All, I have been bit by the bug again and am looking for an intermediate board. Here's where I'm stuck. My "magic board" is a hybrid mid length, 7'6"x21x 2 7/8". I recently acquired a straight performance board that is 6'6" x 18-19" x 2 5/8, quad fin setup. (I don't know exact dims because I'm n a plane right now!). Anyways, the 6'6" is just too racy for me and too loose in the nose. I have been practicing with it and, coming from the 7'6" board, it's a fairly steep learning curve...I have occasional great drop ins, but can't get back into the pocket because my footing is awkward and I spend the return time trying to reestablish balance.
So what I'm looking for, and think I want, is a fish of some sort. My problem is that I do not want to go below 6'6" for fear of it being too loose. I also would like a little bit more nose rocker for the 4-6' days. So any suggestions out there? I've been looking at the Lost Fish but don't want to pay $500+ on a whim. I'm trying to keep other brands in mind, as well as going custom and supporting some local South Bay shapers...
Help!