Question about first board size

[Khrazer]

Hi!

Im thinking on learning to surf and buy a surfboard, however Im undecided about the length.
I'm a short guy with 165cm tall (5'4 feet) and weigh 62kg (136lbs). Some charts I find online say I should buy a 7' board, but the other ones point to a 8'. I don't want to buy a board too big (I did that with a bodyboard and now I have to buy another), but Ive read that a board too small can be somewhat difficult to start learning.

Does anyone have an opinion/any tips?

[jaffa1949]

Moved you to surfboard advice, have read here. Between 7 and 8 foot a good basicfunboard shape.
Why ot have a few lesson or a rent before you buy!

[oldmansurfer]

Try surfing on your bodyboard I also recommend you rent a board to start off with and see what works for you. In surfing the usual mistake is to get a board that is too small to start with.

[Khrazer]

Try surfing on your bodyboard I also recommend you rent a board to start off with and see what works for you. In surfing the usual mistake is to get a board that is too small to start with.

Tried it. didn't go well :p
I've rented a board last year , but I don't remember what size it was. (I also could barely stand up. it was just for fun, really)

[waikikikichan]

I've rented a board last year , but I don't remember what size it was.

Without clear pertinent information, we can't give clear answers. Was the board you rented the same height as you ? Way over your head ? Basically your asking "Can you help me find my car keys". We say "where'd you last have them ?". You - "I dunno ?". Us - "In the living room ? In the kitchen?". You- "Maybe at home, maybe at work". We're just going to go round in circles.
Learn on a 9 footer. Get you paddling and catching skills up. Rent then buy if needed.
Then after you start to do slight turns front and backside THEN think about a 8 footer. A 7 footer should be your 3rd or 4th purchase way way down the road after you can do all the basic surfing maneuvers.