Surfing Waves

After moving for college I'm finally in a spot where I can get my own board and actually use it. I usually surf 2-3 but I usually just use whatever I can from my friends or rental shops so I'm not sure what would be best for me. I am 4'11 and about 100 pounds. I like to ride 9' and up but it is very hard for me to maneuver outside the water. I'm looking for what would be manageable with my size and also a good time in the water any advice?

Probably something like a 7' mini mal would be about right.

If you are not turning backside yet, sticking with the 3 feet over your head recommendation, 7'10" to 8'2" sounds good.
If you can already backside bottom turn and do small cutbacks, then you can go 7'6"-ish.
If you like "classic" style noseriding and dropknee turns, then go 8'6"