The Firewire Houdini is designed for performance in bigger, hollow waves. While the recommended size for the reviewer was a 5'10" or 5'11", they opted for a slightly larger board to enhance floatation, enabling earlier wave entry and avoiding late takeoffs. This increased floatation is noted to provide significant security, even when surfing waves of 2 meters or more. The board excels in grabbing the rail and driving into hollow sections, with the four-fin setup allowing it to fit well into critical parts of the wave. Despite its performance orientation for larger swells, the Houdini is described as feeling secure and floaty, making it suitable for surfers looking to tackle more challenging conditions with confidence. A key feature is its ability to provide security and stability in powerful surf, allowing riders to push their limits.