Hi Billekrub,
I've got an Exocet 11'8" which I mainly use to windsurf in offshore winds at local beach.
It's a big board and best session Ive ever had was at local surf beach about 8 - 10 knots cross shore with shoulder high sets using 5 batten 7.5m and centerboard was handy to crank upwind to the takeoff spot. Being a big board, you had to stomp on the rail to turn but still awesome fun. Its also fun in marginal onshore, and first board that I supped in waves. In terms of supping it will catch anything but moved to smaller surf shape board.
I used to wave sail dtl Taranaki before having family so understand how to ride the wave and so many variables to have the ultimate board for you and the conditions that you sail in.
When my mate got hooked on foiling I brought his Kona 10'5" (no centerboard) and I've had great sessions on that in 15-20 knots cross - onshore and head high plus sets, with the step tail they sail like a much shorter board. Great back hand turns but front side bottom turns you had big nose to get around.
If I was living in Taranaki I would like to try the Sealion but then Smik would be best choice of custom board