Aloha love sup, I had similar problem when I got started. I am experienced surfer who found SUP in waves VERY difficult at first. However, once I got good I had to change boards within a few months. So trying to find the IDEAL board at first is a challenge.

For someone like you I would recommend something in the 10' to 10"6", 27" to 18.5 wide and 4" to 4.5" thick range. The bonga from Southpoint is narrower(27") but performs very well in waves. The C4 is very good and so are several of the Surftech boards. My personal choice is Paddle Surf Hawaii boards from Blane Chambers. The best one is probably the 10"6 "all around" pop out. That board is plenty stable enough for the learning curve and can also be ridden in VERY sizable waves. Blane rode the same model in 20 foot faces at Ku Ikaika contest at Makaha this year.

I also advise renting/borrowing and testing as many boards as possible before buying one. Depending on where you live I can recommend a number of place to rent boards. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!