Beginner's board, tall preteen girl, Mediterranean

[xali]

Hello,
I'm on the market for a beginner's soft board for my 11-year-old granddaughter. I thought for her level, height and weight, an 8' was standard but I'm getting conflicting information, with some merchants insisting a 6' one (7' tops would be best), while others advise an 8', which is what they have for beginners. Although she's only 11, she is 5'5'' (165 cm) and weighs about 145 lb (65 kg) (my guess), therefore she has adult dimensions. She swims and bikes regularly but is not terribly fit. She's been bodyboarding in the summer for several years. And this would be her very first beginner's surfboard. The surf location is Ibiza (Spain) in the Mediterranean Sea, so small waves. I'd love to hear what you all have to say. Thanks!

[dtc]

The difficulty with kids is getting a board that is big enough to make things easier but not so big that they cant control it in white water and paddling out etc

I would think at this stage either a 7 or 8 foot board is suitable. I'm 6ft and a 9ft board is probably the recommended beginner board for me, so having an 8ft board for a 5ft5 person isn't a big deal. (can you find any 7ft6?)

If she is only going to surf now and then over summer holidays, I would probably go with an 8ft. If nothing else, if the 8ft will continue to be a suitable board right through her teens. 7ft might get a bit small over the years; plus in the small waves at Ibiza the bigger the board the better.

Very much recommend against a 6ft board. Would be very hard to surf in Ibiza

[xali]

Thanks so much, dtc. That's great advice.