gun for beginner

[norcalsurf18]

I recently got my first surfboard for christmas. My parents just found a cheap one on craigslist tho, and it ended up being a 8'2" gun, a california mavericks gun. I've probably surfed 10 times in my life all on rented 9' longboards. I realize I'm gonna look silly with this board at tiny beginner beaches, but can I surf small waves with it? Also, just how stupid will I look?

[jaffa1949]

Nobody argues with a man with a gun You certainly will be noticed.

The perils of having non surfing parents buy boards. Great thought from their point of view

You got two choices take on mavericks straight off the gun will ride small waves and will paddle like a dream at good speed but will be narrow and unstable, but conquer it and al will be well.
Fortunately you and it will not be doing aerial or radical stuff yet, you because it is not an acquired skill as a beginner and the board because it is a rhino chaser (fast down the line).
It is a board you can aspire to

[IB_Surfer]

Post the actual dimmensions, if not too narrow or thin it might still work, I learned on a 7'6 california gun, but it was fat and wide.