Yeah l should have asked this in my other question but meh.

A long board is easier to gt up on, easier to control. You forfeit a lot of maneuverability but for the first day it is worth it.

But as soon as you can catch a wave and stand up you should switch over. Unless you like the pedestrian pace.

Some long boarders can get as much out of their boards as short boarders. Takes tremendous strength and experience though.

Given that you are in Nova Scotia l would recommend that you get up with one of the surf shops up there and see if you can rent a wet suit and soft board to try out (preferably 7-8 foot). You are going to be facing some challenges learning to surf up there and this will give you a chance to see if you are really in it for the long haul before you sink a bunch of money on new equipment.

Better yet attend a surf clinic so you can get some instruction too.

start with a 9'0 seriously then work your way down, if you are on a shorter board it will take you longer to learn , it will be harder to catch the wave, and harder to ride it.

Go long, any minimal or mal will do. Agree that you should hire first and do surf school! Unless you are fully committed and prepared to pay the price to progress.

Go with the long board, it is easier to control and also start with small waves, say 2-3 feet to begin with, stay with this until you mastered the board, once you have try a few tricks, like hang ten, which had putting all ten toes over the front of the board.

Longer is eisier

The long board

Long board for sure. Get at least a 9' board.

No need to go shorter. these days with the new materials and desgins you can ride a long board almost like a short board. they're even riding long boards at Pipeline in Hawaii now!

For some good beginner tips here is a pretty good article:

http://beachtrading.com/learn-how-to-surf.html

Good luck!

LOL!! everybody suggest 9'0.. They Are crap. too big n heavy, too stiff, no manouverability & its just a slow ride into shore.

For beginning to surf of course u need a big board & should b thick n boyant.
If ur under 6ft get a 7'0 mini mal.. if ur over 6'0 get a 7'6- 8'0 Mini Mal.
Its Always Good to Get A Professional Opinion On the Matter, hit up ya local surf shop n ask for a quote on what size board would suit ur body (size, weight etc) & tell them ur a beginner.
Then Down the Track u can get A Thruster

l say 9'0 but you can learn on any size board, the shorter the longer and harder it is to learn, when you learn on a long board you get to get the feeling of surfing.
and the guy above me (cwalk) doesnt know what he is talking about.
there are epoxy boards that are not very heavy and plus who cares if you are having fun! l ride a 10'7 fiberglass thruster and l only weigh 120lbs. l prefer longboarding.