I don't know much about Jimmy Lewis boards but I am a big fan of Jimmy Lewis and I'm sure they're good.. For you I'd recomend something around 10'6" to 11'6" .. maybe even 12'.. and at least 29" wide.. (maybe as short as 10' if the board is wider).. also a factory fitted deck pad and hand hole is something that I would look for.. Maybe there's others here that know more about the JL boards.

DJ

Hi Hicksy,

A mate of mine has been surfing a JL 10'2 mano and he loves it.What amazed me is that he is a seriously big unit 120+kg and shreads on the thing.

My point is you many not need to go to an 11+ ft board to get the stabilty you require. Demo 1st you may be surprised.

I have to say we dont see many JLs in my neck of the woods but what I have seen has really impressed.

Phill

I was 93 kg when I started 3 months ago. I bought a second hand 11' X 31 X 4 1/4 NSP.
I was going to be using it primarily on flat water, as I live in brisbane.
I got it because most reviews said it is stable, good for learners and all round duties.

It is very stable, is great to learn on, and awesome for the purpose I bought it for. I have even gone trolling(fishing) on it.
In the surf, it's lots of fun in the small stuff, catches waves easily, turns slowly, but I am not really going to be surfing it very often.

Not sure If you are going to rush out and buy new, but if you are, hers my suggestion:
go to EBAY(lets see the comments I get now) and buy a big flat thick board to learn on either used or new.
You can get packages from around 800-1000( incl paddle, cover grip etc.)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Stand-Up-Paddle-Board-11-SUP-Carbon-Paddle-/140437823570?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Sport_Surfing&hash=item20b2bf2052

When you have learned and ready for a surfing board, go to a few demo days and see what size board feels good to paddle/ride.
Then sell your existing package to a mate, on seabreeze, or on ebay for around 5-600.
Then buy the board you want from the seabreeze "buy and sell" or buy new from a shop.
You should only be down a a few hundred dollars but in the end you will be much better off with the right board.