Brand new surfer here and I caught the bug badly. I’ve been out a couple of times on foam tops and want to take the plunge and get my own board now.

My free time is beyond scarce these days (have a 2 yr old) and so I want to get something that I can surf pretty anytime I can get away. If the waves are 2 ft, I want to be able to go. But once i graduate out of kookdom and the waves are a little bigger, I’m hoping to not be stuck on the beach or unable to really turn on the waves. Basically I want a board that I can grow into and can get me into the water having fun from 2’ mush to maybe head high (one day).

I’m sold on longboards but trying to figure out what size I should shoot for to check all these boxes. (Which I accept may be unrealistic but thought I’d ask anyway)

I’ve ridden 9’ foamies exclusively to date. With a “real” longboard, should I stick to 9’ or would it be too aggressive to go for a “mini” at 8’ or so?

I’m a 5’6”, 145 lbs, late 30’s guy.