l learnt to surf a few years ago, and have a 9' board currently. l used to go once or twice a year, but now am at uni down in Swansea by some prime surfing bays, and so i'm looking at getting a new board.
Specifically I am looking at a shortboard, about 6'4 - 6'8, as I am looking for a new ride. Is this a wise idea? l snowboard and longboard, and am used to the manouverability of those sorts of short boards.. and when l surf on the board l have at the moment, l find myself wishing it was more responsive, etc.
l am of average ability - l can catch waves, turn, fall off with style when l screw up (lol), etc.
Additionally, being a student l would only afford to keep the one board so keeping both is out of the question!!

Does anyone have any ideas or views on whether it is a good idea for me to get a shortboard??
?!
maybe a fish board??
l forgot to put - although l only used to surf once or twice a year, now im down living on the coast, im hoping to regularly go (weekly)...

hey
How Often You Surf

If u only surf once a year go for a softboard
If u surf intermittently go for either a pop-out, mini-mal or malibu
If u surf 3-4 times a week u can pretty much get on any board u like. Surfing this regularly should see u quickly out of the 'novice surfer' stage for a short boarder.
but if u really wa not a short board go for a 6'-6'5 if u r under 5'10 ur self over 5'10 maybe a 6'6-7'
i;m not saying go for isle but think about getting one similar to these
big guy--http://islesurfboards.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3631
small guy-- http://islesurfboards.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3502

cause you surf fairly recently, go with a board that fits your feel

l made a similar jump a few years ago. l had been surfing for a long time, but only on weekends durring the summer at the jersey shore since connecticut does not get any surf. l was a pretty good long boarder, but wanted something a little more responsive, & easier to keep in my dorm room. l went with a 6'4'' stub fish which worked awesome for me. im about 5 10 & 150 lbs so if ur taller or heavier go with a slightly larger board. when u first switch u will find that its alot harder to catch waves but stay with it. it requires a new style of paddling & being able to read the waves better so u can get moving sooner to build up speed. also shorter boards dont like to ride in the white water as much as long boards do so try & actually catch a real wave, not one thats already broken. just stick with it & learn the rhythm of ur new board. good luck. if u could edit ur question to include the size & type of wave u will be surfing it would be a little easier to give a more accurate answer (small beach break, hollow head high reef break, etc)

l ride a neat custom made fish. l have found that this new fish & a hybrid fish that l do not usually ride anymore to be great boards, but perhaps not the best stick for a casual surfer. When l first started riding a fish, l think l did as much swimming as l did surfing for a couple weeks.

l also do not have a clue what ur normal conditions r at the breaks u will be riding. Go to a good local surf shop, & talk to the folks there who surf that area. they will steer u onto the right stick for ur size, skill level & the local break(s).

borrow a few short boards from friends and see what feels right