Surfing Waves

Hi, im beginner surfer and looking to upgrade my 7"6 softboard (been told it is middle of the nowhere..) and take step back and get Torq The Horseshoe 9 or 9.3. Even if I get a fish or other shortboard in the future I am looking at the longboard as long term investment and keep it for a smaller waves. I am 71kg/156.5lbs. My local surf shop only has 9.3 but some people told me 9ft would be enough. I may not feel much difference now but wondering if 9.3 would impact my maneuverability or are we just talking about marginal difference? I would like to learn some noseriding as well. would be grateful for any thoughts and suggestions. Below are measurements of both models:
9’0 x 22 7/8” x 3” - 71.4 ltr
9’3 x 23” x 3 1/8” - 76.9 ltr

How tall are you ?

176cm/5.77ft

I think the 9'0" will be "plenty" of board under foot. Maybe you might not feel the difference in float or engaging the rail from a 9'3" to a 9'0", but it might come in to play when your still a foot from the nose when trying to walk. Most modern all-arounder longboards are 9'0" x 22" +/- x 2 3/4" +/- , So your 9'0" is over that in width and thickness.

greenskynz wrote: looking to upgrade my 7"6 softboard (been told it is middle of the nowhere..)

So what did you think when whoever told you that ? Mid-length have been the flavor of the month for awhile, especially the C.I. Mid and other offering from Hayden Shapes. ( not to mention Donald Takayama's Flo egg, Scorpion, etc. )

thanks so only for a noseriding 9.3ft would have a slight edge?

in terms of what someone told me, i kind of agree that at least mid length was not the perfect point to start with. initially it did not probably matter a lot in a white surf but then learning to pop up and turning a board in small 3-4ft green waves i find it a challenge - catching a wave, matching the speed of the board. most beginners learn on smaller waves and for small waves longboard would be a better experience.

greenskynz wrote:thanks so only for a noseriding 9.3ft would have a slight edge?

It could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you cross step. You are not too tall or overly heavy.