Surfing Waves

Hi
Im looking for a new second board. So im surfing for a year now on a 7,4. 21, 2 3/4 evolution board .i can go left and right catching most of the waves i go for. I tried a lost short round for 3 days (6,2. 38,4 ltr). Its thikker than my minimal. The thing is that i had some problems with my paddling and most of all with my pop up as the board felt very unstable and narrow as i tried to stand up. I was trying to find my stance racing down the line. Once i had my feet right i really liked it as i was able to move it up and down a bit and go down the line .
I know that moving from a minimal to a shortboard will be difficult. So whats a good option Should i give it more time, should i get the short round in a bigger size or will a pod mod be more suitable for me or should i go for a more groveller type like the lost puddle jumper? Im really confused !!
I really want to progress!

If yes what size ? Im 6,3 80kg fairly fit
surfiing in 1 to 5 feet waves mellow and punchy.

Thanks a lot

Here are the two boards compared

Stick with the bigger board for now.

Rip that pad off the bigger board so you can get your foot back enough to turn the board....you will amaze yourself.

How about a 6'6" ish Fish ?

I agree with Big H that the pad on the longer board is way too high up. ( and spread out for no reason )

with your height/weight i would go for a 6'6' hybrid fish or something with high volume'. Also i advice you to learn some good turns in the minimal. My young brother 14 yo went from a 7'0 foamie to my 7'3' minimal and when he was doing some good bottom turns and completely controlled the board he switch to a 6'4'' shortboard now that instability is an advantage to do some tight turns and have more control.

Lusi wrote:.....now that instability is an advantage to do some tight turns and have more control.

Well observed! When you come to want the instability, a thinner profile, less volume (for a different reason than duck diving), more rocker because it enhances what you're doing then you're on the right track.