by dtc » Wed Nov 18, 2015 10:41 pm
Longboards are fine for any wave of any size, but can struggle a bit in particularly steep waves (low tide or shallow breaking) simply because the curve of the wave is too great. You can still surf them but need some 'tricks'. Anyway, just go out and surf whatever is there and start learning the break and so forth and you will quickly pick up when is a good time and when isn't. Keep and eye on the tide (how close to low/high) and the height of the tide (as it varies). If waves are breaking at or close to high tide, then that is often the easiest time to surf (but in many places at high tide there are no waves).
Agree with Old Man's suggestion of something around 9ft6. You will find most long boards are generally 9ft2 - 9ft6 anyway, so that will help. Look for something about 22 - 23 inches wide and about 2 3/4+ inches thick. Go thicker rather than thinner - the thickness will help out given you are a big guy. If you have the cash (and they are expensive) a Walden Mega Magic (9ft6 or perhaps 9ft) would be perfect. But there are certainly cheaper boards that will be just as good - and learners (or re learners) perhaps should get cheaper/second hand anyway. Let us know if you have questions about any board you are looking at.