There are a lot of different variables at play when looking at waves. If you're dead set on only surfing Tourmaline then a longboard is your best option since that's about the mellowest/softest wave in San Diego county. Old Mans up at San Onofre is even more forgiving for beginners but that's an hour away. La Jolla Shores and the San Elijo area up in Cardiff are also relatively mellow but not as much as Tourmaline.
The waves get steeper the further south you go from Tourmaline. Your new board will work well at the pumphouse, which is the next set of peaks south of the tourmaline parking lot. It's still generally pretty mellow but steeper than Tourmaline. Lots of variables will determine the quality of those waves. PB doesn't handle long period swells very well, it's best on mid period and can be quite fun on big wind swell (short period) days. Tide is also important, it's going to close out more on low tides and less so on higher tides. When you add in the conditions of the sand bars and the wind you're suddenly performing multi-variable calculus to determine whether it'll be good or not.
Just keep paddling the new board and get mileage on it. It's not a linear progression, it'll happen gradually and some days you'll feel like you're not progressing, others you'll feel like you're really coming along. The only better way to improve your surfing is going surfing.
God created skis and surfboards to keep the truly gifted from ruling the world.
Bookmarks