Comrade Relapse
I have had many rides on both these boards.
If you will be doing most of your sailing on Port Philip Bay i would suggest the FSW over the Real World Wave.

The FSW is a super quick board, which planes and jumps easily, it can even be used in waves if you throw a decent wave fin into the board (Maui Fin Co on shore wave or similar)
It's a great 1 board quiver... by this I mean 1 board that does the lot.

Myself, I prefer the RWW but I wave sail 99.9% of the time.

In regards to question about size, at 70kg and with a biggest sized sail of 5.4 I would suggest the 77.
I have used both sizes of the FSW in a range of locations and prefer the 77 even though I weigh in at nearly 90kg. If you have the wind to power it, or in your case are blessed with a ligh frame, go the 77

The comparison between your current 95l Freestyle and the FSW are worlds apart.
The Freestyle has big rounded rails that give it plenty of float but also generate a lot of bounce, especially when nearing over powered conditions
The FSW has rolled, thin rails that are smoothed out ahead of the front footstrap but get nice and sharp across the back 1/4 of the board.
This allows it to carve nicely through turns or rip tightly around when pushed hard (back foot pressure)

Don't get me wrong, in defence of the RWW I rate it as one of the best all round wave boards i have ever ridden (and yes I have one in my quiver) but based on your requirements (local conditions) I am certain the FSW is the better choice for you out of the 2

Hope this helps

Thanks for all the tips guys, sounds like the FSW is the better bet for bay work. Have been struggling with the volume though but I think it might be time to take the plunge.

At my weight and a 5.4, will I end up knee deep in water or swimming in when the wind drops out with the 77l?

I remember reading something about 70kg + 10 to calculate minimum board volume. I am using a 400 1.7kg skinny and a carbon boom if that makes any difference.

Relapse

quote:

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Originally posted by grumplestiltskin

Relapse,

I'm 100kg and ride a 93L FSW. I can schlog home when the wind drops and not be anywhere near knee deep. i.e. the FSW will play bigger than this Litres suggest (but still perform well in the higher winds).

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grumple,

I'm curious, with your 100kg and the 93 litre board, how deep do you sink when the wind is near dead calm or at 5 knts?

Thanks,
Harrow.

Harrow,
If the wind drops off, obviously I move to a position with both feet near or on both sides of the the mast (actually moving all around the place keeping balance in the puffy wind conditions), I dont sink at all. i.e. if the wind dropped completely and I was able to keep my balance with the rig and the board rocking around (which can be difficult in no wind) the board is still above water.

It all becomes a bit of a balancing act and the most effort is expended in trying to balance the rig but I've never been "up to my knees" trying to sail in.

The only time I'm up to my knees is if I bugger up a gybe and I haven't had time to get my feet into the right spot.