Longboard 9.0 vs 9.6 ?

[nervusblue]

Hi,
need some help / advice - looking for my first own board. I´m still a beginner (which means in my case riding green waves, turtle roll, being confident in knee to shoulder high but not able to turn probably sometimes it´s still difficult for me to catch waves). I surfed different spots but the board I´m looking for should be suited for beach breaks. I´m 177, 70 kg. I learned on a performance longboard 9.1, 22 1/4 , 2 3/4 65 liter, pin tail. Never tried anything bigger (except foamie)
Tried a 8.0 50 ltr once and realized that I´m not good enough - caught almost no waves
My goal right now is just to catch more waves, spend more time riding (in small condition)
I m looking not for a fancy longboard, more something like a used Torq, I´m still learning. Means first real own board comes later ;=)
So what would be the better choice for me

a) Torq: 9’0” x 22 3/4” x 3 1/8” Volume 72.0 ltr
b) Torq 9.6 x 23.5 x 3.25 Volume 88 ltr
c) Torq DON XL 9.0 x 23 1/2 x 3 1/2 - 81.8 ltr

Thanks a lot for your help

Cheers

David

[waikikikichan]

Seems your question is between getting a 9'0" or a 9'6"in length, but that the 9'0" being thicker and wider as to make up for the lack in length.

You should also be concerned in how much rail you can control, especially at a beach break wave that stands up and pitches out quickly. Above 3 inches, it's a lot of rail to set to be able to trim across the wave. ( without the proper technique )

Have you tried different fin(s) / fin set up on your 9'1" pin tail ?

[nervusblue]

Thanks for your reply

yes that's exactly my question

the 9.1. had just one fin option: Thruster - it was the one I learned on, I borrowed it from a friend

never used single fin

maybe I should just stick to the 9.0 / 9.1. more performance kind of longboard

good point with the rail - I didn´t think about that

So it´s more the question of length, is there any relevant advantage in having more length

Maybe I just overthinking it

Thanks

[waikikikichan]

So it´s more the question of length, is there any relevant advantage in having more length

Yes, length does matter, BUT that's not the only consideration. You have to look at the whole surfboard. You could find a 9'6" that's hard to catch waves yet find another 9'0" that's easier. There's too many variables, length, width, thickness, rail shape, rocker, bottom contour, dome deck, etc.etc. that go into a board. And 10 different shapers making 10 different boards will all right differently.

1) I would not recommend a Pin tail for a beginner, especially at a beach break.

2) Did you feel the 9'1" was "sinking" on the paddle ? If not, I don't see why a "standard" 9'0" x 22" x 2 3/4" squash tail with a 2+1 fin set up shouldn't work for you. ( it's probably your positioning and paddling technique more than what board you're riding anyways )

3) You are not that tall and heavy enough to be needing a 9'6". It will make bottom turning and manhandling it in beach break waves all the more harder.

[nervusblue]

Thanks a lot for your detailed answer.
No, I never felt the 9.1 was sinking on the paddle - actually I felt comfortable with it. Maybe I was just trying to fool myself into believing that some extra length/ volume could help me to catch some more waves but instead I should work at my technique - you are right. I shouldn´t think too much about my board, probably everything between 8 und 9.3 ist fine for the beginning.
So I will look for something similar size (as the board I learned on) but which squash tail - that should be fine. Thanks again for your advice - much appreciated.
Really like this forum
lot´s of good advice
Cheers
David

[jaffa1949]

Thanks David all,the old hands are here to help you get your basics nailed as easily and as quickly as possible!