need tips on how to get on my 5'8 board

[XxxPho69xxX]

i am 5'6 weights 160 pounds. I ain't fat. it is all muscles heheh anyways my last board was a 5'11 and i had no problem riding it. but my new board is 5'8 and i am having hella of a time getting my feet on it. does anyone have any good idea?

my main problem is that when i pop up, i find my back foot missing the board and go into the water. when i move my body toward the nose, i dive straight into the water. errr.. ..

one last thing.. When you pop up do you grab the rail then push?? or do you push up with flat hands on board?

Thank you so much guys