The wave conditions are variable from small wash to overheaders. As l said I am sort of a bigger guy and do not wanna be limited to just a long board, but before l buy a smaller board, l wanna know what can work for me. Currently l use a 9'2 longboard and just am not getting all the response I'd wish to have. Can anybody help me out with some advice?

l am about the same weight and l have a 7 foot spoon that works real well. Talk to a shaper cuz you can probably go shorter but you will have to have a thicker blank. Do not buy off the rack, it is more expensive and you just do not get the right thickness for your weight.

Yes Ive been surfing for 5 years and l started out on a board much smaller than me, l was 4'10 now am 5'6 but l started out on a 4'4 now Id suggest for your size go for a 6'6 to a 6'8 about 2 and a half to 3 and a half inches thick. hard to come by but dont by a board til you find one around this size, and also the width should be decent but not too much it should be about 22 inches or so

PROBALLY A WING OFF OF AN 747!

going from a 9'2'' to a shortboard? That is a leap.
It comes down to skill, l saw a picture of a Hawaiian guy around 450lbs. rocking a 5'6''.
but since you're coming from a longboard, maybe try a fish to learn the transition. It will have extra float and width over a thruster. They're a blast to surf; and they smooth out your style.

I'd definitely go for a fish of some sort. There r ''big guy'' fish built for surfers exceeding 180lbs. I'd definitely get one from a shaper if u can wait for it. it is worth it. But if not, go to a legit surf shop, & not a Sun Diego or any other chain store. The privately owned surf shop will know what to get for ur build & style.

A fish in either the twinnie or quad style is thicker than a regular thruster, & will let u transition to a thruster better. Fish ride FAST. just do not go trying to take late drops on them. They're usually too flat & do not have much rocker, so u will be working hard not to get tossed while paddling into a wave.

If u really must get a thruster, get one with more thickness. Again, definitely ask a shaper.