Surfing Waves

I've been surfing a few times before, always on a big softop. I got up on the wace fine, no ballance problems or anything, and i am loooking to get a new board as I'll be going more frequently this summer (once every week or two) nd i want to purchase me a board!
So my question is, how impotant is it to buy something like a mini-mal for your first board? I'm leaning towards more of a shortboard, but not sure how difficult it will be to progress on one.
What do you guys think?
I'm 5' 6", 145, and pretty athletic, im very active.
And i tend to pick things up quickly, so?
are shortboards impossible if you're not already a regular surfer?

There a a gizillion threads on here about this, everyone is going to tell you something different! Generally, longer, fatter and wider boards are easier to learn on, but a beginner can very easily learn on a shortboard and progress quickly. There is no definite answer. My only advice is to use the search option and have a look what has already been said on this board.

Heres a round up for buying your first board - https://surfing-waves.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2305

Its all about how you intend to proceed really...