Surfing Waves

Hi all,
I'm looking to take up surfing with the idea of hitting the waves 1-2 a week both summer and winter. I've decided to go for a mini mal board but dont know if a custom made board by a local shaper would be best or as a total novice I should be looking at a pop-out board such as a Bic or NSP (the surf shops where I live are full of these makes). So far I've had a lot of mixed feedback about pop-outs, many people saying they are not 'real' surfboards that are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, so I'm now starting to lean towards a custom board, there's a local shaper called Roger Cooper I've heard makes good mini mals (I live in Swansea, South Wales). I plan in time to move onto a thruster when ready but would still like to hold onto my mini mal for when the surf is less suited for a shortboard, so I'm looking at this board being a long term investment as apposed to just a board to learn on. My main concern as a novice is am I gonna end up trashing a custom made board, how tough are they?
Finally what size am I looking at getting? I'm 6ft and just over 12st. Any advice will be very much appreciated.
Thanks, Cram.

I'd check for a used board. Whether it be a pop out or a custom shape. You can sometimes find good deals, and it would be better to keep your expenses down until you've had an opportunity to make certain you want to continue learning to surf. Good luck and keep the stoke!

Thanks for your reply Otter. Today I got my hands on a Robert Vaughan Billabong second hand, its only been in the water a couple of times so is in mint condition, got it for £280 so I'm chuffed with that. Thanks again, Cram.