5'2 female wanting to buy used surfboard (7'6)

[emcgraw]

Hi I started surfing about a month ago. I started with a 10 foot foamie, then moved down to a 9 foot foamie and was surfing the 9 foot foamie in waves 1-2 feet to 4-5 feet. Last week I tried my friend's 9 foot epoxy board in 1-2 feet waves which I was able to surf. The problem with all of these boards is that I cannot get my arm around them while walking to the beach/getting in the water which means that when I am in the water my arms don't reach very well over the sides to paddle well either. I also feel like when I am trying to turn I can feel that the board is too large/heavy under my feet.

My weight is 120 pounds, my height is 5 feet 2 inches, and I have a good fitness level.
I am looking to buy an everyday rider that will be a little bit easier maneuver than any of the longboards I have been using so wanted to get a funboard...

I found a used Dolsey with a swallow tail that is 7'6 x 21 1/2" x 2 3/4"
My main concerns are: will 7'6 be large enough for me to still catch waves? will I be able to catch waves that are only 1-2 or 2-3 feet so that it is more of an everyday rider? is the swallow tail too hard for beginners?

[Lebowski]

7'6 will be fine. It will be a bit harder to catch waves but much easier to handle generally, in and out of the water.

Tail shape is irrelevant at your stage. The downside of a swallow tail is that it's easier to damage.

[waikikikichan]

Only been surfing for a month ? You are making a mistake to go down in size too early. I would say you could “try” using a 7’6” after a year of riding and learning the basics on a 9’0”. The basic fundamentals that allow you to turn a longer board easily will help you later on when you do go down to a Fun board, then Hybrid, then Fish, etc.

Question, how do you carry your board ? Deck facing the body or away ? Fin(s) in front or back as you’re walking ?

By the way, I’m 5’3” 125lbs.

[Nosarakook]

I'm not a very good surfer myself but I'm around the same size as you (5' and 115 lbs) and I'm fine on a 7' Dolsey hardboard - I tried one out last weekend. I was able to get my arm around it too, unlike my 7' foamie! I say try renting one and see how it feels. If you carry it with the waxed side towards you it's easier to get your arm around! Fins at the back.