How To Choose A Wakesurf Board

Wakesurfing has grown in popularity in recent year; another amazing watersport. With slower speeds than wakeboarding, wakesurfing is often more beginner-friendly, and does not require that picture-perfect glassy water. With a new sport comes a new board, and lots of options for different types of riders. From surf style to skim style, length options and shapes - choosing the right wakesurf board can be an imposing task. That is why we have broken it down to the basics, helping you choose the right board.

Wakesurfers span a wide array of shapes to accommodate for different riding styles and ability levels. In general, wakesurf board shapes come from the surf and skimboard worlds and tend to fall into 3 general categories: thruster style surf shapes, skimboard style shapes, and "hybrid" shapes that combine the two.

Surf shape wakesurf boards are often reminiscent of surf shortboards but in a smaller package, with a directional shape and fish or square tail (but not always). These boards come in a wide variety of materials, lengths, and configurations. Surf style wakesurf boards are usually the largest in size and total volume. Surf style boards often have a lot of fin options, helping riders tighten up the on-water feel and to generate power and speed to pump the wave. The added volume of surf style boards helps them stay fast and on the surface.

Skim shape wakesurf boards are smaller in size and with less buoyancy. They also have smaller fins and fewer bottom (hull) features, creating a board that is slippery and a lot of fun on the water. Unlike surf style boards that track up and down the face of the wave, a skim board wants to spin, slide, and do anything but stay on the straight and narrow.

Hybrid shape wakesurf boards are a mix between surf and skim. There are a huge variety of hybrid shapes, but skim style shapes equipped with surf fins and surf style shapes with smaller skim fins fall into this category, too. The goal of these boards is to combine the playfulness of a skim board with the power of a surfboard.

Wakesurfers are measured in feet and inches like surfboards. There are no strict length recommendations, however, rider weight and wake size offer good guidelines. Other factors that influence size are the shape of the board, rocker, and nose & tail shapes. Below is some information that will help you decide between sizes.

Bigger wakesurfers have more surface area and more float, which means they work well for heavier riders. If you are riding behind a boat that throws a smaller wake, choose a bigger board. Larger wakesurfers move more slowly through the water and are easier for beginners to learn on.

Smaller wakesurfers are more maneuverable, spry, and faster on the wave. These are an excellent choice for more advanced riders and lighter weight riders. Big wakes will support use of a smaller wakesurfer.

Wakesurf Board Size Chart

Some information to get you started an on your way to find a wakesurf board that best suits you. Visit Extreme Boat Sports Proshop to get the right board or contact us for a consult. From beginner or advanced riders Extreme Boat Sports has something for you, offering a large selection to choose from and our team are also avid wakesurfers.

Extreme Boat Sports

April 2021

With all water sports and boating activities proceed with caution. We are not recommending or advising any of these activities just providing product information