You want to choose a paddle board that has enough volume (buoyancy) based on your Weight and Experience level to properly float you. We have created a chart of every SUP model we offer and the characteristics, suggested weights and volumes for each board. You cannot be too light for a board so as long as your weight is at or below the suggested weight limit you should be fine.

When your just getting started as long as your paddle board has a fin in it your fine. However there are some common fin setups you should be familiar with.
Single Fin: Many paddle boards will have one large fin directly in the back center of the board near the tail. This large fin which can range anywhere from 8-10" in length helps to track the board on the flatwater or face of the wave while surfing.
2 Plus 1: This is a very common type and usually includes a large single fin 8-10" tall in the center and 2 small side fins 3-4" in tall on the left and right. The side bites help the board track better thru turns while surfing on the face of the wave and help the tail hold the wave face.
Quad Fins: Quad fins are 4 fins total with a large and small fin mounted along the rail on both sides of the tail. Quad fins help the board drive in slow spots due to the lack of drag from a center fin and also help the board grip and track on hollow waves since the fins are situated along the rail line.
Other: Above are just a few of the most common types of fin setups. However there are infinite configuration possibilities.

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