Another First Board Question...........Sorry

[Codejunkie]

So I tried to post this in the topic above but that was a bit of a bust so I thought I would try this instead

Anyway,

I just found out that my family and I are moving to california from AZ (GODSEND!!!) and so, since I have surfed whenever I was over there, just now and again I thought this would be the perfect time to go in for a board.

I am a novice at surfing but I can reliably catch my own waves and stand up on the board (I have only used the foam ones they lend you in lessons) and I have started to work on turning. Anyway, I am 6'3" 190lbs and I am looking for a good board that I can grow into and use for some time. All I know about the beach closest to my house to be is that it is called Poche Beach in San Clemente, and I also know that I can get to T-street/san clemente pier easily.

I was thinking about building a board this summer at grainsurfboards up in Maine, specifically the 8' Sapling funboard or the 9' root longboard. I am leaning towards the sapling because it seems the smaller size will make it more maneuverable and therefore something that I can grow into better. As far as the whole why not just buy X board and save the time/$, it just seemed like a fun thing for my Dad and I to do, and it will (I hope) give me a far greater understanding of surfboard design. Also the boards look cool in a sort of vintage way.

Anyone in the area who surfs Poche Beach or any beaches near there and wouldn't mind a new guy tagging along, shoot me a line. I won't be there until winter but hopefully we can surf together.

Thanks,
-Code

Hee hee forgot the link
http://www.grainsurfboards.com/boards/