is this worth it?

Go for it!

 

Perfect. Make the call. Buy it.

 

Yes get that hotline and try for 200.. You'll have more fun on it too.

Totally not worth it for the first board- check out the traction pad layout... That alone would stop me from getting!

 

Is it worth it ?
Maybe the better question is "what are you looking for?" How long have you been surfing and what are your abilities?
A good board for a guy your size if you just want to learn to catch a wave and stand up is different than a good board if you are a bit further along on the learning curve.
Also where are you planning to surf?
That Hotline wouldn't be a bad as a board to learn on. If you can already surf this quad might be a good choice.

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/4485545320.html

Austin makes solid boards, probably not the most hi perf but well built and - at 6'4" x 22 x 2 3/4 there is plenty of volume to float you.

Jim