Surfing Waves

I have a small car and a little apartment. I want to start riding shorties.

I have a few questions and hopefully you guys can help me out choosing a "beginner shortie".

I am a male standing at 5'4". I weigh 165 LBs but am trying to slim down to 145-150 in the next 6 months. I consider myself as a little overweight and "stocky" for my height and frame. I will be surfing Socal conditions.

1) What kind of tail is good for a beginner shortie? Round? Squash? Swallow?
2) Which fin system is best for a beginner shortie? Thruster? 4 or 5 fin?
3) Should I consider a shortie on the taller/wider side of the size spectrum for more foam volume (float and therefore easier learning curve) since its a beginner shortie?
4) Can someone suggest an approximate size range for a shortie based upon my stats? (ex. 5'4"-6'0")

Anything else about shorties I should know before I commit to buying my first shortie? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

If you are determined to base your surfboard size on whether it fits in your car/apartment, then I'd suggest the largest shortboard you can find. I wouldn't worry about tail shape or fin set up too much. What you need is to maximise volume, which means as long/wide/thick as you can.

Have you surfed before?

I have to say, buying a board because it 'fits' your car is like buying children's clothes because you can fit more of them in your backpack while hiking. Its true; but its not much use when you want to change your clothes. In other words, buy the board that fits your skill, not your car.

I agree that you will need maximum volume. I would consider a fish or a wider template shortboard. It is hard to give good advice not knowing where your skill level is at. I will also say that it is much easier to learn on a longboard than a short board. Hope that helps!

My bud can fit a 6'10 fish in his older accord