Surfing Waves

So I started on 9 footer and now I have a 7'4" long board. As I learned, my feet were to be on the tip of the tail during paddling. Now, that I have a shorter board, I find my feet extending pass the tail of my board for balance so not to sink the nose. I am only 6' tall. Is this normal because I am also having other complications making me wonder if there something wrong with my board since I did buy it used.

A 7'4 isnt a longboard.
Depending on shape, it'll either be a mini-mal or a funboard. And it'll be very different to paddle than a 9' longboard.

I learnt on a 7'4 funboard, and Im 6' tall so I should be qualified to answer

Position will be board and surfer dependent, but as a rule of thumb, I would say that your feet should be about level with the tail of the board.

But more than that, it'll also be the positioning of your body - if the nose is dipping then arch you back a little, and pull your feet up slightly.

As with all boards though, its all a matter of trial and error and finding that sweet spot. If the board was waterlogged at some point then it might conceivably affect the balance, but the chances are its your positioning.

Experiment a little.

Oh, and its perfectly possible that the right position involves having your feet off the end of the board. On a shortboard, this is entirely normal and a 7'4 isnt all that far away from a 'big' shortboard for a six footer.

i have a 7'6 minimal that i use sometimes still when im lazy or the waves are too gutless for the shortie

when paddling out i have my toes on the back of the board but with my head cocked up high to balance out, when paddling for a wave tho i have my feet off the back of the board. im also six foot so i say your feet should be just off the back a little

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try that this Saturday.