After minimal to shortboard

[rospyx]

Hi
Im looking for a new second board. So im surfing for a year now on a 7,4. 21, 2 3/4 evolution board .i can go left and right catching most of the waves i go for. I tried a lost short round for 3 days (6,2. 38,4 ltr). Its thikker than my minimal. The thing is that i had some problems with my paddling and most of all with my pop up as the board felt very unstable and narrow as i tried to stand up. I was trying to find my stance racing down the line. Once i had my feet right i really liked it as i was able to move it up and down a bit and go down the line .
I know that moving from a minimal to a shortboard will be difficult. So whats a good option Should i give it more time, should i get the short round in a bigger size or will a pod mod be more suitable for me or should i go for a more groveller type like the lost puddle jumper? Im really confused !!
I really want to progress!

If yes what size ? Im 6,3 80kg fairly fit
surfiing in 1 to 5 feet waves mellow and punchy.

Thanks a lot

Here are the two boards compared

[Big H]

Stick with the bigger board for now.

[Big H]

Rip that pad off the bigger board so you can get your foot back enough to turn the board....you will amaze yourself.

[waikikikichan]

How about a 6'6" ish Fish ?

I agree with Big H that the pad on the longer board is way too high up. ( and spread out for no reason )

[Lusi]

with your height/weight i would go for a 6'6' hybrid fish or something with high volume'. Also i advice you to learn some good turns in the minimal. My young brother 14 yo went from a 7'0 foamie to my 7'3' minimal and when he was doing some good bottom turns and completely controlled the board he switch to a 6'4'' shortboard now that instability is an advantage to do some tight turns and have more control.

[Big H]

.....now that instability is an advantage to do some tight turns and have more control.

Well observed! When you come to want the instability, a thinner profile, less volume (for a different reason than duck diving), more rocker because it enhances what you're doing then you're on the right track.