DIFFERENT SURFBOARD SHAPES

i need help on surfboards?

i have been surfing on holiday recently and i have really been enjoying it but i have been thinking of buying a board so i don’t have to rent (7-8 ft sponge boards) i know how to surf i can get on my feet, turn, surf on the face of the wave and that but i would like to use a shorter board. i have looked at boards but there are so many shapes and sizes i don’t know were to start.
do the different shaped boards do different things?
i just need some tips on different styles of surfboards thanks

What you need a surfboard that floats you well enough to paddle and catch a wave at your PRESENT SKILL LEVEL at YOUR PRESENT SIZE. We don’t know anywhere near enough about you, or where you surf. And, we don’t have any opportunity for dialogue. And you need to be perfectly honest about your actual ability.

Don’t waste your time on line, we don’t know anywhere nearly enough about you, or where you surf, how well you surf and we don’t have an opportunity to discuss these things with you. We aren’t your surfing buddies, we don’t necessarily surf where you or know anybody who does. Go to a good local surf shop (or a shop where ever you usually surf) and discuss your options with the folks in the shop. They can give you far better advice than anybody out here in ‘cyberspace’.

I also belive that you should avoid buying any board made in a throd world country sweat shop (although they tend to be big sellers in the UK). Here is a list of some of them: http://bp3.blogger.com/_hPACOtZKKko/RkSTwhvv9kI/AAAAAAAAAfg/QMqBFAtXzQ4/s1600-h/chinaboards.jpg.

Please avoid ALL popouts:
http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

IBe careful about taking on-line advice from kids who may know less about surfing than you do, and the internet phonies.

Anybody who recommends a specific size or design of a surfboard to a stranger on line is foolish. Anybody who would take that advice is MORE foolish.

This link describes several types of boards: http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-types.html?Itemid=51
In the US, we use the term fun board or fun shape synomymous with mini-mal (mini0malibu). Longboards and funboards are very user friendly and popoular with beginners.

Good luck with your selection. I have been surfing since 1966, and it has been a lifetime of fun for me

How to Shape a Surfboard : How to Shape the Bottom of a Surfboard