Downsize to a mid-length ~7'-8'. Find a boart with less rounded dimensions on the nose, sumtin pointy. Foam rises to the top, should be ez to duck dive as long as the width is enough (don't go skinny on your boart choice)
If you can catch a ton of waves on the 8 foot, maybe you could downsize to a 7 foot hard-board, like an egg or something. Like Unfurled said, don't go narrow or too thin or you won't be able to catch waves on it.