like some have already said, do not buy a top end board until you've ridden for awhile.
i've been riding for 14 years, i've owned burton, sims, ride, rossignol and santa cruz. i currently own and ride 4 burton boards and 2 sets of bindings.
imo burton make the best boards, boots and bindings. just my opinion, but i have been riding, and involved in the sport a long time.
bottom line, start with something cheap, and go from there. hopefully you'll get a chance to try out other friend's boards along the way. that's definitely a good way to experience a couple different setups...
