new board too long?

Question
i just bought a new board, option redline 163.  i snowboard mainly in the northwest, and sometimes in tahoe area, freeride stuff, some jumps here and there.  i weigh 185 and am 5`9"...i was wondering if a board like that is the right size for a person of my height and weight.  i was riding a 151 for the longest time and was laughed at by the shop dudes for riding something so small.  anyway, they said a 163 would be right for me...i just wanted a second opinion.
N8dogg

Answer
151 is pretty small but 163 is pretty long if you're a new rider it gets pretty speedy in the Cascade cement and sometimes hard to control if your edges aren't sharp.  I don't think it's going to be a prob if you keep your edges nice and sharp you probably don't have to worry so much in tahoe.