Wakesurfing: The 3 best wakesurf boards 2024!

You’ve probably heard of wakeboarding, but have you ever heard of wakesurfing?

You surf a wave that is created behind a boat. No waiting for the next set or wave priority, with wakesurfing you have the wave all to yourself!

The best is yet to come:

Find out everything you need to know about wakesurf boards and wakesurfing. You will also learn ” 5 simple steps on how to master your first WakeSurf attempts in a playful way.

The best wakesurf board 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite wakesurf board:

These are the top 3 wakesurf boards in 2024

1. Hyperlite 2020 Shim

Summary

The Hyperlite 2020 Shim is a hybrid style wakesurf board. The board is suitable for beginners and advanced riders.

Advanced riders can use it to build up speed and perform high jumps. This board makes it easy for beginners to stay in the pocket and at the best point of the wave.

Compression molding makes the board very durable and robust. You have to make sacrifices in terms of weight.

Product details

Size: 60 x 150 x 10 cm | Weight range: up to 87 | Style: Hybrid | Construction: Compression Molded | Rail: N/A | Fins: Thruster

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2. circle one skimboard

Summary

The Circle One Skimboard is a surf style wakesurf board. Perfect for fast wave riding, also suitable for beginners thanks to the high buoyancy.

The board is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. This board is best suited for sandy shore breaks.

Compression molded construction is both a strength and a weakness. This makes the wakesurf board robust, but also heavier.

Product details

Size: 50 to 56 inches | Weight range: 68kg+ | Style: Surf | Construction: Compression Molded | Rail: Hard | Fins: n/a

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3. Jobe Sonic High-End Wakesurfer

Summary

The Jobe Sonic High-End Wakesurfer is a surf style wakesurf board. It is particularly well suited for beginners to advanced players.

The soft top is a plus point for beginners. The top of the wakesurfer is made of soft foam, which reduces the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

Here too, the compression molded design is both a strength and a weakness. The board is therefore very robust and durable, but also somewhat heavier.

Product details

Size: 128.27 x 56.01 x 13.21 cm | Weight range: 68kg+ or up to 80kg | Style: Surf | Construction: Compression Molded | Rail: Hard | Fins: Thruster

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Bestsellers: The most popular wakesurf boards

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

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Buy wakesurf boards:
How to make the right decision

Surf style? Skim Style? What kind of style? Find out everything you need to know about the fabulous sport of wakesurfing now!

The right wakesurf board size?

Most wakesurf boards are either one-size, or come in small/medium/large. There is therefore no size chart for height and weight.

The following applies to tall and heavy people:

Large boards are more suitable for you than small ones. Small wakesurf boards do not have enough buoyancy and the board becomes wobbly. This makes it particularly difficult for beginners to keep their balance.

For beginners:

Beginners also need a large wakesurf board. This makes it easier to get started, as large boards have more buoyancy. The wakesurf board is therefore more stable in the water and beginners can keep their balance more easily.

In case of doubt:

Ask the manufacturer about the maximum body weight for which the wakesurf board is designed.

The following applies to children:

Normal wakesurf boards have too much buoyancy for children. As children have too little weight, the board is difficult to move. For this reason, there are special children’s wakesurf boards. These are usually just a smaller version of the normal wakesurf boards.

Which wakesurf style?

There are three types of wakesurf boards:

1. Surf Style
2. Skim Style
3. Hybrid Style

Depending on the type, the wakesurf board has different riding characteristics and may or may not be suitable for certain tricks. What exactly are the differences?

1 Surf Style

• Lots of volume
• Good for beginners
• Stable in water

Surf style boards look like a shrunken version of a surfboard. As with surfboards, there are many different shapes and types.

As a rule, they are larger than skim style boards. They have a lot of volume and therefore also a lot of buoyancy. As they are also stable in the wave, they are ideal for beginners.

But professionals also get their money’s worth:

Surf style boards are fast in the waves and can therefore be surfed in a similar way to a surfboard on the sea. Surf style boards are also the right choice for high jumps.

2 Skim Style

• Good for tricks and spins
• Maneuverable and easy to turn
• More suitable for advanced users
• Less buoyancy

A skim style board is suitable for anyone who enjoys spins and tricks. They are usually smaller and thinner than surf style boards. As a result, they have less volume and buoyancy.

Their low volume ensures that they are very agile and easy to turn in the water. What’s more, skim style boards don’t have fins. These have less resistance in the water and the wakesurf board can be turned faster.

Caution for beginners:

If a board is easy to turn, it is automatically less stable. Skim style boards are therefore less suitable for beginners. As a beginner, you need a stable board that forgives mistakes and doesn’t change direction every time you move.

