what did you end up getting. Im looking at one of these too but im a bit heavier than you at 190lbs

Thanks guys! I'm definitely inclined toward the shorter board. Nautilus looks schweet though! Cheers.

Hey Timmy, Riding a board shorter than your height can feel strange at first but you will get used to it. I recommend putting more weight on your knees to flatten your board out and raise your feet out of the water. Both of these changes will help bring your paddle speed to 11! You will find the shorter and more condensed boards to paddle faster than a longer board at the same volume, and they are super quick to accelerate and turn. If you want to stick with a longer shape you can put your feet on while paddling I recommend something meant to be ridden longer like the Christenson Nautilus. Check it out here: http://www.realwatersports.com/christenson-nautilus-pu-poly-6-8-38282

I've never surfed a true fish, but have tried hybrid fishes and even had one session on an older PU RNF a few years ago. On another note, what about size? Like I said above my go-to volume is 38-40 liters but I generally don't surf boards shorter than 6-2 because of my height. I am 6 foot 4, and the volume of the RNF or Almond Butter 6'0" is spot on would float me, but do you think it's too short for my height? Like my legs are hanging off the back more resulting in drag and slower paddling, and also not having the proper length for the wider stance from being tall. Tall guy problems but curious as to your thoughts. I am a middle-aged intermediate surfer. Thanks.

Hey Timmy, thanks for posting. Both boards work well in a similar wave range but surf differently. The Almond Butter makes more pivoting, short board style turns, While the RNF make more drawn out carves, and carries more speed down the line. Coming off of your thrusters the Almond Butter will have a more familiar feel. Have you ridden any fish before?

Trip (the guy in the video) has this board in his quiver and has sessioned it on Cape Hatteras and in Puerto Rico. Several other of our staff members have an RNF Timbertek in their quivers as well. Compared to a poly, the Timbertek construction is more buoyant that PU/Poly boards with equal volume. It is a little bit more stiff and doesn't have the same flex pattern as a PU/Poly, but it is much more durable. For more info and to see all the Timbertek sizes in stock, visit the RNF page on our website: http://www.realwatersports.com/surfing/surfboards/lost/round-nose-fish
Hope this helps! -Chris Stellato REALwatersports.com