Hi guys, I've just started to learn how to surf and am looking for a better board to suit my petite 5'2 frame. l have a 7'2 epoxy funboard that l find too heavy for me and too difficult for me to paddle to the line-up. l must admit also that im a poor paddler so its one of the problems. l was thinking, maybe l should get off my funboard and get a 6'8 or 6'10 board. I am looking at a southpointtimpone kalama 6'8 or a 6'3 7s or an anacapa glider 6'8 since it is lighter. are these boards any good for me or are they too much for me? any suggestions...?
my board is an nsf betty. and yes, l must admit l am a poor paddler and am starting my work out: swimming and taking the routine a friend advised me using nike is resistance band. our local shop adviced me to use a 7s 6'3''super fish but i'm note sure though. unfortunately, there is no shaper around where l live.

go to a surf shop & talk with a shaper & get a board custom shaped. i'm not sure why ur 7'2'' epoxy board was too heavy but yeah u could probably go a little shorter, somewhere in the range you're looking 6'6'' to 6'10'' or so. but i'd strongly recommend a custom shaped board over some mass produced brand.
when it was difficult to paddle ur 7'2'' into the lineup, what were the conditions, because yeah a board that size can be difficult to paddle if u can not duck dive it. it also helps to be a good paddler; to improve try swimming laps or doing pushups

If u r a poor paddler, ur problem starts with ur physical condition & ur water skills. Lay off on surfing for a while. Get in shape & work on ur ocean swimming.
For a person ur size, 7'2'' epoxy board should not be too heavy, but l have not seen the board.
Before u get all hung up on naming possible boards, go to a real local surf shop. One that is not a bathing suit & sunglasses store that sells some surfboards, but one with a good inventory of boards & surf gear (fins, leashes racks wetsuits etc.). talk to he folks there. they will know the local breaks & will help get u going. They may even help u hook up with some lessons (not a bad idea). They can even turn u on to some good local shapers, who might be able to shape a board suited just for you, ur size, ability & local wave conditions.

A shorter board is going to be harder to paddle & catch waves with. a longer board has more flotation.

Sounds like u need to get in better shape!

Do some push ups & bench presses to work on ur chest muscles & some pull ups or lat pull downs to work on ur lats, (your paddling muscles). Also, just get out & paddle even if you're not surfing, (in a pool even).

Here is a great article called 'Learn How To Surf in One Day' that l always recommend to beginners:
http://beachtrading.com/learn-how-to-surf.html

Good luck!

Personally, l do not think u should buy another board. If u came into the shop, that is about exactly what l would put u on. Those boards r lite & strong - a good combination. They r really good learner/intermediate boards.

Remember, there is a mentality to surfing. You need to overcome the board & just get out there next time. You can not let the board defeat you. Believe that u can do it. l saw Kelly Slater surfing a coffee table (yes, a coffee table) better than most people can ride their own surfboards.

The board you have should be fine. l have a 7.4 foot mini mal that l have had since l started surfing. It is a great board. Just keep practising and youll get better.