Longboard 9.0 or 9.3ft any difference?

[greenskynz]

Hi, im beginner surfer and looking to upgrade my 7"6 softboard (been told it is middle of the nowhere..) and take step back and get Torq The Horseshoe 9 or 9.3. Even if I get a fish or other shortboard in the future I am looking at the longboard as long term investment and keep it for a smaller waves. I am 71kg/156.5lbs. My local surf shop only has 9.3 but some people told me 9ft would be enough. I may not feel much difference now but wondering if 9.3 would impact my maneuverability or are we just talking about marginal difference? I would like to learn some noseriding as well. would be grateful for any thoughts and suggestions. Below are measurements of both models:
9’0 x 22 7/8” x 3” - 71.4 ltr
9’3 x 23” x 3 1/8” - 76.9 ltr

[waikikikichan]

How tall are you ?

[greenskynz]

176cm/5.77ft

[waikikikichan]

I think the 9'0" will be "plenty" of board under foot. Maybe you might not feel the difference in float or engaging the rail from a 9'3" to a 9'0", but it might come in to play when your still a foot from the nose when trying to walk. Most modern all-arounder longboards are 9'0" x 22" +/- x 2 3/4" +/- , So your 9'0" is over that in width and thickness.

looking to upgrade my 7"6 softboard (been told it is middle of the nowhere..)

So what did you think when whoever told you that ? Mid-length have been the flavor of the month for awhile, especially the C.I. Mid and other offering from Hayden Shapes. ( not to mention Donald Takayama's Flo egg, Scorpion, etc. )

[greenskynz]

thanks so only for a noseriding 9.3ft would have a slight edge?

in terms of what someone told me, i kind of agree that at least mid length was not the perfect point to start with. initially it did not probably matter a lot in a white surf but then learning to pop up and turning a board in small 3-4ft green waves i find it a challenge - catching a wave, matching the speed of the board. most beginners learn on smaller waves and for small waves longboard would be a better experience.

[waikikikichan]

thanks so only for a noseriding 9.3ft would have a slight edge?

It could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you cross step. You are not too tall or overly heavy.