Surfing Waves

So I am new to surfing as I have only been doing it about 3 months. I started out on a longboard and after a little practice decided to get a short board because the longboard I had was a pain to store in my tiny apartment and I am more interested in surfing with a shortboard as well.
I recently got myself a 6' 6'' cole shortboard threw a trade and am having trouble making it out to the fun on this thing. It seems like I paddle my arms off and don't go anywhere as other surfers paddle by me like I'm standing still.

Am I too heavy for this board? Like I said I'm new to surfing but It seems to be the most logical answer.

also how can you tell weight wise what a board is rated for?

If you have to ask, then yes the board is too small for you.

brownwater wrote:So I am new to surfing as I have only been doing it about 3 months.
Am I too heavy for this board?

Unless you are surfing every day then 3 months is way way too early to have a board the size you have. I suspect that unless you are 15 stone plus (as you haven't actually told us how heavy you are) you are not too heavy for the board its just that the board is too advanced/small for you current skill level. Get a bigger board.

KS

I weigh about 11 stone my board is 6'5''x20x2' 1/2'' and very tapered on the nose. I live right off the beach so I have been going out 4-5 times a week since I started surfing. I have no problems getting up and balancing on the board after catching a wave but getting out there is very dificult on this board. I'm a really strong swimmer but it feels like I'm trying to swim up a river on this thing.
I have no problem with getting a larger board that fits my curent skill level but I don't want to get another shortboard down the road when I'm ready and find out it was the board not me.
also I live in the gulf of mexico so there is on average only about 5-6 seconds between waves which is another aspect I'm fighting.

I would recommend a bit bigger for a few more months...or grind it out and learn to surf it.
At 11 stone, you should be able to surf a much smaller board...when your skills are polished.

Here are my tips if you are gonna stick with your stick:
1. learn to duck dive..really learn...search site for related threads
2. lay right..legs straight, feet touching or crossed, head up, front weight on chest.
3. don't flail...smooth reaching fore strokes that enter water with minimal splash.
4. smooth deep paddling, stroking under the board in a slight C motion.
5. BE IN THE RIGHT SPOT ON THE BOARD. This alone and waste all the good technique. If you are to forward the nose will plow or go under...if you are to back, the nose will be high out of the water and sinking the back...much drag.
Be persistent..3 months is a drop in time...it is not an easy activity!
keep the stoke