Dont get the L/F Venture.
The CWB Tsunami and Ride are both great boards in the $300 range. The Hyperlite Broadcast is also in there to.
If you want to spend a little more, check out the Inland Surfers
http://www.inlandsurfer.com/ I've ridden the Red Tide, great board for bigger riders, beginners (but not small ones) and smaller wakes.
I have the Tsunami now and like it alot.