Buy a Wilderness System Ride or Tarpon you wont be sorry
A great way to go if you are new is to find a dealer with an on-water demo day. I did that and the dealer (Pack & Paddle Lafayette) had all his boats out there for you to jump in and try out. No sales pressure either. I picked a 14 Native Manta Ray, but didn't buy it from them. Did get a bunch of gear though from them on a later visit to their store. Check you nearby dealers web sites.
Buy a Wilderness System Ride or Tarpon you wont be sorry
Try a Malibu mini x or stealth 14, love both of mine.