board choice

Question
Hi Patrick, I'm 186-190 lbs, 6 ft, about 1 year of experience, getting used to harness, mostly used rental boards in the 150-170 L range. Had a one-time experience w/ a 133L board planing on it in flat water conditions, but could not handle it well on tacks and gybes, too tippy.
Now I'm looking to buy my own board and have a dilemma, 130 L or 145 L. The 145L will feel comfortable, esp in my current conditions that are mostly choppy. The 130L is really challenging so I'll learn smth, and I guess will be more fun w/ bigger winds (but they happen here only about twice a month).
From your experience, will I feel a big difference btw 130L and 145L in 15-20 winds while planing? I.e. is it worth struggling w/ the 130L in chop or go w/ the allrounder 145L?
Many thanks! Max

Answer
Go with the 145L.  You will have a lot more fun with it.  Once you become more proficient you will probably want an additional smaller board for high wind. The 145 will be your light wind board and you will always get a lot of use out of it.  I weigh 145lbs and my light wind board is 140L and I love it.  When wind picks up I use my 120L and for really strong wind I go down to my 85L board.