[tevake]

Hey Tweeze Glad to see the surfing thread is still going.
Those were some good pics of your foggy day out there in so cal.

I have been riding fun boards or hybrids for years. They are a good compromise, give you the easy paddling almost like a long board. But they don't require you to walk forward or back too much to trim or turn. The one down side is no can duck dive. This can get to be a problem once you start to go for a bit bigger waves. Nothing a longer and stronger leash can't help to deal with, up to a point.
There are some good epoxy production boards available, I could ask around to find out what might be a good fit for you if you like. If so PM me your details, Height, weight, type and size waves you are wanting to go for. Be aware traveling by air with surf boards has gotten quite expensive.

At 170 lbs I've been using 8' to 8"4" boards shaped by a close neighbor here, Papa Sau. There is a lot to be said for working with a shaper to get just the right board. But for a first board those production boards may be the way for you to go. They are light and very durable, and a good variety of shapes to choose from.

If you are still coming to the islands I would be happy to let you try a couple of the fun boards I have.

A good sized winter swell came in today with very nice conditions in the morning. I just sailed my boat out of Hanalei two days ago, so its official winter is here.
Come on over for a taste.

Good name you got picked out.

Cheers Richard