For starting out, it doesn't really matter. Just don't get a Sports Authority brand or whatever and you'll be fine, get whatever's on sale. That's my opinion anyways.... Some people recommend a certain flex or whatever but I don't think that really matters until you're getting the hang of it. Up until you can actually ride, the flex isn't gonna affect you any differently, so don't worry about it. I'm like 5'8", maybe 5'9" and I have a 152 a 153 and a 155.5. Personally I like the 153, but again that's more of a personal preference. Anything from like 152-157 would be ok, although sometimes people recommend starting with a smaller board. Like I said, just get whatever's on sale, really. After you get better at riding you can try other people's setups and see what you like as far as flex/sizing etc and go from there when you buy your next board. If I can make one recommendation.... DON'T buy shit from Burton. I hate Burton with a passion, so I always tell people to stay away :thumbup: