Surfing Waves

Hey! I’m a socal surfer who’s looking to buy a shortboard. I generally ride “mini long” 7 ft 6in boards or small guns. I have surfed for about 1.5 years and like steep beach breaks or reef breaks. I surf at least 3 times a week and am looking for an every day shortboard that’s a little progressive. I am 5 ft 6 and 110 pounds. Any suggestions?

Without seeing your current boards, where you surf and how you surf, I would say the answers you're looking for are too varied. You are taller than me by 3 inches and weigh less by 15 lbs. My "go to" short(er) board is a Retro fish 6'4", which has plenty of float yet very maneuverable. I think the fish / swallow tail will be beneficial for beach break. ( versus a pulled in pin tail like a gun )
Why don't you try out your surf buddy's boards to see how you like them. Take notes.

What do you mean by "a little progressive" ? Aren't all short board progressive ?

My suggestion is to support your local shaper. My next board will be from Guy Okazaki. He can make you a custom board specifically for your size and the waves we get here in LA. I almost went to him for a custom but ended up getting a great deal on a Firewire Submoon. I've never ridden one of his boards but they stock his boards at Rider Shack sometimes and I've only heard good things. Go and try it. And let me know what you think! I'd love to hear your experience. I know he's quick to reply to your inquiry.
http://www.guyokazaki.com/

I have been riding one of these lately on smaller waves.....

https://www.cleanlinesurf.com/firewire- ... ertek.html

I like it better than the dominator that I used to have; rails feel less like bumper cars and the tail is not as much of an issue. Dominator in the right conditions was a easy board to surf and a lot of fun......Im finding this one is the same only the conditions are a little expanded and it responds a little more sharpish.

That said, I personally would not recommend going from a 7.6 to a shortboard.....at your size you can still pop up with your toes, and how you hold your body on the board to catch a wave is different.....you need a tweener board before going too short to develop skills and feel without wasting the time you will if you jump down too quick. Look for a 6'10" or 7' board would be my suggestion in a pointy nose fun shape. You'll definitely feel the difference and the board will be lively enough for you, and again, you won't waste time foundering around both trying to get and once on the wave.