Smaller board

[gansett128]

Whats up everyone,
I've got the usual, need help picking a board question. I've been riding a 8'4" board for the last 8 years, I'm 20 now and I'm looking to buy a new board finally. I want something more maneuverable, but thats not too small that I have to totally relearn how to surf. We just had a couple days of good surf in New England and I realized how insufficient my board was for the larger waves. With summer winding down, the waves only get better so hoping to grab something before winter.
I'm 6'2", 210lbs, and in pretty good shape. Any board dimensions, or board recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[dtc]

Have a read of this thread

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=23417

At your age you can go shorter and adapt quickly, but at your weight you dont want to go too small because the boards just wont be able to float you. I reckon something like the Firewire Addvance (or even dominator) or some other hybrid/egg shaped board is the way to go (not recommending the Firewires particularly, but there is a good website to check out that type of shape). Another option is the bigger fish, such as the superfish XL.

If you are comfortable on the 8ft4, then maybe a 6ft10 or 7ft or so.

You will find that the smaller board is fine once you are up and catching the waves; the main issue is catching the waves in the first place is noticeable harder (and you dont get the long board 'glide' - you have to work a bit on the speed).

[oldmansurfer]

From my limited experience a foot shorter sounds about right but make sure the design is enough for someone of your size so wider and thicker than for someone smaller. I found going a foot shorter initially I fell of the board and had trouble just sitting on the board. So don't worry if that happens you will get used to it quickly

[gansett128]

Thanks for the advice fellas. Yeah I was looking at the firewire addvance. Looks like a pretty sweet board but the price tag that come with it is a little high for now. Ill have to start digging through the couch for change.

[Surf Hound]

I am 6', 225lbs and i have a 7' Rusty Dwart with 54L of volume and a 6'7" Channel Islands Joe with 52L of volume. I think volume and shape is a better way to size boards. Being that you are young I would think a board with 40-48L of volume would be a good next board. The board will take a session or two to get used to but after a few sessions your old board will feel like a 10' log. I have found when going smaller that the first major step down is the most difficult but not so much that its like starting over.