need help on board recommendations

I am currently surfing a 4'7" Ronix parks carbon thruster. I originally had been surfing it with a single 2.3 fin. I changed back to a thruster set up and really enjoyed the improved speed down the line and the board seemed to spin easier. I continue to struggle with the nose being prone to pearling a little with big bottom turns prior to trying airs. I think part of the issue is that the board is a little short for me (I am 6 ft and 180 lbs). I am considering upgrading to a 5' 1" version, but I would love some input in regards to board size and other potential boards that I should consider. I have dealers that carry phase 5, liquid force, ronix, and hyperlight in the area. I would also be willing to consider a custom board,but it would be nice to demo it or at least have some idea of how it compares to my current board. Thx

Nose diving has become pretty synonymous with a number of ronix boards. The parks thruster has an exaggerated nose rocker with a lot of flip in the tip to try to eliminate this issue. You are on the boarder line where you might find this board too small. I usually recommend ditching the silly symmetrical plastic fins that come with the board and getting some properly foiled surf fins. The upper third of the parks is very bulky, and most people have a tendency to grab a rail/nose in the lip. That thick nose is not very forgiving, and once caught it is hard to pull out of it. In simpler terms, going larger is not necessarily going to make airs easier, and will likely make them more difficult.

Test ride some other boards.

There are also a number of good demo style events around the country that show case numerous boards and boats.

Depending on where you are at I can probably help with a demo or recommend a local shop to go see.

Nick