l live in San Diego and l wanna learn how to surf. l just need to know what size surfboard should l buy. Im about 6'2, maybe a little taller and around 170-180. l wanna get a short board.

id say about a 6'3 (minimum)
prob a 6'4-6'5 though

You can get these ones that are especially for learning, there a bit wider but still a surfboard.

best way is whatever your height is add 2 to 4 inches and you should be right.

if you're just learning to surf you ideally need a mini mal about 7-8 foot

well, if you just learning how to surf, you might want to start off with a bigger board. it makes it a lot easier and you learn how to surf faster. l learned on a shortboard and it was extremely hard and took a lot of time. but if you want, go ahead and learn on a shortboard. for the size of the shortboard, you should get something atleast 6'4 but go to a local surf shop and the guys there will get you the right board and equipment for you. have fun surfing!

If you are just learning- Do not listen to these previous . You will learn alot slower on a shortboard, pick up bad habits and have no fun.

Start on a good longboard and after surfing for about a year- year 1/2 then go buy a shortboard.

The Surfboard Man
http://thesurfboardman.com/

The best advice can be found at at surf shop. But before investing your money on a board, sign up for a few lessons. Your instructor will recommend a size for you. It is not just the length, but the width and thickness needed to carry your weight.

well theres a difference because you can get a fun shape or a short board so if you want a short board then you should get like a 6'6 6'4 size SHORT board and make sure you get it from a well known surf shop and make sure it is not a pop-out!!!!!!!

Be careful of what u read here on line. After l found this site, l figured that l could answer a few questions, & spread the 'good news' of surfing. l started surfing in 1966, & it has been a constant source of pleasure since. After u learn to swim & master the ocean, get ur REAL advice from a surf shop. However, if they think u r just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, u wo not necessarily get the best attention.

Most people learn best on long boards, although l have seen lots of surfers start on a short board & master it. In the long run, there r NO RULES on what type of board u have to learn on. Long boards r ideal for learners. There r also good intermediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals & some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops).

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. l have been surfing since 1966 & l get my surfboard advice at good local shops at the places where l surf. The pros there can give u the right !! There is no way anyone could accurately recommend any particular surfboard for u on line. But the folks at the local shop know the local wave conditions, & can match ur size & skill level with the right board for local waves.

Good luck!