Good description right there Eric, think you would be spot on. I havnt ridden the Bonga but have the 9 6" this board is a little ripper on the waves

it does roundhouse cutbacks nearly as good as a shortboard, holds and gathers speed if you pump and weave it like a 6 6" surfboard (maybe faster) and catch's waves as good as my 11 6", but it is a handfull to paddle in windy or choppy conditions (105kgs) . As casso said with this board "try not to fight it" and you will soon get used to paddling it
