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9'0" is the shortest length to be considered a "longboard," although length alone is not the only determinant. For example, there are 7'6" mini longboards, which have a similar outline to a "longboard" and there are 9'+ "guns" which have very different dimensions from a "longboard."
At 5'11" and 155 lbs and your age and experience (you say you skateboard), I'd recommend you look for something in the 9'0" - 9'4" range.
A longer board, like a 10'0", would probably also be wider and thicker. These factors would contribute to making the board more stable (and easier to stand up on), paddle faster, and surf straighter. But, as your skill progresses, you'd probably find the increased length (and related dimensions) to be more of a liability.
A skilled longboarder can perform progressive shortboard moves (like snaps, cutbacks, and floaters) and still showcase classic longboard styles (like switching stance, dropping knee, nose riding, and carving). I'm 5'9" and 145 lb and surf a 9'0". As you get better, you'll see there are many different dimensions and features on the board which affect the board's performance, of which length is only one factor.
For example, the nose width, tail width, type of tail, number and placement of the fins, size of fins, nose rocker, tail rocker, bottom contour, thickness, weight, rail types, outline, and balance, ... You get the idea.
I agree with the others. Get a used board, then another, then a third. Surf as many boards as possible. Then get a shaper and start working with him. You'll be better equipped to honestly describe your abilities and what you want your board to do.
Lastly, the only guys I see surfing 10' to 11' boards are the "old-timers" and the 250+ lb guys.
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