Replying to Long boarding question...

So I asked my friend who works at a shop that sells long boards what a good set up for a little sliding and freeriding. His response was "anything sector 9, just buy one". I don't know much about long boarding but I'm almost positive that the design of the board matters, when I asked him he said "are you joking? The board doesn't matter at all it only matters how soft or hard your wheels are". Anyways I just thought I would ask how much the board itself matters, and maybe a suggestion for a set up. Thanks guys.