there's a demo (5'6", i think) at heritage in oc. haven't ridden it myself, but it looks like it would work pretty well.
got one shaped, i call it a simms inspired but it looks just like the plank. its a 5' 7". Im having a blast surfing it. the speed it can self generate is amazing. i have surfed my share of fish shapes, but this will be my go to board. paddles easy and catches with no problem. only difference its a twinzer, also got brian to put a 5th fin box in for a nubster if needed for alittle more bite. very happy and would recommend this type of board, a must for eastcoast, just my two-cents$$
thanks for the info guys. i called the OC shop last week to try and demo it, but they said it is out for 2-3 weeks for "repair". might give em a try this week to see if its back. jimmycrab, everything ive read over the past few weeks about these boards is pretty much exactly what you described. sounds like it is a go.