So many good boats out there, you kind of need to decide what kind of surfing you want to do and get a boat that does that.
If you're into soul surfing, an IC boat might be good.
Although HP boats can soul surf too.
If you want to rip it up, go HP.
Would definitely go for composite over plastic.
Other considerations: how much $$ are you going to spend, where will you surf, what are the waves like there, your size, ever kayaked before, do you have a roll...
DEMO, DEMO, DEMO to find what works for YOU.
If you are on the East Coast, come to some contests.
They are more like a gathering of friends surfing than a cut-throat competition.
You can try out some boats, ask questions, and have fun.
After the event, we usually get some food and talk about the big moves that won the heat.
Russ