I have been looking to buy a surfboard. I was going to get a shortboard and was looking at the rusty hustler.?

The rusty hustler is a great shape. Lots of pro's ride it and I have seen guys at my local break surf well on it. Weather its right for you is another story. If you can surf and catch waves on a longboard or funshape then you may be ready for this board. I would say that you should be a board at least 5'11" and 2" - 2 1/4" thick , only though if you are actually ready for this type of board. If you have not at least mastered a longboard or funshape to the point where you can easily catch waves and manuver about the lineup then I would recommend that you do not spend money on a board that will make it nearly impossible for you to surf on.

I know a lot of guys that ride boards shorter than them but they ride fast beach breaks and know what their doing, I'm 5' 9" and ride a 6' 8" to 7' 4" performance shape, like a longer short board shape, it depends a lot on if you ride beach or reef breaks, see if you can try out a couple different boards before you buy one, check out what other guys are riding

I ride a longboard all the time and have more control than most shortboarders in the water. Since you are a beginner I would stay with a longer board.