l can get up on a longer board (9' or above), but when it comes to smaller boards l can not catch the wave.l think its because l can not paddle fast enough because more of my feet are in the water and the board is less buoyant.Is this the case? If so, what should l work out so l can paddle better?? Thanks

there could be a few reasons why u can not catch waves on a shortboard so l will just list the problem & what to do about it:

1. You could be too far back on the board which means you've got a lot of drag as well as not enough weight on the front of the board for it too go down the face of the wave. Scootch up on ur board, the nose should either be anywhere to a couple inches above the water or at the level of the water. Just watch some other shortboarders & see where they r on ur boards. If the nose scoops up water while you're paddeling & u slide off the front & the board shoots out behind you, you're up too far.

2. u might be paddling for the waves & stop paddling rright before you're completely in it, that is a pretty common mistake that not just new surfers do. So when you're paddling for the wave, paddle like 10 seconds before u anticiapte it to get to you, then just keep paddling WITH YOUR CHIN UP! If u put it down it is gonna be a lot harder. Right when u feel that little push from behind, kind of push ur head down with the motion of the wave & pop up before u pearl. Some people have different ways of doing this, that is just my way & it works out pretty ill.

3. maybe you're just sitting out too far. Kinda hang out in the neutral area of the lineup, not in the front, not aaaall the way in the back, just kind of in the middle, but do not cut anynone off & stay out of the way when people catch waves & u should be fine.

4. you're too big for the board you're riding whether it be cuz you're a bit too heavy or too tall or whatever. Go to a surf shop & they can help u figure out what size board you'd need.

As for working out ur arms for surfing, I've never done it & never had the need to, once u get it down how to catch waves on a shortboard u should be good. Also remember, every spot is different & the wave could just be mushy or it just breaks steep & so later than u thought it would break. Get to know the spot where u surf & that in itself should make life easier.

peace.

Yeah Phil is pretty right!
But it is more difficult to catch waves on a shorter board. You could try paddling a bit earlier also and get some speed up, plus l do workout with my upper body specifically for this reason. l surf a very busy break (Snapper Rocks) and it helps stamina and speed. Use light weight dumbells (6-10kgs) with heaps of reps. l also swim which helps.

Phil gave a great answer.

The Surfboard Man
http://thesurfboardman.com/

Shortboards are harder to paddle due to the pointed nose design. Another thing is keep your feet out of the water by bending your knees slightly. That will stop the drag your feet create.