What is the difference between an 8 foot longboard and an 8 foot funboard for a 5'5 165 pound beginning surfer?

Funboard: More pointed front, more maneuverable, better all around board that will be fun for years to come. Longboard: More rounded, wider, more steady, good for beginners as well as advanced nose riding techniques. If you think you eventually want to go to a shorter board, I would say the funboard is a good pick. It might be a bit harder to learn on at first, but in the long run you will have more options. If you think you want to be a longboarder, then by all means get the longboard now and get going! Hope this helps, more info on the two types at the links below.