Surfing Waves

I am an experienced snowboarder and I would like to start surfing. Ive tried it a few times when I was in Mexico. I used a 9' longboard and a 8' something longboard. I found these good to start on but by the end of my trip I found them slow, heavy and a pain to catch bigger waves with. I am 5'9" and 165 pounds. I live in Vancouver so I will be surfing Vancouver Island and possibly Washington and Orgeon. I am thinking of getting a board in the 6'5" range, what do you all think would be a good board for me?

I've always heard that for a beginning surfer a board 14" or so longer that you should be used. Even 8-9'. Even if you snowboard, it still takes practice. This is liquid water, not icy water. :wink: Nice to see someone nearby. I live three or so hours from Vancouver down by Tacoma.

well how long have you surfed so far....

if it hasnt been all that long, i would suggest renting a longboard a few more times then getting a 6'6 board