go long, more waves,fun,more progression. need I say more

To be honest, I much prefer my husband's Bic 7'9". Well, I didn't in the beginning because I got battered around a lot once the waves were any size but that was more down to just not being used to it. Now when a wave hits me, I put weight on the back of the board and the wave just passes by and doesn't take the board (& me) with it!

I find the bigger Bic easier to paddle and way more confidence inspiring. It's a lot more stable too. I need more effort to catch waves on the 7'3" and it doesn't go as far. That said, when you catch the wave, it is way more agile.

I don't know what other people think but my beginner's opinion is go for the longer one. I'm only 5'2" and not that heavy so the surf shops all recommended the 7'3" but if I was doing it again, I'd get the 7'9".