Surfing Waves

What's up guys, new to the forum. Trying to get some recommendations for a new board. I currently surf in Rockaway NY (majority of waves are fast breaking). I been surfing constantly for 2 years and feel like I can't progress further because of my board. I'm currently using a 8ft foamy (liquid shredder) and have trouble turning onto a wave. I've used my friends 8ft odyssey and turn onto waves easier instead of constantly going straight. I don't have trouble catching waves imo and not afraid of a learning curve. I'm 27 5'9 and weigh 195. I'm a little on the chubbier side currently but progressively losing weight. Ideally I sit at 180-185. Thanks in advance.

I’m 5’10, 46, 190lb, athletic with a belly and surfing for 2 years. I’d use my 8’6 x 23.25 x 3.25 fun board for those conditions. It paddles easy and turns fast enough for fast waves. If you’re competing against longboarders (meaning folks on longer boards get in before you) than a 9’0 performance longboard would work.

We all think we’re up for the learning curve, and we all regret buying a board that’s too small. Don’t make it hard on yourself. Catch more waves and have fun on a bigger board.

t7nii wrote: and have trouble turning onto a wave.

Can you go more into detail ?
Do you mean:
#1 Bottom turning to get on to the green face of the wave ?
#2 Turning while on the face ?
#3 You can't turn in the white water foam ?

Bottom turning to get into the face

An 8 foot Odysea softboards has the float of a 9 foot hard board. So I wouldn't get any hard board less than 8'6" ( if your car / apartment can fit it ).

You could also look for a Surftech Walden Mega Magic in 8'0". It has 82 liters of volume, which is more than some 9'0"s.