Help choosing new board

[Ol' DZ]

Hi all, I've got about 800 bucks and I need help choosing a new board. I've been surfing for about 2 1/2 years on a used locally-shaped longboard and it's time to upgrade! Basically what I want is a longboard or funboard that will paddle fairly easily, pick up waves without any hassle, and will not be that difficult to turn and angle along the wave. I've been looking at the Walden Magic 9'6 (poly) but I'm having a really hard time finding reviews of it on the internet. Oh btw I am 6'0 ca 180, 185 lbs and I would call myself an "advanced beginner"- I can catch waves easily (with the leaky log I have now), I can pop up easily and ride all the way back to the beach but I haven't yet been able to turn, which I want to learn how to do. (I've tried but it seems my board won't budge....not necessarily the board's fault, it could be me not doing it right). I surf at a beach break and I usually only go out when it's between knee and head height. My board doesn't work so well when it's bigger-I usually dig the nose in and get flung off when I try to make the drop-and that was another aspect of a board that I would be looking for (versatility in both small and overhead waves...not that I excel in large surf but I don't want to not be able to go out when there's a storm offshore just because my board can't handle it). Am I asking for too much? Can anyone give me some ideas?

Thanks
Den

[Old Guys Rule]

Take a look at Beckers, who advertise on this site regulary. I have a coupl of thier long boards. THe legacy, UFO and Mike Megee. All are great boards. Right in you price line also.

[Hang11]

Don't go for anything too extreme, just a good, solid all round board - look for something fairly wide, say a 9'3" with 22 1/2 to 23" in the middle, you get more curve in the outline, which makes it easier to turn, nice forgiving rails in the front 2/3 of the board, and not too little or too much rocker in the nose, just a nice, average, all around long board. A good bit of volume through the board will get you into waves earlier too, so you can start to take off angled or get more time to set up a bottom turn.

[Otter]

I agree with the "Old Guy," Becker makes a really sweet ride. Being on the East Coast, you might want to consider talking with some of your local friends and see if they can recommend a local shaper that can custom make a board for ya. You can sometimes get a better price than on "name" brand boards, and still get a sweet ride.

Do your research though, don't buy something without knowing what the reputation of the builder is. Remember, DOUBLE VOLAN for a durable board, doesn't cost that much additional (should easilly be able to get it in your price range).

As far as shape, Hang11 is right on. Don't get anything to radically shaped and you'll have a board that you can ride in nearly all conditions for a very long time.

Personally I like a board with some DOME on it, not a POTATO CHIP shape. Best of luck to ya!

[isaluteyou]

Becker makes a really sweet ride

yep i have only heard good things about becker well priced too.

[HBsurfer4life]

Go look for a best all around board. You will get the most out of your riding if you have money for one board. Becker makes good boards, my only complaint is the glassing, they tend to skimp on glassing to keep the cost down. If you order one, as for more glass like 6/6 and 6