I live in Washington State. I have gone surfing four times (all on vacation, but I plan to start surfing on the Washington/Oregon coasts), and I also usually go to Hawaii every year and will most likely devote 2-3 of my vacation days to surfing. I’m interested in buying a board, so what kind of board do you recommend for a beginner? I used a shortboard (5′11") and preferred it over the 9′er though it was a little harder to pop up on.

Go to a local surf shop. the people who work there will help you find one based on experience, weight, height, etc. You may end up with a fun-board, a fish, or a foam board.