BCN should just let shorty borrow a stick from his quiver. It'll give new meaning to the term "predatory lending".
Shorty - apparently female surfers must have a thick skin for a variety of reasons, including forum participation. In addition to the longboard we suggested you buy, you should probably grab a hooded 5/4 with booties and mittens to wear at all times. If you're too warm with that in FL, come surf up North.
I started on an old yellowed single fin I found cheap in a pawn shop. It was over a foot taller than me and thick like a funboard. Didn't matter that it didn't turn because I was mostly pointing straight toward the beach and riding whitewater. When I did start angling, it still wouldn't turn....I never rode a wave big enough to be able to do a turn on it. So, don't get an old single fin because you'll never be able to turn on it. For a first board, I'd recommend a softboard (odysea, wavestorm, etc) with 3 fins and just have a blast playing/learning and not worrying if you "go over the falls" or get hit by the board. Once you learn to angle and do turns, you'll be ready for a shorter, thinner, glassed board...but this will probably take you a couple of years.
Am I the only one surprised His Shredness hasn't kicked a bit of game here? Maybe he's faithful to the Hindus or it could've been a hectic day on the Exchange.
don't listen to this guy about a SUP!! he's right about a surfboard though. 7-8-9ft will work fine. fits in the wave better. if your 5'7 @100lbs go to a local shaper... im sure he'll give you a 'deal'.
Shenanigans. This kid couldn't have an affinity for the taste of a single malt. He drinks Twisted Tea, Mike's Lemonade, any flavor daiquiri, and Zima.
Best to learn on a soft top. Easiest to get up on and no pain if you get hit by one. For your size 7-8 feet is plenty. Once you can ride that...start shopping for a real board. You can find a softie for about 75-100 bucks.
If a soft-top is good enough for J.O.B. at pipe, I guess it's good enough for anyone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D5ugxEVBXA
take a couple lessons first as they will be on a soft top provided by your instructor, then you can decide if you want a bigger longboard or a smaller funshape.
Thanks for all the advice. I just went to a pawn shop and got a 7'6 board. I think it is in pretty good condition. For all the guys posts on here. I am 20 years old, just tiny. and yall are weird. Sorry but you wont be getting a picture of me. I have no idea what the shape of the board is though. I dont think its fun shaped though.