Surfing Waves

Hey, I was just wondering about the type of surf I'm gonna see when I move to Okinawa. I have already heard and seen pics. about some of the surf, heavy sick reef breaks. Waves overhead breaking in about 6 ft. of water over sharp coral and rocks. I guess the real question is what type of board is gonna keep me from bouncin my head off the reef. All I'm used to is nice sandy beach bottoms here on the east coast and small waist to chest high waves alot gentler than the counterpart in the south pacific. Thanks for the help.