by dtc » Tue Jul 28, 2015 11:41 am
Mate, welcome. Do a search on the forum for 'beginner board' or 'first board' and there are heaps of threads. Basically, go long, go wide, go thick. You want a long board, for your weight somewhere between 8 - 9ft, 21 inches wide (plus - up to 23) and 2 5/8+ thick.
Epoxy boards (Torq, NSP) are usually better for beginners because they are tough; but PU (fibreglass) is the standard board material and is fine as well, just a little bit more fragile. The ideal board is a second hand board.
Surf this for a year or three and then decide if you want to go shorter (many do) or stay a long boarder (many do).
Do not go short now - learn to surf, longboards make it easier (but not easy).
Once you have read around, come back with any specific questions or particular boards you are looking at.