Florida west coast mush board recommendation

[Suprasteve]

Hi all,
Will try to keep this as short as possible. Located on Florida's west coast, so for those that don't know, might get rideable surf 1 or 2 times a month. Usually small (thigh to waist) and when it gets bigger, it's like surfing in a washing machine.
About me: age 30, 200lbs, 5'9", and would say fair as far as overall fitness level (desk job but try to make up for it on the weekends). Surfed from age 16 to about 22 and recently picked it back up. Never was "good" but not completely new to the sport. Would still put myself in the novice/beginner category.
Recently picked up a 9' long board which overall seems to be working for me in our typical conditions. 1st long board, and miss the style of the shorter boards I was used to.
Looking for something shorter that still works in our typically mushy, less than waist high surf. Considering "grovelers" (never used one and don't have any friends with one to try) versus a fish (decent amount of experience with these). Not really sure which is better suited for our waves. Digging online, seems the groveler works in similar conditions to the long board more so than the fish. Reading the description of the Lost Couch Potato, seems perfect in 5'11", but various reviews seem to say different.
Long story short, here's what's important to me: ease of catching waves, ease of paddling, works in tiny surf. Even though we get occasional chest to head days, they are more of a workout than enjoyable session and tend to avoid them these days, so board doesn't necessarily have to work for bigger. Doesn't have to be "high performance" but would like more maneuverability and ability to "turn and burn" better than the current longboard.
All that said, groveler vs. Fish vs. Other for west Florida surf? Any particular shapers/models I should look for considering my stats? I'm drawing the line at foam boards though, not THAT novice!
Thanks!

[jaffa1949]

Hi all,
Will try to keep this as short as possible. Located on Florida's west coast, so for those that don't know, might get rideable surf 1 or 2 times a month. Usually small (thigh to waist) and when it gets bigger, it's like surfing in a washing machine.
About me: age 30, 200lbs, 5'9", and would say fair as far as overall fitness level (desk job but try to make up for it on the weekends). Surfed from age 16 to about 22 and recently picked it back up. Never was "good" but not completely new to the sport. Would still put myself in the novice/beginner category.
Recently picked up a 9' long board which overall seems to be working for me in our typical conditions. 1st long board, and miss the style of the shorter boards I was used to.
Looking for something shorter that still works in our typically mushy, less than waist high surf.
Long story short, here's what's important to me: ease of catching waves, ease of paddling, works in tiny surf. Even though we get occasional chest to head days, they are more of a workout than enjoyable session and tend to avoid them these days, so board doesn't necessarily have to work for bigger. Doesn't have to be "high performance" but would like more maneuverability and ability to "turn and burn" better than the current longboard. !
Thanks!

Prune your post to the essentials, at the 200lb category,
paddling ease = long
catching waves easily = long
works in tiny surf = long
maneuverability and ability to turn is the rider's skill level.
can't catch wave = no chance to turn
This mantra is repeated time and time again to our older heavier returning surfers.
IF you get your skills up then your board size can come down,.
think about the name groveller, that pretty much describes it for the unskilled.
Fish unless yo are able to go rail to rail in your surfing ( after catching a wave HMMMMMM) then you'll do OK but at the level you put yourself at before your pause I think it would be a hard ask.
Have a look through the surfboard advice and see what you think.

[dtc]

I'm with Jaffa - rather than a grovellor look at a nice high volume fun board/mini mal, like 7ft2 or 7ft4 x 22 x 2 4/3; or maybe a fat hybrid type board (nugget, addvance)

[Suprasteve]

Ok, thanks for your help guys! Sounds like the shorter boards are out til my skill level catches up. You saved me a couple hundred bucks . Pretty sure my brother has a 7'2" Walden he'd let me try one of these days, sounds like a good next step up when I'm ready. I'll check out the forum and continue with the longer boards for the time being.
Thanks again!

[dtc]

A walden mini magic would be a v good choice - try it out and see what you think

[jaffa1949]

Happy to help!