Firewire Machadocado

The Firewire Machadocado (also known as the Machado Cado) is Rob Machado’s ultimate summer hybrid — a sleek, avocado-inspired shape that mixes the glide of a fish with the performance of a shortboard. Designed to create speed in weak waves and control speed in better surf, it’s one of the most versatile squash-tail designs in Rob’s quiver.

With a wider outline, low entry rocker, and tuned bottom contours, the Machadocado turns average days into sessions you remember — from knee-high runners to overhead peaks.

Who Is the Firewire Machadocado For?

• Beginner to intermediate surfers who want a forgiving, wave-catching hybrid that still turns.
• Intermediate to advanced surfers looking for a fun, fast everyday board for small to shoulder-high surf.
• Riders who like the feel of a fish but want more control and rail-to-rail performance.
• Anyone who wants a “one-board quiver” for summer or small-wave California-style conditions.

Design Features

Avocado-Inspired Hybrid Outline

• Outline inspired by the curves of an avocado, with extra width in a shorter board for easy paddling and wave entry.
• Wider squash tail for speed generation and control in mushy or soft waves.
• Blends the glide of a groveler with the performance of a shortboard — not just a pure fish, not just a HP stick.

Rocker & Bottom Contours

• Low entry rocker makes paddling and takeoffs easy, helping you catch waves you’d usually let roll by.
• Single to double concave through the mid and tail for quick rail-to-rail transitions and added drive.
• Foil thinned out toward the tail for control and hold when the waves get a bit more powerful.

Construction

Most Machadocado models are built in Firewire Helium, giving you:

• Light, lively flex that feels fast and responsive.
• Durability for everyday surfing and travel.
• A board that feels energetic in small waves without being too twitchy as the surf gets better.

Fin Setup

The Machadocado is commonly ridden in a thruster or 2+1 / Machado 2+1 style fin setup:

• Thruster: for tighter turns and a more familiar shortboard feel.
• 2+1 (with Machado 2+1 fin set): for added drive, hold, and smoother arcing turns.

Ideal Wave Conditions

• Knee-high to overhead surf — especially shines in 1–4 ft (waist- to shoulder-high) waves.
• Soft beach breaks, small point waves, and everyday local conditions.
• Days when your high-performance shortboard feels like too much work, but a full-on groveler feels too flat.

Sizing the Firewire Machadocado

Because of its extra width and hybrid design, many surfers ride the Machadocado a bit shorter than their standard shortboard, while keeping (or slightly increasing) their usual volume.

• Beginners / early intermediates: size up slightly for extra stability and paddle power.
• Intermediates / advanced surfers: ride it shorter than your standard board at similar or slightly higher liters.

You can also reference our existing Machadocado sizing on Rider Shack product pages or reach out for custom size advice.

Compare the Machadocado

• Firewire Groove – More performance-shortboard oriented, less groveler-style hybrid.
• Firewire Neutrino – A more pure groveler for tiny days.
• Shop All Fish & Hybrid Boards

Shipping & Pickup Options

We ship Firewire surfboards nationwide via UPS with live rates quoted in your cart at checkout. Typical ranges:

• Boards under 5'11": usually $65–$120 depending on destination.
• Boards over 5'11" or wider than 21": typically $150–$240.

Free pickup options:

• In-store pickup at Rider Shack in Los Angeles.
• Free Central Coast pickup in Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Lompoc.

Every Firewire you buy from Rider Shack helps support a small, family-run, surfer-owned core surf shop.

---

Firewire Machadocado (Machado Cado) FAQ

Is the Machadocado good for beginners?

Yes — in the right size, it’s a great option for beginner to intermediate surfers thanks to its wider outline, low entry rocker, and forgiving hybrid shape.

What wave range is the Machadocado designed for?

The Machadocado is designed for knee-high to overhead waves, with a sweet spot in small-to-shoulder-high surf where it generates speed easily and still holds on rail.

What makes the Machadocado different from a normal fish?

It keeps the glide and wave-catching of a groveler or fish, but adds more shortboard-style performance through its rocker, bottom contours, and squash tail. It turns tighter and holds better in punchier surf than most classic fish shapes.

What fins work best in the Machadocado?

Many surfers ride it as a thruster for a familiar feel, or pair it with the Machado 2+1 fin set for added drive and smoother, arcing turns.

Do you ship the Machadocado nationwide?

Yes. We ship Firewire Machadocado surfboards across the U.S. via UPS, and also offer free pickup in Los Angeles and at our Central Coast pickup locations.