Surfing Waves

My Background:

160 lbs 5' 9'' athletic build. I play soccer, lift weights, and compete/teach in rock climbing. I am now living in San diego and want to start short boarding and surfing more aggressively.

I have surfed before and last time was on a 7' 6'' and catching green waves by myself and could do some moderate turning, nothing crazy.

So question now is, if my goal is to learn to shortboard and I will be surfing 4-5 times a week for the next 3 months if not more (I surf before work!) what board should I get?

I am a total board newbie. Any advice is greatly appreciated and if you have questions about rock climbing gear id be happy to help

I'm assuming you have read around and understand the issues of going shorter at your level.

Getting a board made for you will be the best solution but the most expensive.

Otherwise, have a look at the 1970s retro style boards - not too long (under 7ft), widish and thick and flatter rocker. Like a fish in many ways. Often they are called 'egg' surfboard. Such as these (but there are plenty of others):

http://www.bearsurfboards.com.au/Bear_S ... Retro.html

http://www.markrichardssurfboards.com/b ... saucer.php

http://www.joshhallsurfboards.com/pointed-nose-egg.html

Or get a fish board.

This style of board will make a reasonable board for you. Yes its not a full high performance shortboard but its got a fair bit of performance. Basically they carry a bit of foam (thickness and width) around the middle to chest area of the board, to float you and help out with paddling and wave catching plus a flat rocker for the same thing.

Your other option is just to take the plunge and see whether you can manage a 'full on' shortboard. Probably it will be difficult and frustrating but if you can commit to 5 times a week for 3 months without giving up, you should be able to do it. its not impossible, its just a matter of whether you want to have enjoyable sessions now and potentially then buy a new board, or have a longer learning curve.

There are plenty of shortboards out there, I suggest going to a store (or craigslist) and picking up a second hand one around 6ft4 or so and giving it a go. if you dont like it, you can trade it back (this is probably why its being sold in the first place...) and try something different.