In kiteboarding there are 3 types of boards: twintip, directional and hydrofoil boards.

twintip

Twintip boards use pads and straps to keep your feet on the board. They can be ridden from left to right and from right to left. Most people start with a twintip board because of the pads and straps. Twintips are easy to ride and tough. The larger your twintip, the easier it will be to start and get planing. Once you start jumping and riding toeside most people change to a smaller board. Smaller boards are easier for turning and for generating 'pop' for jumping.

directional board / surfboard

Directional boards are very similar to surfboards. The construction is stronger because the kiteboard directional board has to withstand a much higher pressure than a surfboard. Directional boards use a pad at the back of the board and wax or a pad on the middle section and top of the board. There are different kind of directional boards for different types of waves.

foil board

foil boards are similar to freestyle directional boards in shape. The foil board is connected to a hydrofoil that is used lift the board and rider out of the water. Once out of the water foil boards have a very low resistance, they are ideal if you want to start kiting when there isn't enough wind for a twintip.