what to make? first time shaping

i am taking a surfboard shaping class at my school. we need to figure out what kind of board to shape. i am starting with a 8'4" blank and want some kind of "mini longboard thingy". moderate surf skills, usually surf 2-6 ft waves in so cal. little to no knowledge of board types. any help?

Well, I just wanted to say that I think you're going to a real cool school where they have modelling boards as part of their package.

Thanks, i go to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo