longboard vs shortboard for learning

Question
I'm looking for a used board for myself (195 lbs) and my two kids to learn and progress on.  I found an ad for a 170 ltr Mistral Malibu, 330 cm long and 61 cm wide, which I believe qualifies it as a longboard.  What is your general opinion on learning the basic skills - turning, planing, harness, footstraps - on a longboard vs a big shortboard?  I expect to be sailing mostly in light winds in my area but would still like to transition to a small shortboard eventually.  Thanks!

Answer
Hey Greg,

That Malibu does qualify as a longboard. It would be an okay board to learn on. It is an old school board and the learning curve is a quite a bit higher than the newer wide style boards. What usually takes 5-10 days on the water for basics on an old school board is now accomplished in 3-6 days on a newer board. The newer wide style boards are much more stable and much easier to learn on. But, if you have plenty of patience and your budget only allows an older style board, then it will work for you. If you are anywhere close to a place offering lessons, it's worth the money to get the first two or three days on the water with an instructor. A good option for no instructor is to get some learning videos. Google Peter Hart for the best instructional beginner videos.

As for the board, just be sure that the seller shows you that all the parts are there and are in good condition. Some older boards have board specific mast bases and are not replaceable. If the mast track is a new type slot that accepts any standard type mast base, then that type of base is replaceable.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover