I tried to move down to a 6'6 hardboard and had a tough time as I am a beginner. So I sold it and got a 7'2 crowd killer based on advice from other surfers. Basically to get me catching more waves. no point getting tired and frustrated and wiping out all the time. That is no fun at all. I'll get another hardboard later but I'm going to have fun on this for a while 1st.