in general, the bigger the wave, the shorter the board. i like riding my 9'0" on 5-6 foot waves. and when the waves are bigger i ride smaller boards. i like riding 8-9'ers on my 8 foot boards. and then i switch down to my 6'11" boards.
but for boards, for your very first one, get a softop board. they have a layer of foam on the top coating it so its softer. often, they have these fins that have a softer rubber on the edges, too.
then, for your next board, I really reccoment Patagonia Epoxy boards, Arrow, Sparky, Junod, Haut and Robert August.
BUT there are boards called Surftec boards. they are an epoxy board and are about 6 lbs lighter than a regular board. Plus, they have Tuflite covering on them, which makes them super durable and strong. they run you about $900 new. my FAV one is Haut, i fucking love that board .
my absolut fav. board is my Patagonia 9'0" Epoxy board, though. its my BABY.
as for wetsuits, it depends where you live. def. wear at leats a rash guard, though. i live in central california and in the winter i wear a 2/3 or a 3/4 oneill wetsuit, if i wear one. (most people always wear them but i find it to be a hassel) so in the summer in most places, all you will need is a 2/3 or a 3/4. i just wear a rashguard. make sure to get a UV rashie, too.
have fun!
guy at SkiShop SC to me: "Why is there sand in your bindings?"
"If you're alive, I probably hate you."
-C. Francis Browning (my friend CeCe)