5’6” tall need advice on first hardboard purchase 8’6” or 9’

[TL33]

Need some advice from the broad community here. Thank you in advance.

I’m 155lbs 5’6”
Been surfing a few months 3-4 days a week on a 8’ Wavestorm 86L Volume. Usually at Sunset Point, point break in Los Angeles. Waves are soft 2-3 feet most days. Been Trimming down the line just fine and am really wanting to start to turn up and down the wave better. Been looking at Beginner Longboards (low price, high volume, epoxy ) to keep my wave count as high as possible to continue to progress. Not interested in nose riding, but looking at longboards as the volume is high enough it should help keep my wave volume high on soft days 3’ and less where its really comfortable and where I’m out at most.

Am considering a
Torq 8’6” x 22 1/2” x 3 1/8”. With 67. L volume or
Torq 9’0” x 22 3/4” x 3 1/8”. With 72 L volume

I’d like the smaller 8’6” board, however concerned about dropping too much volume as I’m usually on smaller mushy waves. Do you guys think there is a greater benefit to the 9’ over the 8’6” in paddle power or catching more waves. Any recommendations are helpful.

Thanks Guys,

[BaNZ]

I have both the 8'6 and 9'0. Sold the 8'6 eventually because 9'0 was more fun. Mostly because when the break is busy, you won't paddle faster than the guys on a bigger board. Therefore if you want to improve wave count, the bigger the better.

Saying that, both of them are very similar in size and they are both better than the wavestorm.

I'm same height as you but a bit lighter.

[dtc]

Whichever is cheaper or has the better colour

Both are entirely suitable for you and both will be good choices. 9ft is probably better for re sale if you are thinking that far ahead.

[TL33]

Thank you BaNZ and dtc. You guys are great for helping me out with the info and advice. Knowing 9' has a good Resale option is great to have also. I'll go for the 9' and keep the wave count high. thanks guys,