Surfing Waves

OK i'm new to surfing and i've been recommended a long board as my first board, but i want to be able to move ore freely on the waves i ride, so i'm guessing a shortboard will be more suitable for me.

I'm 6 ft maybe 6ft 1
I weigh 190 pounds
and i've been looking for a 6ft,8 board and a 7ft board

is that the right height for my size, and weight?

thanks in advance.

In a word.....NO!

Take the advise you have been given start on a long(ish) board. If you don't want to buy rent or borrow one to begin with.

when you are ready to move down... that would sound about right for your size....
maybe try renting or borrowing a few different boards first and you'll see why these boards won't be suitable....
longer wider boards catch waves much easier and are way more stable for standing on..

if you think you're just going to go out there and move "freely" on the waves you are in for a very humbling experience.. takes longer to learn to surf than any other sport you've ever tried... months to get past the beginner stage and years to get good.
despite being the hardest sport to learn it is by miles the most fun you can have without getting arrested...! enjoy!!!!

go short if you want, but don't cry around then, just push your limits

thanks for the comments, and i don't expect me to just go out there and be good.

I do skateboarding and skimboarding, (does this have any advantage when i switch to surfing?)

thanks again

Skateboarding...maybe balancing and stuff.

skimboarding is good, I think most beginner surfers are too stupid do keep standing when they finally managed to pop up, but if you're good at skimboarding, that part should work.

Most people I know cannot skim for xxxxx and its the same with surfing, so yes, advantage there.

just go with a standard fish will be ok...