wanting advice for a surfboard Christmas request

[bstarling]

I am 6 1' and weigh 170 lbs, I live in central Florida, about 2 hours from the Atlantic coast. i go surfing around once or twice a month on the weekend. I'm still trying to master the pop up, but have been having trouble on my 56 inch Beater Board (short foam than can be surfed with fins or fin less). I realize now that i jumped the gun and bought a board that requires a skill level im not at. i have no problem standing up on a 8 ft rental board, foam or other. i dont really know how to describe the type of waves i see besides their average size of 2-4 ft without storms. My question is what type of board should i ask for for my Christmas present and what size? Brand names, suggested price range, and links would be greatly appreciated. My name is Brandon, thank you for the help.

[BaNZ]

Torq, NSP, BIC are all good beginner boards. Probably 8' then since you can surf that. Price wise they are around the same range.

[bstarling]

thank you for the info