I was only looking at a Devon Howard board while having a chat to Neil from Cooly/Alex...etc surf this morning.
That is a great looking board. The planshape, fabric inlay and resin tint and pinlines are the tits. Even the name.
With those skills on hand you don't need to buy squat.

Reminds me very much of my Diverse GM 7'6" which was a brilliant board, especially in sizier waves.