Welcome to the forum.
When you are learning (Like me) the bigger the better, basically the bigger the board the easier it will catch a wave and wave time is what you need to learn.
If the waves have no force behind them then you will struggle to get up and this can really knock ya confidence if you don't realise it not you it the wave. Do like your doing and look round to see what others are using, this doesn't always work as they might be clueless but sometimes it helps. But big is better.
I'm sure AW will be able to help ya out about some pubs.
Enjoy it fella.
