PTWoody said...
The 11'2" Blend is a really good first board for the purposes you describe. They come up for sale every now and again. Another, similar but better performing board in the Starboard range is the 10'5" Drive. There's one in the Buy & Sell in WA. I have no connection to that board or the seller, I'm just pointing it out for you.
I'm interested in your comparison of these boards. Why do you say the Drive is a better performer???