Ricky Lewis Longboards - Any Opinions

[ruley2000]

I am relatively new to surfing ... been at it for a couple of years on and off, but over the past few months I've been going out at least a few times a week (though that may slow a bit as winter approaches here in Narragansett, Rhode Island).

I've been sup surfing much longer (though still a bit of a kook) and never thought I'd get into "traditional" surfing with all the popping up, but have found real enjoyment in the whole experience. It feels less cumbersome and almost more natural. Don't get me wrong, I still like sup surfing, but I am now equally a fan of traditional surfing.

Anyway, I am 6' 4" ~210 and started off on an 8ft softy by Boardworks called the Froth - https://boardworkssurf.com/products/froth-funboard. No complaints, just not a good feel for me. I then went to a Torq 9" Longboard. Again no issues, but a bit too small for my liking. I recently picked up a Ricky Lewis HP Longboard 9' 8" on Craigslist and am absolutely loving it. I like the length, the float, the feel and how it can easily handle the steeper waves. It's a keeper, but what I am also interested in his 10' 10" Noserider as I want something that's easy to use in smaller waves and can allow me to get in even sooner than the 9' 8" when I just want to cruise.

Up here in Rhode Island, I've never seen a Ricky Lewis, in fact, I never heard of him/the brand (obviously I am new) until I saw the ad on CL. There don't seem to be may stores that carry his boards this way, and if they do, it's SUPs. In fact, I don't see a lot of discussion/activity around his brand. So, I don't get it, I think they’re pretty awesome boards based on my limited experience and naive views. They are not cheap, the board I want is just north of $1k, but the value seems to be there based on his experience in shaping, his accolades, the durability of the boards, and what appears to be very good build quality (though no doubt they are probably pop-outs ... but I don't care about that so long as it works for me).

So just curious if anyone has any opinions/experience with his boards, specifically the longboards?

Thanks!