Do a internet search on this and there is so MANY threads and websites giving detailed info about how to pair the right board for your body type. Invest about a hour or more into this...hope this helps.
1st, you'll have to ignore the hostile d-bags on a site like this. more importantly, your weight and height are going to require you get at least a 42" board and something with enough mass to hold your size. in other words, it is unlikely you can go to costco or walmart and get anything worth a damn. invest at LEAST 80-100 bucks in something from a surf shop (or score at a garage sale near the beach) get in the water. spend time in the surf and you will get the experience you need. being in the waves and learning to read the break and negotiating around hostile a-holes...and a few friendlies... will be invaluable whether you sponge the rest of your life or you move on to a surfboard. (use the skimboard for balance training.) be patient and go with the idea you are going to learn something. skill will creep up on you . for now, realize you suck and work at your new craft. good luck'
A good pair of kicks are gonna help too. You can find Churchills at Sports Authority. Or go online. Learn to duck dive.
You will want a board around 42 inches in length. There are 2 good online bodyboard shops, and the owners are awesome and would be more then happy to help you with choosing the right board. ebodyboarding.com eastcoastbodyboarding.com Hope that helps.
Definitely get fins... makes a world of difference. And you can body surf with em too.. I don't like churchills... too soft and flexy...not enough push or stiffness... go for something with a soft foot pocket and medium stiff blade that has good drainage to get the sand and shells out. Get a good body board... no need for a high end pro model... just something that advertises strength and has a stinger ...prob 100$ area price wise...other cheaper boards are gunna buckle even on small waves that have no power... I ride a BZ T-10 when I bodyboard and it is awesome. Your gunna have a lot of fun and a lot of barrels. The reason surfers get angry is cause they are jealous... i should know, I am one haha.
Bz Try something that will last for long time: http://www.ebodyboarding.com/bodyboards/bz/BZ-Hubb-Fundamental-42-Bodyboard_2 http://www.ebodyboarding.com/Swimfins/Stealth-2-Swimfins
I personally like Voit Duck fins, they are really strong and stiff. Im currently using some Hydro Finz which are multipurpose but they work great and feel good on my feets.
If you buy online from a shop, go to www.atlanticbodyboards.com. The owner is named Bob and he's a true east-coaster out of NY who will help you out in any way.
i have ducks, but they are big. i also have the makapu'u fins which are indeed soft, but our water is cold. in hawaii they were mushy.
