot into your quiver, the FireWire Xtra Cado by Rob Machado, is about to be released and it’s certainly one to check out!
After spending the past six months putting this board through its paces in a wide range of conditions, here’s a full breakdown of how it performs—and who it’s really for.
Who Is the Xtra Cado For?
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One of the standout features of the Rob Machado Xtra Cado is just how broad its appeal is.
At the beginner-to-intermediate level, this board is an excellent step-up option from a softboard. It offers plenty of paddle power, stability under the chest, and forgiving rails—making it easy to catch waves and build confidence early.
For intermediate surfers, it becomes a reliable small-wave weapon. Think grovelly, weaker days where you still want to keep your wave count high and have some fun.
Advanced surfers, on the other hand, will love it as a go-to summer board. It’s the kind of shape you can throw in the car when conditions are average at best, but you still want something playful and fast underfoot.
Put simply—this is one of those rare boards that almost anyone can jump on and enjoy.
Best Wave Conditions
The Xtra Cado really comes alive in smaller, softer surf.
- Ideal range: thigh-high to shoulder-high
- Excels in: mushy, weaker, rolling waves
- Can handle: slightly bigger, fatter surf
Despite being designed as a small-wave performer, it holds its own when conditions step up—provided the waves aren’t too steep or hollow. The wider tail and fuller rails don’t love critical, punchy beach breaks, but in anything with a bit of size and softness, it flies.
If you’re looking for a longboard alternative that still lets you turn and generate speed easily, this is right in that sweet spot.
Dimensions & Design
The Xtra Cado is expected to come in sizes ranging roughly from 6’6” to 7’6”, covering a wide spectrum of surfers.
A reference size:
- 7’0” x 21 ½” x 2 ¾” (42.5L)
What’s interesting here is how the volume is distributed. While it’s not overly high in litres compared to some mid-lengths in my quiver, the extra width and foam under the chest give it excellent paddle power and stability.
Key Design Features:
- Flat rocker (low entry and exit) for speed and glide
- Pronounced double concave into V through the fins
- Wide tail for drive and planing speed
- Slightly pulled-in nose for better control in steeper sections
The result? A board that feels fast and smooth, transitioning easily from rail to rail despite its width.
Construction: Helium Tech
The Xtra Cado will be released in Firewire Surfboards’ Helium construction.
This tech is known for being:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Lively underfoot
It’s particularly well-suited to smaller wave boards, helping generate speed and maintain that playful feel even in weaker surf.
Fin Setup Options
With a five-fin box setup, there’s plenty of room to experiment:
- Quad (my recommended setup)
- Thruster
- 2 + 1 setup
Quads really bring this board to life—offering speed, drive, and a loose, playful feel. If you’re looking to maximise performance in weaker waves, this is the go-to, especially with the Firewire Velox quad fin set, which has been my favourite of the quads I’ve tested in it so far.
There’s also room to get creative. A twin + trailer or even a single fin (on custom builds) can completely change the personality of the board.
One thing to note: FireWire boards now come with Futures fin boxes only, so if you’re currently running FCS, you’ll need to make the switch.
How Does It Surf?
In a word: fun.
From the first wave, the Xtra Cado feels fast and easy. It generates speed quickly, paddles effortlessly, and flows smoothly from rail to rail.
What’s most surprising is how well it turns. Despite the extra width and volume, it never feels stiff or tracky—especially when ridden as a quad.
Where It Shines:
- Small, weak surf
- Playful, cruisy sessions
- Maximising wave count
Where It Struggles:
- Steep, hollow waves
- Fast, punchy beach breaks
There’s definitely a ceiling—once conditions get too critical, you’ll want to step back onto something more performance-oriented. But within its ideal range, it delivers exactly what you want: speed, flow, and a whole lot of fun.
Travel & Quiver Fit
This is where the Xtra Cado really earns its place.
It’s an ideal travel board for destinations with softer waves—think places like Sri Lanka or mellow summer conditions closer to home.
It also slots perfectly into your quiver as:
- A small-wave groveller
- A longboard alternative
- A fun, everyday cruiser
If you’re only bringing one board for unpredictable conditions, this wouldn’t be a bad shout.
Final Thoughts
The FireWire Xtra Cado is one of those boards that does exactly what it promises—it makes average conditions fun.
Whether you’re stepping down from a longboard, stepping up from a foamie, or just looking to inject some life into small surf days, this board delivers across the board.
It’s versatile, user-friendly, and genuinely enjoyable to ride—which, at the end of the day, is exactly what most of us are chasing.
If your local conditions tend to lean on the softer side, there’s a very good chance the Xtra Cado becomes your new go-to.
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