ive surfed a few times in hawaii and wanna really get into the sport. l live in Victoria BC and would be surfing in tofino. l was just wondering if it is possible that ill be able to learn on a short board like 6 foot 5 or shorter. Im pretty in shape if that helps too.

Yeah, of course. It really does not matter what kind of board you learn to surf on.

But if you are just beginning, a long board might be a bit easier.

If l were you, l would start on a long board, until you get more confident on it, then if you feel you are good enough, then you can go to a short board, or Thruster as they are called. Learning to surf is much easier on a long board then a short board.

seriously, you really can its a lot easier on a 9 ft log or something like a 7 ft fun board (if you wanna go short). l mean l learned to stand on a 9 foot log and leared everything else on a 6 foot.
and its kinda frustrating at first then you finally get the hang of it.
Not recomended but
It teaches tolerance.

Well, that is not always the best ''starting Point & getting a bad start can leave u discouraged. Surfing is way too much fun to pass up, if u take the time to leran the right way.

Surfing is an actvity that should only be practiced by someone who is comfortable in the ocean, with its rips, currents, & sometimes BIG waves.There r already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves & other surfers. Do not join their ranks.

Lessons r the best way to start, unless u r a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach u . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up do not want to drown you), how to paddle & take off on a wave, & how to ride a wave. Be very careful of what u read here on line. Some of the folks who answer on this site r very nice young folks, but not really very experienced surfers. In fact some of the folks who r giving u advice may not know as much about surfing as u do. After l found this site, l figured that l could answer a few questions, & spread the 'good news' of surfing.

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. A board has to be bouyant enough to float u well enough for u to paddle & take off on a wave. A surfer is board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them how much u weigh is what is important, not how tall u are), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) & the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.

l have been surfing for 42 years, & l get my surfboard buying advice from good local surf shops in the places where l surf. Beginners should not even worry about buying a board. renting a board (either from the instructor or shop) while taking lessons is the best way to go. And do not be fooled into a buying a surfboard on line. You do not know enough yet, & will only end up disappointed. Once u have mastered the basics, try a couple different types/styles of boards, & then decide what u want to buy. Surfboards r a big investment.

Good luck! (And is not it awful cold up there right now?)