The type of board you should have depends on the properties you want to use.
A longer SUP is faster than a shorter one, while a shorter one is easier to manoeuvre. And the wider the board, the more stable it is. Here are some different kinds of SUP boards:
An all-round SUP is wide with a round front and rear edge, so that you can stand firmly on it. Stability is its primary feature, so choose an all-round version if you want to dive, fish, or be accompanied by children and dogs on it.
A yoga SUP is both wide and short, which makes it stable but slow. It is covered in a soft material with a good grip, a bit like a yoga mat.
A touring SUP is an option if you want to use your SUP for exercise and longer distances. It is both longer and sharper, which provides good speed.
A racing SUP is for those who want to reach great speeds. You don't get the same stability here, so choose this one if you’re an experienced paddler.
If you’re a beginner at SUP but want to get started, you may find this guide helpful.