Get me off the bodyboard

So I'm looking to upgrade from my youthful days on the body board and looking for something to learn on. I'm 6'3", 225 lbs. and thinking of something in the 8'-9' range. Does this sound about right for a guy my size to learn on? Also, what about prices? I've been watching craigslist and expect to pay $200-350 for a decent used board. Are there any better deals out there? Anything else I should know?

For cheap boards make sure it hasn't been snapped. 9'+ should be good

That's about what you should expect to pay for a used board. Given the crowds at most beginner spots, don't sweat it if it don't look purdy, you're going to be drooling over a new one soon enough.