Surfing Waves

http://www.surfindustries.com/shop/us/surf/longboards/modern-blackbird-x1-longboard/

I'm getting the 9'1" board (200 pound newbie here), Its new and i'll be getting it for $440

I've been renting a 67liter board (8'6") from them. Do you think the extra 11 liters will be noticeable? Im hoping it'll make it easier to catch waves. I haven't had too much of a problem, but I would like to catch them a little earlier if possible (green waves?).

Now I'll keep practicing my pop-up...

good choice for a beginner

that extra volume will make your rides last longer, and yes its easy to paddle and catch a wave almost without effort as you practice your pop up you should focus on improving your paddle power and wave reading as you try to catch them earlier because, this is the most important and hard to learn if you decide to move in to a shorter board funboard or minimal. Have fun and enjoy your rides

I actually have options. The surf shop was a little delayed in contacting the rep but they are going to order the x1 (70s red design :p ) and the x2 wood deck.
The x2 is more expensive and a slightly different construction.
Does anyone have any reccomendations?
The surf around me is nearly all windswell shorebreak (i think).


The x2 is "particulrly strong on the deck", and I really don't want a bunch of dings on the board. However the epoxy rentals ive seen didn't seem overly dinged up from their use and abuse.
Honestly I think it wont make much of a difference, but curious to what you guys think.

The "wood" construction should be "stronger" and harder to ding, BUT when it does get dinged, it will be harder to repair. ( or color match )