Surfing Waves

Due to lack of funds I am probably going to have to start on a shortboard.I am an intermediate surfer and this will be my first board.
I have taken lessons on foamies and I have often rented Mini-Mals/Funboards and I am planning to rent a shortboard for a day to get the
feel of one.I am 6'1,12 stone and will be riding 4-8 foot swells.Any tips or help would be appreciated.

Cillian, if I read your first sentence correctly you wish to have a wider range of boards to choose from but funding is your reason for considering a short board.

I would consider all your reasons but I would seriously look at secondhand boards that would give you a greater range to choose from within your budget.
Your idea of renting a short board is good, certainly look to one with some volume, a low volume job will not enhance the experience.
You say you are an intermediate level surfer, how did you decide this?
What can you do on a wave? as this is a tool to help you choose your board.
I'm always curious about this as in some cases it's a surfer being humble and in others an overestimation.

Lots of help out here you've asked. Answers on the way.

I had a look at your other posts, interesting choice of board!

As far as experience I can catch about 90% of wave I go for,ride the face, bottom turn ,I can stay in the power part of the wave.
I probably confused you by saying: "Due to lack of funds I am probably going to have to start on a shortboard".I forgot to say that most of the second hand boards in my local surf shop are shortboards.

Looks like you might be on the money with that one you're looking at If you feel it's well made then after you've rented a similar size shorty for a couple of surf and like it. Go for it. Let the forum know how your journey unfolds.It will help other people in the same way.