Surfing Waves

i started surfing a month ago. im 5'5" 150lbs. 22yo.
ive been out every weekend. surfing in central cal.
im looking to get my first board. My surf instructor recommened a size between 8 and 9 feet.
in lessons i used a 10', 9' and 8'.
the 8 was a bit more difficult, the nine was fine. the 10 was
just too big. i want a board i can 'grow'/improve into. eventually id like to ride a short board.

Im thinking about buying an 8'2.
the two boards im deciding between are the global surf industries
board model 'blue' 8'2
or a roger hinds
the blue is about $415 and the hinds is $500

im wondering if a) the hinds is worth the extra money
b) what board has a better resale
c) if im a beginner am i going to notice the difference anyway.

also ive heard begineers trash their boards(in which case get the cheaper), but ive also heard that it shouldnt be a problem for me.

thanks all,

dave

ps. with the choice between colours on the blue board of the clear white or the blue/red "pepsi" sway. (see above link) what your opinion. what has better resale.
im thinking white, cuz in a couple months i might hate that pepsi can.

looks about 50/50. custom fiberglass/foam boards generally have better resale, but enough to cover the $85 difference will all depend on the condition when you trade it in. the popout is going to handle taking a beating much better than the custom, but depending on where you're surfing in centcal, it may also subject you to some unneccessary stink-eye.

as for resale ?: i'm not very familiar with rodger hinds' work, but i'm not local to that area either. however, boards with wide name recognition, like robert august, mark martinson, al merrick, rusty preisendorfer tend to resale for a higher price...but also cost alot more new as well.

i guess if i were in your shoes, i'd jump on the popout knowing that i'd eventually move to a shortboard and blowout my wallet for that purchase. besides, you could hang on the that longer stick for small days or pass it on...

if youve just started you dont really want to spent loads of cash on a custom glass board as your only gonna end up putting your foot through it.

thanks i ended up getting the popout.
it a hell of a lot nicer then the foam rentals.

well i guess im late... but to anyone who might veiw this or if your still interest dk:
if your looking into becoming a shortboarder, get a shortboard... i know you just learning and all but if your not looking to buy 6 boards go for a 7'0" or something around there.... after three weeks of surfing for me, i got a board (didnt buy it, it was given to my by a friend) and it was a retro 6'0" fish, but i learned fine... of course it was harder to learn on it, but fun and i learned to rip a lot sooner... its been three years that ive been surfing and i just got my second one becuase my first one broke. it was old anyways. but i wouldnt of needed another one for many years and that save a looott of money.