Taking It To The Next Step

[humpdawg]

Hi
I'm currently surfing a 7'6'' minimal and have been for the last couple of years since I started surfing. I can catch most waves, ride along the face and perform basic turns. However I feel this board is starting to hold me back and I want to progress to a shorter board. I'd like to start surfing some of the mellower reefs breaks in Ireland.
Unfortunately I live on the East coast so between work and other things I only get to go out West, where the surf is every month or two, but stay for a few days to a week when I do. I usually go to Lahinch, Inishcrone or some parts of Kerry.
I'm 5'6'' and about 10 stone. I'm fairly fit from playing football, mountain biking, running and yoga.
My question is what board should I progress to? I've been looking at a 6'8'' Big Boy Flyer.
Or would something else be more suitable.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

[IB_Surfer]

Is it the right size? No, but it will be a blast as a transition board, and hang on to it as a step up for big mushy days. From the fun board to this one won't be a problem, and you will have way better performance right away. Since you don't get to practice much bigger is better.

When you get better you'll want an even shorter one, save this one for big days.

[humpdawg]

Hey Mathsteacher.
Thanks for the reply.
What board would you recommend for what I'm looking for? What is the right size? Would this do the job?

http://www.kingofwatersports.com/item.do?item=7170&path=oshea-68-big-boy-white-eps-epoxy-surfboard-i7170.html

I actually have a 6'3'' Klimax Black Rhino which I bought 2nd hand, a bit too eagerly I might add! A bit too short for me yet so that is why I want something a bit bigger.
I'll hang on to the 6'3'' for when I'm ready.

[drowningbitbybit]

Yup, as themathsteacher said, that'll be great as a transition board

Not super high-performance or anything, but you don't really want that, you want the next step, and if you're not going too regularly you want that step to be quite small. And that board will always be useful to have in the quiver, so you're not wasting your money on an inbetweener board

[humpdawg]

Great stuff.
I'll get out the cheque book so!
Thanks for the advice.