Wakesurfing is an awesome alternative to other behind-the-boat sports. The riders are typically very close to the back of an inboard boat that’s specially designed or outfitted with ballasts to create a big wake that makes for a surfable wave. This is great for when conditions are less than ideal for other sports like wakeboarding because the boat makes the wave that you need. Now that you’re interested in starting you’ll need to to know how to choose a wakesurf board that best fits you and your needs when you’re out there throwing down.
How to Choose a Wakesurf Board
Things you’ll want to consider when you’re thinking about how to choose a wakesurf board:
Length and Shape
Wakesurf boards come in quite a few different shapes and sizes that are all suited to different rider abilities and styles. One of the first details you’ll see about a board is the length, this is measured in the feet and inches similar to a surfboard. When it comes to wakesurfing there are no by-the-book sort of measurements for a particular rider, it just depends on what you’re looking for. Check out some of the guidelines below for finding the perfect board.
Length
Larger Wakesurf Boards
With a larger board you’re going to get a lot more float and stability. These boards are great for heavier riders or those who are just starting out. Because of the float and stability these boards also work well behind boats that throw a smaller wake too.
If you’re just starting out check out a bigger board, it’ll help shorten the learning curve and help you have fun faster. If you’re a bigger rider check out our article Best Wakesurf Board for Big Guys for our recommendations!
Smaller Wakesurf Boards
Like a sports car, smaller boards are more maneuverable, quicker and have more agility than the big boards. Small wakesurf boards are going to be the choice of the more experienced rider as their shape makes them less stable but better for throwing down. Also, the big wakes created by a dedicated wakesurf boat will work way better for a shortboard.
Shape
Coming from the worlds of surfing and skimboarding, wakesurf boards will fall into 1 of 3 main categories: Longboards, skimboard, or shortboard/thruster shapes.
When considering how to choose a wakesurf board this is one of the most determining features. Each of these is designed with a specific purpose in mind and will determine the type of wakesurfing you end up doing.
Shortboards/Thrusters
The most common of these shapes you’ll see is the shortboard or thrusters. These boards come in tons of different shapes, materials and designs. Made for throwing big tricks or more aggressive riding these performance based boards are agile, light and fast. They flat out rip!
Ronix Carbon Thruster
Longboards
Super floaty, stable and made for more mellow riding the longboards are a great choice for big riders and for rookies. The stability comes from the width of the board and with the rounded rails the ride is cush. If there was a snow equivalent think buttery turns in deep pow and you’re there.
Hyperlite Landlock 2016
Skimboards
These wakesurfers are ultra-playful, usually come with few fins and designed to be thinner with sharper rails than their counterparts. Coming from traditional skimboarding these boards are tons of fun but won’t help the learners as they require some experience to get the best experience out of.
kKrows 3 Fin
Board Rocker
Rocker is the side profile of your wakesurf board and it can play a big part in your riding. The amount of rocker can be seen by how much rise in the tip and tail of the board there is.
More rocker means a slower board but it will roll through water better and be more dynamic on the wake while you’re surfing it.
Less rocker gives the board more quickness and also provides a smoother ride.
Board Rails
Much like a surf board the rails on the wakesurf board dictate how agile the side-to-side is on the board. Thinner rails are quicker and faster but also less forgiving making them a good choice for the more experienced rider. Thicker rails are slower but can be really forgiving which means they’re an awesome choice for your first board. When thinking about how to choose a wakesurf board make sure you take into account the rail shape as this will be integral in the board’s performance.
There you have it! Some more info on how to choose a wakesurf board. When you’re considering your first or even your second board just keep these points in mind and you’ll be sure to grab the perfect board for your next trip out. Send it!
See you out there!
