What board to buy?

[The Cheese]

hey folks.
i have recently gotten into surfing and i am going to buy a board for myself.
im 5"10 and 230lbs.
i was just wondering would a minimal with
Length 7'9"
Max. width 22"1/8
Max. Thickness 2"7/8
be big enough or should i go with an 8' + board and if i did would i have to get a new board in a year.
i will be surfing at least once a week.

please help

Cheese

[will32890]

I think I read that you should have about 1 foot to every 25 pounds for the best planing or something like that, at least when you are beggining

[surfordie77]

Cheese,
When learning bigger is better, definitely go 8ft plus and as wide and thick and you can get as, no offence, you do weigh more than the average surfer. More float = more stability and more wave catching! Buy second hand, something not too expensive that you can practice all your ding repairs on (you will get plenty). If you do progress quickly then it won't hurt your pocket either to upgrade plus giving an old board a new home is good for the environment