Cool - thanks for this, it is good to know! I am excited to see where it takes me. I always default to Matt, as he has never let me down.
The bigger waves as of lately, have been hit-and-miss. You go from being on top of the world, an adrenaline high, to second guessing every decision. It is a humbling experience. Being out in the big waves on the wrong boards - sucks - haha. After making the paddle out, you are stuck making the most of it, mentally kicking yourself. I have accepted my loss at times and switched boards, and appreciated my decision well afterwards. My go-to bigger waves boards are the 6' 5" skinny Twinsman and 6' 2" Insanity, both have limits for my mortal skills. I need a longer board for certain wave conditions - hence the 7' 1" PT Moonstone.