Looking for my first nose rider

[Boardmore]

Looking for my first nose rider for small (knee to waist), mushy, choppy Texas surf
I'm 49 y/o in good shape and 6'0" 185lbs and been surfing for 30+ years

My main objective is to get to cross stepping and putting my toes over the nose. But will also need this thing to turn in mushy waves and handle chop while on the nose.

I currently have a 9' channin surftech that I love for paddling, wave count and maneuverability. dims are: length 9'0", width: 22.5", thickness: 2.25", nose: 18.5", tail: 14". it has a square tail, moderate rocker and very little concave in the nose. I can get to the nose and maybe stretch 5 over on a good day, but cross stepping is a challenge and there's no way I'll perch up there like I want to. It's a bit too unstable for me to do what I want.

I'm thinking longer, thicker, wider and more concave. Not sure about rocker, but thinking minimal tail and with more in the nose to handle chop.

I also have a 6'1" puddle jumper that I travel with and take to the surf park (you know - good waves) that i like for the same reasons as above. Dims: Length: 6'1", width: 22.5", thickness 2.8"

I'm open to any advice on shape, dims or specific boards for nose riding in these conditions.

I'm currently considering: CJ Sprout 9'6" or 10', DT In the Pink 9'8", Hobie UB2 9'9", Wingnut Noserider 9'8"

I've ridden a RA WIR and found it too corky for me (too narrow and thick) in small surf. I also owned a stewart hydrohull back in late 90's. Don't think either of these will give me what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance!

[waikikikichan]

My main objective is to get to cross stepping and putting my toes over the nose. But will also need this thing to turn in mushy waves and handle chop while on the nose."

"but cross stepping is a challenge and there's no way I'll perch up there like I want to. It's a bit too unstable for me to do what I want."

First if you don't learn how to Cross Step, you will not be able to perch on the nose. If you are currently shuffling your way to the nose ( and have been doing it for decades ) then it probably take you the same amount of time to undue the bad habit. The board ( any board even a purpose built noserider ) won't help you if you got a bad or non-existent cross step. No matter what bow you get or what whizz-bang material of arrow you buy won't help if you don't have a smooth release. Same for getting to the nose. Cross Step never Shuffle ( as one of my teachers Wingnut taught me )

You mention a couple of board, of those that I have personally ridden:
9' Channin surftech - that's more a high-performance all-rounder board ( btw, the Siren boards are the same but marketed and painted in pretty colors )
9'8 DT In the Pink - I hate that template with a passion. I've ridden the 9'4" in a "one-board" contest and tried many friends boards as they are very popular and promoted to beginners wanting to noseride touting the attributes of it's "wide and stable nose." ( just to let you know, I currently ride a DT beach break model which I really like. )
Wingnut Noserider 9'8" - I've ridden the 9'4" Wingnut and that's one of the best noseriders.
RA WIR - great board all-rounder. Small concave under the nose, but stable.
Stewart hydrohull - Good all-rounder. Holds well on the nose, chines seem to help.

Question:
1) Before you take your first step to the nose ( or when your mind says " hey, now's the time to go forward", what action/movement should your body do ?

2) What fin set up you use on most of your boards when you want to noseride ?