Whatever you go for, be ambitious. Get something that you will grow into. Don't get yourself something that you will be bored with in a couple of months! If you want my vote on the sail size debate, 7m is big enough, I am 6'5 and 15stone and a bit, I have a seven and a half metre sail that I hate as it is too bulky and awkward and tiring to waterstart, if you cant get going on a 6.5m sail then you probably should be spending time with your missus!! That's only my opinion though, some fellas look like they are having great fun on 10m sails in light winds. Anyway good luck and congratulations on taking up the greatest sport in the world!

Recently had a go on a powerglide 160 and it went like shit off a shovel in gusty force 4-5. Good floaty board but early planing when I compared it with a few others. Can take big sails too. Not sure what its like in waves as I'm at about the same level as you though I guess its not built for that. I'm dreaming of a JP by what the magazines say.

Good luck.