i'm seeing quite a few people interested surfing these boards.
a couple of things to note
well, yeah they are a big board- don't forget that
no board that size is going to turn with the nose in the water
yes you can do cutbacks etc, but it takes some practise and skill- thats half the fun of it.
be realistic about what surf you are go to take it out in- certainly not behind the rock at the alley

a strong 4 to 5 ft alley was too much, but i've been in the same size when it was fat -fun
yes they get waves early and will ride them out for a long time, but a true surfing sup,say a 10 to 12 ft will out surf a 12'6 dw any day.
i'm really enjoy surfing them. we also surf bigger board too if conditions are right, but be warned if you snap or crease any dw board in the surf and take it back to the seller- they are going to have trouble not laughing at you right in front of your face
cheers