Unless your only available option is a mall shop, you ought to find a local skate shop and ask for recommendations. They will likely have pro-quality shop decks or blanks for sale at much more affordable prices, plus they can walk you through sizes and shapes of boards, trucks and wheels and explain the pros and cons of each brand/model.

$150 will undoubtedly get you everything you need for a solid setup. With 18 years of experience, here's what I would go for:

• Shop deck or mini logo in an 8.125"
• Independent 149 low trucks
• Reds bearings
• Shop grip and hardware
• Either Bones STF wheels or, my current favorite, Spitfire formula 4 streetburners in a 56mm (a 52 or 53 actually suits most people).

It will take time to build up your preferences, so just keep it simple at first and don't be afraid to ask skaters in the real world, we love to see the community grow.

Hope this helps, friend. Welcome to the party.