Hi all. Wanted to introduce myself - just started surfing last week and have found some great advice on this forum. I'm 41 yrs old, 6'1" (185 cm) and 215 lbs (98 kg) and very lucky to live in San Diego and able to surf 3-4 days a week before work. I'm reasonably fit and I've been SUP-surfing for 5 years now (progressed from a 12' SUP to a 7'10"). I just felt an urge to mix it up and surf (plus the surfers at the local break needed a laugh watching me flail about).
I've been practicing on a 7'x23"x3" round tail fish and haven't had a clean popup yet but I know it takes time. I'm doing dry land popups every day for strength and muscle memory. I do own a 10'2" longboard - I think I'll give it a go since the waves are small and weak lately. Hopefully it gives me a higher wave count as well for more practice.
Nice to "meet" everyone!