Well.... Considering I think I have 6 or 7 boards in my garage right now, I should know a LOT more. I don't. Surfboard shape/design/fin configuration seems to be a little bit of voodoo. I'm big and I've looked at boards that I thought I wouldn't have a chance at riding and I've been able to ride them better than larger boards that won't push me at all. There seems to be a lot of different manufacturers and a lot of different opinions about the "best" board out there. I'm not sure there's a best.... but here are some general observations that i'm going to make up (so take them with a grain of salt.)
Wake-style boards -- These generally are larger and have one or two wakeboard fins on them. They're thick and usually heavy (but durable.) Not sure what they're made out of but they don't feel like surf-boards -- they feel like big, surf shaped wakeboards. Good for beginners. I think every boat should have one so that first-timers can feel the thrill of wakesurfing.
Skim style boards -- Smaller and thinner, either small surf fins or wakeboard (bolt-through) style fins. Usually with a center fin but sometimes with twin fins. Easy to break loose and spin... Has less push and won't cut as hard as a true surf-style board. More forgiving and will track fairly straight. Hand laid fiberglass with a foam-core. The weight of the foam seems to have a huge effect on how they ride.
Surf style boards -- Usually similar length to a skim board but with more aggressive rails and shape. In my experience, thicker than a skim style board and rides higher on the wake. The more advanced types of these boards won't track in a straight line and require you to be constantly on edge or pumping. The larger fins are typically toed and angled in to get you more push through the water and help you build power into airs and more aggressive tricks.
Curious to see what others think.
Former owner of a 1987 Supra Saltare. Current owner of a Malibu 23LSV.