Working out how to choose a wakesurf board gets a lot easier once you know the four things that matter: the style of the board, its size, your skill level, and the fin setup. This guide covers each one in plain terms, so you can browse our wakesurf boards and know what you are looking at. We are a group of water sports enthusiasts in central Wisconsin, and these are the questions we get asked most.
Wakesurf Board Styles: Surf, Skim and Hybrid
Almost every wake surf board falls into one of three styles. Pick the style first; it decides how the board feels under your feet more than anything else.
- Surf style: A surf style wakesurf board is longer and thicker, with bigger fins. It floats well, catches more push from the wave, and feels stable, which is why most people learn on one.
- Skim style: A skim style wakesurf board is thinner, with small fins. It sits looser on the wave and breaks free easily, so it suits spins and shuvits. It also takes more work to stay in the pocket.
- Hybrid: A hybrid wakesurf board mixes the two: some of the push of a surf shape with some of the looseness of a skimmer. It is a good fit for a rider who wants to carve one set and try a spin the next.
If you ride with a mixed crew, think about who will be on the board most often. For a closer look at how the two main shapes compare, read our post on surf vs. skim board differences.
What Size Wakesurf Board Do I Need?
Size comes down to rider weight, ability, and board style. The rule of thumb is simple: heavier or newer riders go longer; lighter or more advanced riders go shorter. A longer board has more surface area, so it holds more weight, stays in the wave at slower speeds, and forgives a clumsy foot position. A shorter board turns faster and is easier to throw around, but it asks more of the rider.
Style matters here too. Skim boards run a touch shorter than surfboards for the same rider, so do not be surprised if the skimmer you like is a few inches under the surf shape you were looking at.
Wakesurf Board Size Chart
This is a generic chart that works for most boards. Each manufacturer publishes its own, and the numbers can differ slightly from brand to brand.
| Rider Weight (lbs) | Board Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 150 | 3'9" to 4'2" |
| Up to 185 | 4'5" to 5'4" |
| 150 to 200 | 4'9" to 5' and up |
| 180 to 250 and up | 5' and up |
Buying one board for the whole family? Size it for the heaviest rider. A lighter rider can still have fun on a board that is a bit big; a heavy rider on a board that is too small will struggle to stay with the wave. You can also check our full wakesurf board size chart page before you order.
Wakesurf Boards for Beginners
The first few sets are about getting up, finding the sweet spot, and letting go of the rope. A beginner wakesurf board should make all three easier. Look for:
- More length and volume: extra float keeps you in the wave while you find your balance.
- A surf style shape: bigger fins and a thicker profile track straight and feel steady.
- A forgiving outline: softer rails and a wider nose and tail are less likely to catch when your weight shifts.
The Hyperlite Broadcast is the entry-level board we point new riders toward. Our roundup of entry-level wakesurf boards has more detail.
Wakesurf Boards with Foot Straps
Foot straps are worth knowing about if someone in your boat is having a hard time getting started. Straps hold your feet in place while the boat pulls you up, so the board stays under you, and they help you stay planted once you are riding. The Ronix Brightside Standard Core w/ Straps is built around that idea. We wrote about it here: wakesurf board with foot straps.
Fins, Rocker and Rails
Once style and size are settled, three smaller details shape how the board rides.
Fins come first. A single fin feels loose and playful; a twin or thruster setup adds hold and drive; a quad feels fast and locked in. Many boards let you swap wakesurf fins around, so one board can ride a few different ways. Our guide to wakesurf fin setups shows the options.
Rocker is the curve from nose to tail. More rocker makes a board slower and easier to turn; less rocker makes it faster down the line. Rails are the edges: sharper rails respond quickly, while fuller rails are more forgiving.
Wakesurf Board Brands at 88 Gear
We carry several brands, and each has its own take on shape and feel.
-
Phase Five
Phase Five builds skim, surf and hybrid shapes, including the Diamond Turbo, MVP, Phantom and Matrix. Shop Phase Five wakesurf boards to compare them.
-
Ronix
Ronix covers a lot of ground, from skimmers to surf shapes and longboards; the Flyweight, Sea Captain and Marsh Mellow are a few of the names you will see. Browse Ronix wakesurf boards for the full range.
-
Liquid Force
The Liquid Force lineup includes the Primo, POD, Ace, Syncro and Blade, so there is something for most styles and sizes. See our Liquid Force wakesurf boards.
-
Doomswell
Doomswell makes the Neo, SHUV, AURA and F Series. Take a look at Doomswell wakesurf boards if you want something a little different in the lineup.
-
Hyperlite
Hyperlite offers the Broadcast, Shim, Hi-Fi, and Time Machine; the Broadcast is the one we mentioned above for new riders. Find them under Hyperlite wakesurf boards.
Wakesurf Board FAQs
How do I know what wakesurf board to buy?
Start with style (surf, skim, or hybrid), then match the length to your weight and ability.
What is the best wakesurf board for a beginner?
Look for a longer surf style board with plenty of volume and a forgiving shape.
What size wakesurf board for a heavier rider?
Go longer. Our generic chart puts riders from 180 to 250 lbs and up on boards of 5' and up.
Can kids ride an adult wakesurf board?
They can, but a smaller rider will find a shorter board easier to control; a kids wakesurf board is sized for lighter weights.
Find Your Board
Now that you know your style, size, and setup, the fun part is picking one. Every board we carry is 100% authentic and comes with a manufacturer warranty.
SHOP NOW
Ready to ride? Shop wakesurf boards at 88 Gear.
Still deciding between two boards or two sizes? Contact us, and we will help you figure out the best fit for your goals.