Surfing Waves

Hey guys, i'm pretty new here but it looks like a good place for advice.

Well, I catch waves steadily on a minimal and am looking for more speed and maneuverability. I don't think i'm good enough yet to be riding a thruster, but perhaps am ready for a fishboard (as they are wider and will give me more buoyancy). What's the general consensus about moving to smaller boards?

Also if it helps i'm 5'9 ft and 12.5 st (176 lbs) and i thought about a 6'3 or 6'4 fishboard would be good place to start.

Thanks

Stick with the mini mal dude, you'll surf better in the long run and you'll catch more waves! When you can surf really well get a fish and reap the rewards

think 63 / 64 a little too small.....try something like a b52 from ocean magic but maybe 6'10 area or if at a push 6'8.......still a fish shape but more of a hybrid....bit more manovabitlity ..alot more speed but still the wave catching and paddle power. so u can improve and spend time catching waves.....your same height and weight as me , i have a custom funboard/hybrid/ minimal 7'2" and moved to a 6"10 ....u dont want to move down too small and loose the fun out of it as your ability wont be up to it...hope this helps .......;o)
good luck and ghet some waves my man

Cheers for the replies.... i'll keep the minimal in check (and good use) and i may just get a 6'7 6'8 fishboard.... like you said, there is no sense in me going for anything smaller because i'll just get bored and not catch any waves.

cheers for the advice guys!