Surfing Waves

I'm going to begin surfing this spring (a friend is going to teach me the basics) but I need a board first! I'm 5'11", 190lbs. I'll be surfing atlantic coast waves (Cocoa beach, new smyrna, daytona), so nothing crazy large. Does anyone have some suggestions on what size, brand, style board I should get for my size and type of waves I'll be surfing? Thanks for any advice! I'm also 25 years old, w/ no previous board sport experience. I'm pretty athletic though, and will be able to go out and surf about once a week.

you're going to want to get out more than just once a week if you want to see progression. more like, every day. i'd say, ~9' standard longboard. right coast surf that time of year is generally small. and not to mention you're learning. any brand that floats will work. don't be afraid of softops or bics. while they have their downsides, their near indestructability, low cost, and basic abilities in the water will do just fine for learning