Is this big enough?

[cornishsurfer]

So basically, I am learning to surf on a shortboard. I know this is definatley not ideal for most people, BUT I am a 4'11'' girl, I weigh 90kg and I am only 13. It's a 6'6'' custom made Fluid Juice, 21'' wide, and about 2-2.5'' thick I think. (I didn't buy it, it's my Dad's old one)
I also have a 7'2'' NSP Funboard that our friend left us when she migrated, but I have tried surfing it and find it unecessarily large and heavy.
Will I be able to progress sufficiently on my 6'6'', or should I use the NSP, OR should I look into getting a small Mini Mal?
(I took out my Dad's surfboard today and I was able to catch some good rides in the whitewater)

[jaffa1949]

Hi again Cornish Surfer I think you answered your own question, if your Dad's board is workin for you at this stage go with it for now when you progress more you will want and need something newer that suits your developing style and you will know what it is, just like you know the NSP is too heavy. Follow your instincts use the time on your Dad's board to save up for a great new one.
Wow every surfer remembers their first/ custom board with great fondness, sort of like your first love!
I feel confident about you CS even if the winter is bleak over there at the moment.

[cornishsurfer]

Okay thank you! I am going surfing tomorrow and I am going to try and catch some unbroken waves. Do you have any tips? I think I accidently caught one last time I went surfing and I was suprised at how much the board slopes downwards as you take off. (I imediatly fell off!)

[IB_Surfer]

the 6'6 is fine for your weight. As to suggestions here is how you progress: You take it out to waist high surf and practice poping up, not paddling. Wait for a good size whitewash, throw yourself towards the beach onto the board (as opposed to ploping down on it) to get some speed, then pop up. Do not try to go to surf unbroken surf if you can't pop up, you'll just get frustrated. However, once you can pop up comfortably and often you should have a much better time trying to catch unbroken waves...