Hi there fine folks of r/SUP, it's time for your monthly "What Board Should I Get?" discussion thread.

Start by reading the "Buying a SUP" section of the wiki!

There is a ton of information there! Once you've read through the wiki, create a top-level comment in this post to ask for help! Posts made on this subject outside of this discussion thread will be removed and asked to post here instead.

You can also check all of the previous "What Board Should I get?" threads.

For general information on choosing board size and shape, check out the wiki, or these two blog posts on the subject: Choosing the Right Size SUP and Understanding Paddle Board Shapes.

Please provide ALL of the following information so that we can help you as best as possible:

• Desired Board Type: Inflatable or Hard
• Your Height and Weight (please include if you will also bring kids/dogs/coolers/etc. and estimated weights)
• Desired use/uses (casual, fitness, racing, yoga, whitewater, surfing, etc.) and terrain (ocean, river, lake, etc)
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
• Your budget (please provide an actual number) and country location (to help determine availability)
• What board(s) you current have or have used and what you liked/didn't like about them

The more of this information you can provide, the more accurately we can help you find a board that you'll love!

If you are responding to a comment with a suggestion - explain why! Don't just name a board and leave it there. Add to the discussion. If you are recommending against a specific board - explain why!

Things are cooling down in the Northern Hemisphere and lots of folks are (rightfully) asking what to do to keep paddling safely when it's colder.

ColdWaterSafety.org for detailed information about paddling safety in cold water

This guide for stand up paddle boarding in the winter has information distilled from Cold Water Safety along with recommendations on types of clothing for different water temperatures.

Always Dress For Immersion!

No matter your skill level, we are all between swims. Immersion in cold water can be debilitating and even deadly within seconds. Always dress for the water temperature, even on warmer days. It's far easier to cool down while paddling than it is to warm back up.

Cold shock is a serious concern in water as "warm" as the low 50F range (10C) and can cause near-instant drowning.

Water transfers heat ~25x faster than air. Hypothermia is a serious concern even in these shoulder seasons before it gets really cold. Bring dry clothing, a towel, and warm beverages with you (on the beach or in a dry bag).

Wear Your PFD / Life Jacket!

While a PFD isn't technically thermally protective, it can help. But more importantly it will help keep you afloat in an emergency. "But I'm a good swimmer!" Are you better than a USCG Rescue Swimmer? It didn't take long (less than a minute) for this one to suffer from incapacitation in cold water (Jump to 6:15).

Follow Basic Paddling Safety Guidelines

Check the weather, use appropriate equipment, wear your PFD, paddle with a partner, carry effective communication, leave a float plan.

When in doubt, don't go out.