Thanks everyone... well, I went ahead and ordered the 5'4 Skater. I want to get better at strapless riding anyway, and figured I could use the extra low end for the days I am out. Gonna save up my money and possibly get the Global 5'8 in another month or so... Then, I should be all set.

That is awesome. Just know that I don't know how many times Ive said only that board too and ill be all set) once my skill changes... it is super fun either way.
Having a skater and global will cover just about any condition. The 5'4 is magic Imo.

I'm curious what the little 4'8 Skater would be like for a 180# kiter.
I now have a 5'8 2010 Naish Fish.
The shape of the 5'9" Skater looks more like that year, Fish.
Ya think the 4'8" would be a fun board in the swell at the Gorge?

I dunno what swell you have in the Gorge...but I am 190+ (ugh) The board is super fun, in anything upto about headhigh. I've had it out in bigger, but if the wave is super fast it is a little harder to ride. That said, it feels like a little skateboard. I loved the fish in 2011, but the skater is light years ahead of the 2010 fish for sure. It is a very different board though.
You do need some power, but it does work in surprisingly light conditions...I see they stopped producing it for 2013, so mine is a keep for sure.

Last year my favorite board was the 5'5" trespass too, I also replaced finboxes … Due to an injury I had to start kiting strapless. I thought the trespass was too narrow so I also got a 5'4" skater. Since I had the skater I have not used anything else! It works in light winds and high winds (155lbs 9m and 6m Rally) . I have to use it when it is choppy and it even works then, although it is hard work without straps. All in all: the 5'4" skater is awesome! Since I am so happy with the 5'4" I am considering getting a 4'8" for travel since it fits in a golf bag. TT, does the smallest skater still feel like a surfboard or is it more like a skim? What is the difference in ride between the 2, does it work as early as the 54, does it work in high winds? Enjoy your Skater!

More like a surfboard, kind of like a skateboard actually. It does work in high winds, but the 5'4'' will go a little earlier in light winds.

The 4'8'' feels looser, and not as surfy on more solid waves, but there is more than enough surf DNA in that board. Works great until you get super high speed on your board

Also throws a nice spray off the top