Surfing Waves

Started surfing this past summer and am hooked.
Would love to buy a good board made by a local shaper, but I'm not there yet financially, plus in speaking with a bunch of other surfers, teachers, friends, almost everyone recommended just buying a cheap "pop out" for my first board to learn on, bump around, drag to and from the beach, and just re-sell on craigslist once I'm ready for an upgrade.

So I'm looking sub $400 (before shipping) and want new, not used. I'm looking for epoxy around 7'2"-7'6" (I'm 5'4"), at least 21" wide, with good float but not a soft-top. My thoughts were:

NSP Mini Malibu 7'3" http://www.bicsportsurfboards.com/products/acs,3,61/7-3-mini-malibu,479.html
Isle Funshape 7'6" (also comes in 7'2") http://www.islesurfboards.com/Isle-Funshape-E-Core-Epoxy-Surfboard-Red-Hibiscus-7-6.aspx
NSP Funboard 7'2" http://www.newsurfproject.com/funboard-72.html
Degree 33 Turning Point 7'6" http://www.degree33surfboards.com/surf-gear/surfboards-by-shape/funboard-surfboards/turning-point.html

I don't know a ton about materials/construction/dimensions, but I surf in the NY/NJ area, and want something that can handle local surf, that I will ride for a couple of seasons. Thoughts? Other boards I should consider? Thanks!

Helping you decide Cerulean is reasonably easy. As you've thought some of it through.
My opinions I hope they help.
Go for 7'6" sizings as every little bit of length helps and the fun board shapes are the way to go as they also have some volume to help with the paddle power.
ordinarily I would advise long er still but if you are determined and get in the size you have chosen will be no problem.

Now about the boards The BIC is almost indestructible but is IMO very ordinary as a board and as you learn its limitations will soon become obvious
in short as strong as a tank and surfs like one.
The NSP again a stronger board ( not as strong as the BIC) but better in shape and function.
I don't know the Isle boards but they look like the standard epoxy jobs done in Asia but I don't know for sure , I would suggest if you can get a look at one in the flesh I would base a decision on that .
I like the shape of the Degree 33 best of all the boards but that is my personal choice. Beyond that I don't know. Again see if you can see one in the flesh
The people who make NSP ( global Surf Industries ) have other names and models in their stables have a look there too the other models are a step up again from the NSP in giving a longer range of skill increase on the one board.There are some like the Mctavish Carver at 7'6' that appear on their site as special and it too is available in epoxy, but even the special is a little up there beyond your $ mark
Some other thoughts epoxy is a little harder to duckdive but gives you more paddle power.
But not all epoxy is as strong as you think all boards, as specially as you go cheaper, start to have construction flaws and can be a rip off.
Sambotc's postings on his board shows the issues.
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=18056 just so you can see!

I've ridden a couple of the boards you're considering :

NSP - I started out early this summer on a 7'6" NSP. It rode fairly well and was close to indestructible. At that point, I was in the very beginning stages of learning and my frustrations had more to do with my skills (lack of) than the board itself. (it was Made in Thailand)

BIC - I took several lessons on Bic's-- 8' , 8'6", and 9'. Like the NSP.... indestructible. BUT, even as a beginner I found them to feel very vague and slow.

After trying a really nice 9'6" longboard, I decided to sell the NSP and move to a 9'2" longboard. Enter ISLE. I ordered their XPS Epoxy performance longboard. I've been very happy with it after going out several times a week on it from July through September. It rides great.... I got one somewhat major ding on the bottom....no idea how it happened. Also the screw that holds the center fin stripped and I almost lost the fin (fortunately didn't). 10 minute fix at the surf shop across the street from the beach took care of that. Overall it's held up very well. I've also got 2 ISLE epoxy SUP's .. both excellent and I've never had the slightest issue with either.

Summary for ISLE:
1. Their boards are very good for the money...nice shaping job - acceptable glass job....BUT they ARE made in China.
2. Their customer service is excellent (I phoned them and was able to get them to include the leash and a daybag at no additional charge)
3. Keep in mind that you'll be paying close to $100 in shipping on that board...now you're coming close to $500. That may get you into the price range of something off the rack at a local surf shop.

Degree 33 : haven't ridden one. I signed up for their information to come to me via email and got bombarded with several emails a day. Very aggressive marketing that totally turned me off.