New Surfboard... Goin Shorter??

[Southpark0419]

Ok, my current surfboard is 6'4" and im not sure the exact thickness or width but it is somewhat wide and a little thicker for some added flotation. I'm about 5'11" or 6' and weigh 130. I have gone out the past few times on my girlfriends board and hers is 5'8" and very thin and not wide at all. On her board im able to maneuver much better, it feels more responsive and i also feel a lot more comfortable on it. Im looking to go shorter maybe 5'11" or so and thinner, and cut some width from my board.... anyone got any advice here.

[TReMoR]

Hey. Doesnt sound too bad.
Yea, shorter is more responsive .. i realize that now.. never really took notice when i switched from my 6'7'' to 5'11'' but now that I only have a 6'4'' i can feel the difference.
I rode a pretty thin 5'11'' and i weigh 140.

[heychief]

I'm about the same size as you - a 5'11 with fuller nose and add some thickness dont go too thin, i learned the hard way. when it gets over head your gonna need it

[heychief]

unless of course you like late take offs and air drops

[senast]

haha, whenever i surf my 5'10 x 17 3/4 x 2, thats the 0nly way i can catch waves when it gets bigger. now im looking for something bigger for those days. 6'1 x 18 x 2 1/4?

[IB_Surfer]

I'd say go down to 6'0 at most, not sure what dims you have right now but if you are barely transitioning can I suggest 19 wide x 2 3/8 thick? It will probably paddle like your 6'4" but maneuver like your girlfriend's.

Lastly, to get a better idea of the board you have take a tape measure to it, how do you think the shaper does it? You'll be "close enough" on your measurements to get an idea of what you will want next