Good at other stuff but not surfing, help with 1st board?

[RinkyDink]

(dont know why i was using lb and inches in this post! But cant be bothered changing back to a sensible measuring system)

I don't know why I've been writing "floatability" instead of "buoyancy". I was having a herpaderp moment. Anyway, thanks for your insight on epoxy boards as well as the link. I learned a lot. I have read other posts where people were having a hard time duck diving epoxy boards. That's what gave me the impression that they were ultra buoyant. Anyway, I think it's just time I tried an epoxy board and felt the difference for myself.

[Socalwaverider]

If it's not too late, I'd suggest you go a little bigger than whatever you're currently thinking about getting. One usually wants a real cool looking ripper shortboard with a tri or quad fin design and an aggressive rocket look when they first start. When you're new to surfing, a little bigger is always better. If you can't borrow or rent one first, buy a used one. I don't think you could go wrong with a simple board between 7'6" and 8'. As long as it floats you and paddles well for you, you'll do well on it. If you want to jump into the laid back cool world of Longboarding, then you'll need a board that is a minimum of 3' longer than your actual height. If that's the case, don't go too heavy and make certain you can carry it under your arm for at least a 100 yards; from your car to the waves. If the longboard is too wide, such as 23 to 24+", your arm may not be able to wrap around it easily to carry it. Good luck!