Tired of foam boards

[MichelinMan]

Hey guys I have surfed foam top boards, 8-9 ft. for about four years. It's been tons of fun but I would like to be able to turn a lot more and have something quicker. I have been surfing up to 6-7 feet waves rather comfortably. I am 19, 165, am lifeguard trained and surf twice a week, I have played sports at the varsity level and consider my self to be in pretty good shape. I am looking for a board that will challenge and progress me as a surfer. I have asked a lot of locals and people who surf in my family and been told to get a 6foot ish short board, a fish, and also a 7'6"-8 longboard. I'm not sure which one I should choose, what do you guys think?

[dtc]

If you are surfing 6ft waves comfortably, then I reckon a mid length is the way to go. This is something around 7ft - 7ft6. The mini mal shape (rounded nose) will be easier to transition; the hybrid shape (more pointy nose) will be harder but arguably will be faster and turn more easily. If you surf twice per week and given you are young, I reckon the hybrid is the way to go. It might be a bit harder and you might struggle for a bit, but probably not too long.

There are lots and lots of choices - have a look at the firewire surfboard website and their 'aadvance' board. This is not really the best board for you (too thick) but it will give you an example of what a hybrid board looks like. Another example is the 7s Superfish.

(sometimes these boards are also called 'fish' because they have a fish tail (swallow tail); but they are not the same as the 6ft 'fish' that you were asking about)

this is the easier way to transition. You could go for something like a 6ft6 fish - will be a lot harder and you may get a bit frustrated.