2" taller, 20 lbs heaver, and 20 yrs older. 10 liters is the difference between constantly bracing or paddling in circles, and standing somewhat relaxed. I've surfed down to 129L  (9'2 x 28 x 3.5' T.P. rising sun) and I had to sit some of the time. Paddling into a wave with the entire board submerged takes some getting used to, but you still catch waves. People worry about pearling their boards. They should try paddling into a wave with the board already completely underwater    Start late and deep because there is almost zero glide underwater. Then thrust the nose to get it to surface and plane. Doesn't sound like SUP guy Bri has 1000 hrs under his belt... yet..

Well said Dude.

I'm 6'6 and 240 these days...which is why I've had to unload the 110-115liter boards I was riding as daily drivers when I was in the 220lb range.

Sliding the tail out is awesome and thrilling...but in order to do that you have to make concessions like the ones TallDude has stated like constantly bracing, paddling in to a wave sideways/underwater and not really being able to sit still for much length of time.

I'm not positive what the perfect length is...but I know it's at *least* 8'6 for me...if not up to 9'6. As far as my investigations go, the wide Hokuas from Naish are really intriguing.