New shortboard...???

[DavyJones]

I have a small car and a little apartment. I want to start riding shorties.

I have a few questions and hopefully you guys can help me out choosing a "beginner shortie".

I am a male standing at 5'4". I weigh 165 LBs but am trying to slim down to 145-150 in the next 6 months. I consider myself as a little overweight and "stocky" for my height and frame. I will be surfing Socal conditions.

1) What kind of tail is good for a beginner shortie? Round? Squash? Swallow?
2) Which fin system is best for a beginner shortie? Thruster? 4 or 5 fin?
3) Should I consider a shortie on the taller/wider side of the size spectrum for more foam volume (float and therefore easier learning curve) since its a beginner shortie?
4) Can someone suggest an approximate size range for a shortie based upon my stats? (ex. 5'4"-6'0")

Anything else about shorties I should know before I commit to buying my first shortie? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Lebowski]

If you are determined to base your surfboard size on whether it fits in your car/apartment, then I'd suggest the largest shortboard you can find. I wouldn't worry about tail shape or fin set up too much. What you need is to maximise volume, which means as long/wide/thick as you can.

[dtc]

Have you surfed before?

I have to say, buying a board because it 'fits' your car is like buying children's clothes because you can fit more of them in your backpack while hiking. Its true; but its not much use when you want to change your clothes. In other words, buy the board that fits your skill, not your car.

[tony g]

I agree that you will need maximum volume. I would consider a fish or a wider template shortboard. It is hard to give good advice not knowing where your skill level is at. I will also say that it is much easier to learn on a longboard than a short board. Hope that helps!

[IB_Surfer]

My bud can fit a 6'10 fish in his older accord