Buying a Board!

Hey guys,
i have been doing a lot of research about what surf board i should buy, I've come here for a little advice
i have been skate boarding for six years, and growing. so i don't want to invest money on a "Learning board" i figure the learning curve wont be to steep.
i will also be surfing the Breaks of lake Michigan, i know what your thinking, we get waves and the sizable too its just damn cold!
the sets come in fast. so i am thinking about buying a hybrid board. it has enough mass to catch the wave and i don't loose any of the rip it up characteristics of a thruster.
also, what company i should buy from? im very interested in Environmentally Friendlyfriendly boards.
any advice?
Cheers
Nik
i have been doing a lot of research about what surf board i should buy, I've come here for a little advice

i have been skate boarding for six years, and growing. so i don't want to invest money on a "Learning board" i figure the learning curve wont be to steep.
i will also be surfing the Breaks of lake Michigan, i know what your thinking, we get waves and the sizable too its just damn cold!
the sets come in fast. so i am thinking about buying a hybrid board. it has enough mass to catch the wave and i don't loose any of the rip it up characteristics of a thruster.
also, what company i should buy from? im very interested in Environmentally Friendlyfriendly boards.
any advice?
Cheers
Nik