Surfing

[Popinjay]

I'm living in LA now and a friend is going to teach me how to surf. I am a complete noob so I need some advice about what kind of board to get and other various [censored]. I don't want to spend a lot (sub $200). My friend said to get a shortboard or else I'd be buying twice. Not exactly sure what he meant but hopefully you guys can help me out.

Oh and is there a 2+2 equivalent forum for surfing?