Longboarder interested in going shorter... advice?

[Jason_SoCalif]

Hi all,

I am a relatively new surfer, been doing it about a year now, the whole time on a 9'6" modern longboard. (I'm 6'2" about 175 lbs). I am interested in trying to move to a shorter board, really want to try putting more turns and moves into my repertoire. Any advice on what my next move should be? I guess I'm thinking either like a 7'6" or 7'8" funshape or a "big guy" shortboard, something like 6'8" x 20" x 2 7/8"... what do you all think? Is a funshape a lame way to go? I've never surfed one... My only concern about a real shortboard is that I simply may not be able to surf it!

How different is shortboarding vs longboarding... is it all in how "squirrley" the board is under your feet or is it totally different? I do intend to rent a shortboard to get an idea before I buy anything, but I'd appreciate anyone's input...

thanks,
Jason in California

[deathfrog]

Your first thought is, "Whered the board go?". They have little float (or the potato chip boards do) but go for a funboard, they have turning ability, and you won't look so weird carying around a big guy shortboard, or make your own pumped up boards!