Cheap Ski & Snowboard Gear

I’ve snowboarded only once so far, and I’m thinking about buying Snowboarding Gear so I dont have to rent out. I know there’s probably gear for beginners and advance boarders, but I’ve been skateboarding for about 7 years, so I think I would learn quick. What kind of parts are necessary for snowboarding, and what brand is good and not too pricey, and sounds fitting for me? Recommendations for catalogs and websites and sweet deals would be helpful! thanks!
oh and what size should i get, i’m like 5′8 and 143lb

You should probably be riding between a 150 and a 155 or so. Some boards that I would recommend are the Burton King 153, the Burton Elite or the Burton Dominant all the same size rang (see size range) these are all intermediate all mountain boards that you can grow into (as far as riding ability) and aren’t too pricey. Some other equipment you will need is: Bindings: I would recomend the Burton Mission bindings or the Burton Custum bindings. Also boots: maybe Burton Moto’s or Burton Freestyle boots. I would also recommend a leash (very inexpensive <$5 as these are required at most resorts and keep the board from "rolling down the hill so to speak". It attatches to your binding and then to your boot. Also you will probably want to make sure your pants ARE waterproof and if they’re not get some. Burton’s website has tons of outerwear but is kind of pricey so if that’s outside your price range you could try ebay for last year’s stuff or just try other brands such as Columbia, or whatever your local sporting goods store has. Also a good jacket- but I’m sure you know that. They make really fancy jackets now that have ipod and bluetooth hookups and fully tapered seams, etc but they are pricey. Also I would recommend mitts not gloves as they keep your hands much warmer but it also depends on the temperature where you’re riding at. Also goggles- some brands too look at are Anon (www.anonoptics.com), Oakley (www.oakley.com), and Smith (www.smithoptics.com). I would also suggest getting a helmet ( a used one from ebay would be fine) because it is NOT good to fall on your head and get brain damage and when you’re starting you usually do fall forward. Also if you start doing tricks and just a lot safer to have one. Red makes really good helmets and remember on the helmets you get what you pay for. It’s up too you how much you are worried about this- but I do stress a helmet. Also you should probably get some wrist guards because a lot of beginner sprain their wrists and even break them. You can get gloves made by Burton that have wrist guards built into them but if you don’t want to spend as much try Wal-mart. If you go to Burton’s website you can request their catalog but it take quite a while for them to send it to you so I suggest just looking at their website (www.burton.com) and click on gear. Some online stores to buy stuff at is www.sierrasnowboard.com , www.shorelineSnowboards.com , www.backcountry.com, www.dogfunk.com , www.rei.com , etc. Just do a google search for snowboarding gear. If you don’t want to spend as much you could also settle for last year’s gear. Just search around ebay and I bet you could find a really good deal on last year’s stuff- and most of the online stores I mentioned still have last years stuff and most of it is at least 35-50 percent off. Well now that I’ve typed a book- I hope this helps you and have a wonderful time with snowboarding and don’t worry if you fall a lot your first day- stick with it and you’ll have it mastered in no time at all.