Found a great response to this in case anyone is struggling with the same: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0ezcyM12b8&ab_channel=SurfSimply

Hi Rick, I started with a Landyachtz Surf Life Birds which I picked after trying all the surf skates in the shop. I liked that it had a more stable feeling front truck, way less wiggly than some of the others. Eventually that became limiting in other ways and I switched to a Carver truck.

I don't agree with the board shop guy saying they are not suitable for ramps. Ramps are fine and bowls are even greater, and if you're doing Ombe stuff park skating (stairs, rails, etc) is not relevant. If he's selling surf skates that can't go down a hill, he's either not familiar with the purpose of a surf skate, or he is selling low quality product and you may be best shopping elsewhere.