SS,
You might want to call/PM/email one of our sponsors and see what they recommend for a starting surf rig.  I would imagine that you'll need to spend closer to $100.00 to get a good quality starter rig unless you can buy used.
I've met most of the tackle shop owners that sponsor us and I am sure they can steer you in the right direction.  Nice thing is John won't let just any  

 hammerhead be a sponsor, so if they are here as sponsors you can be sure they are good folk.