What to look for in a surfboard?

Lots of beginners start on a long-board. I would highly recommend it; It's what I started on and is really easy to maneuver. It's generally 8 to 10 feet long; See what's best for you. I'm only 5'2" and I prefer a 9 foot board. Surfboards can cost anywhere from 150 to 3 or 4 hundred dollars, depending on its age and where you got it. You can always go into a surf store and ask your personalized questions. Surfboards definitely have personality, I'd highly recommend one that fits to you.

As for what they're made of, you don't really need to worry about that. Surfboards don't last forever, but, if you don't abuse it too much, it should give you 10 to 15 years of good, hard surfing. Like I stated before, the quality will depend on where you get it.

Hope this helps!