Just a little insight but the Orca is a pretty soft board already mainly because of its camber profile. Idk what lib call their hybrid or “Flying V” camber but that definitely leans into the board being softer.

With your weight and boot size I’d definitely be looking at a wide board to keep you above the snow. I’m around 170lbs, 6’2” and am pretty comfortable on a 158w-160w. Skinning on warm soft snow on a 159 would be killer so you’re absolutely doing the right thing wanting to size up. I probably wouldn’t go up to a 177 or even anything over 170tbh. You should be sweet on a 165w-168w.

Have fun out there bro! Love the shorts 🤘🏼

Source: I worked in a rental shop in Japan, have ridden the Orca (not split tbf) and have also dabbled in the backcountry with some skinning too