Ok, so l currently have an 8'5'' Circle One board which l love but l think its time to go shorter cos l wanna learn how to do more stuff besides just riding a wave into shore. l just joined a surfclub and some of the committee members want me to go for the intervarsities so l wanna make some more progress.

I am 5'5'' myself and weigh about 135lb. l have my sister is old board too, which is a 6'9''NSP that l can ride into shore in really good conditions but I'd like to get something a little bigger until l get better.
l was thinking of getting a 7'4'' or 7'6'' approx. My friend reckons a 22'' width too. The board l was recomended is a 7'4'' D'Arcy (south african) At EUR 550 l wanna make sure it is the right move before l buy. l do not know much about the tail shapes or nose shapes so any advice on that would be appreciated. Also, suggestions regarding Brands/Shapers would be helpful too.
Thanks!
l should also add that l live in southern Ireland where the waves are not very reliable.
RE First answer: If l catch an unbroken wave, the nose of the board dips when it does break and I am not strong enough to right it. l dont think l can manage the size

Do not be fooled with the size of the board or thinking that u have to get a new (shorter) one. l have an 8'6 & a 7'6 & l LOVE my 8'6!! The rounder the tail, the more moves u will be able to do. Also, the size of the fin does matter. The larger the fin, the harder it is to turn. Maybe go with a smaller fin.

My 8'6 is a board that my brother shaped, & the 7'6 is from Andy Johnson (local shaper in Dana Point, CA) & it is called ''the egg'' due to it is egg shape.

l should also add that l am 5'1'' & 150lbs (muscle, not fat)

If u develop a keen interest in surfing to the point that u feel that u will continue for many years to come, u will find yourself riding a number of surfboards throughout the time ahead. Like any sport, part of the fun is trying different types of equipment as u progress. Some will work & others won't. In this manner u will eventually know what works best for you. Please keep in mind that part of this trial & error is part of the fun of the sport.

Now to ur question: Being from Hawaii (island of Kauai where Andy & Bruce Irons r from), l am unfamiliar with the type of waves that Ireland has. l presume that the waves r not as powerful as we have here, so a wider & slightly thicker board with a less pointed nose would be in order. Depending on ur skill level, a shorter board would definitely allow for more manuveurs. It is also important that u r positive about being ready for a shorter board because there will be a learning curve in adjusting to a shorter board. The more drastic the reduction in length, the greater the learning curve. l would recommend first that u try other boards from the people in ur club to see what ur comfort level is before u make ur decision. Nevertheless, l think that u should try to look into the 7'8'' to 8'0'' range first, with about a 2.75'' to 3'' thickness & about a 20'' to 21'' width. Somehow a 22'' width seems too wide. It will be stable but it will restrict ur ability to manuveur unless u have smaller fins for it. Also very important is the weight of the board. A short but heavy board will not be as manuverable as a longer but lighter board. Try to look for a ''mini tank'' as we call it here. It is a reduced version of the long board, but it has the lightness & bottom design of the short board (usually with 3 fins - thruster). l do not know what ur budget is, but a lighter board will not last as long as a heavily glassed board. But if u r willing to purchase a board at least once a year or maybe 2 years, then a lighter board will definitely help. An alternative may be epoxy boards which r very light & durable, but expensive & must be repaired quickly because they suck up water like a sponge.

Just keep in mind that the sport is forever evolving & that the fun part is trying the new stuff that comes up as surfing progresses. Best of luck & most of all enjoy the ride of what is ahead.

If l was you l would check out the shapers in your area. Talk to them. Be totally honest about your ability, They are the best people to advise you. A shop will want to sell you a board they have in the rack. But a shaper will talk you through your needs. Plus you get an imput in to your board. You could go and watch it being shaped.
Good Luck

Get a fish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They r perfect boards for any condition. They r thick, easy to catch waves, turn easy, & paddle easy. You should get around a 6'2'', 21'' wide, swallow tail, with duel fins. This will really improve ur surfing & take it to the next level.
As far as shapers, l personally think local shapers r always better. They will give u exactly what u want would try to mess around with you. l am not sure of what local shapers u have over there or l would reccomend some to you. You should talk to the peolpe in ur local surf shop or even ask people out in the water who shaped their board!
see u in the water