3 Hybrid Style

• Combines features of surf and skim style boards
• Stable
• Fast
• Easy to turn

Hybrid style boards combine the characteristics of surf and skim style boards and therefore the best of both worlds:

Hybrid wakesurf boards are stable and fast in the water. At the same time, they remain easy to turn and feel playful in the water.

This means:

You can wakesurf with these boards in surf style. Air and spins are possible at the same time, as with skim style boards. The ideal solution for anyone who doesn’t want to limit themselves to one style!

The right wakesurf board rail?

The rail is the outer edge of the wakesurf board. The shape determines how much water can flow past the board and how the wakesurf board behaves when you push the edge into the water.

1. A thick rail:

   A thick rail ensures that the board has more volume and is more stable in the water at the same time. Movements on the board feel less abrupt with a thick rail. However, you have to exert more pressure on the edge to move the wakesurf board.

2. A thin rail:

   A thin rail is easier to push into the water. This makes the wakesurf board more responsive and faster to turn. In addition, boards with a thin rail are faster than boards with a thick rail.

Apart from the thickness, a distinction is made between the rails:

1Soft Rail

• Stable
• Forgiving
• Good for beginners

Wakesurf boards with a soft rail are mainly found on surf style boards. They are stable in the water and do not behave so abruptly. They also have a good grip in the wave and are forgiving. This is why boards with this shape are very suitable for beginners.

But advanced riders who want to surf smooth and long turns will also have a lot of fun with boards with a soft rail.

2 Hard Rail

• Loose driving feel
• Fast
• Less forgiving
• Performance oriented

Even small movements have a big impact on wakesurf boards with a hard rail. This makes fast and aggressive turns possible and gives you a looser riding feel.

The rail cuts through the water, which is why boards with a hard rail are faster. If you are looking for performance, you will find it with a hard rail.

Beginners find it more difficult with a hard rail as it is less forgiving. Hard rails are usually found on skim style boards.

3 Blended Rail

• Mixed form
• Stable and maneuverable

The blended rail is a mixture of hard and soft rail. It combines their characteristics: speed, maneuverability and speed.

Blended rails are usually found on hybrid style wakesurf boards and are more suitable for advanced riders.

The right tail?

The tail is the rear end of the wakesurf board. There are many different shapes, which have different effects on the riding behavior of the board. Some are also better suited to large or small waves.

The shape of the tail is copied from normal surfboards:

1. Square Tail

   The square tail has a lot of buoyancy. This buoyancy ensures a good push in the wave and an explosive ride.

2. Pin Tail

   A wakesurf board with a pin tail is difficult to maneuver in small waves. Its strengths are particularly evident in large waves. The pin tail is thin and sinks deeper into the water due to its small surface area. The pin tail still offers good support in larger waves.

3. Squash Tail

   The squash tail is responsive and versatile. It is suitable for almost any type of shaft. The squash tail ensures a loose ride and makes fast turns possible.

4. Round Tail

   The Round Tail is an all-rounder for almost all conditions. It ensures a good hold in the wave, but still remains fast. This makes smooth and stylish turns possible.

5. Swallow Tail

   The swallow tail is very wide. This provides a firm hold in the shaft. Nevertheless, this tail makes you fast because you can build up speed easily. It performs better than any other tail, especially in small waves.

The real rocker?

Rocker refers to the curve from the nose (tip) to the tail (rear end). The shape has an influence on how the wakesurf board behaves in the water and how it reacts.

Depending on how strong the rocker is, there is more or less surface area of the wakesurf board in the water.

A distinction is made between:

• Relaxed Rocker
• Heavy Rocker

Relaxed Rocker

Relaxed rocker means that the wakesurf board is not bent strongly upwards. This gives the board more surface area in the water and makes the wakesurf board more stable and beginner-friendly.

Wakesurf boards with this rocker are less maneuverable. It is more difficult to perform fast turns.

Heavy Rocker

Heavy rocker means that the wakesurf board is bent very strongly upwards. This makes the board easier to turn and it feels maneuverable.

The disadvantage: there is less surface area of the board in the water, which makes the wakesurf board slower.

Heavy rockers are good for steep waves with a lot of power, because here it doesn’t matter that you lose a bit of speed.

The right wakesurf fins?

Fins are attached to the underside of the wakesurf board. Depending on their size, arrangement and shape, they have different effects on the handling of the wakesurf board.

The following applies:

The larger the fins, the more stable the wakesurf board. On the other hand, it is harder to turn and the water resistance of the board increases.

Please note:

There are various systems (e.g. FCS II or Future Fins) with which the fins can be bolted to the wakesurf board. So make sure you buy fins that also fit into the fin holder.

There are various ways in which the fins can be arranged on the board:

1 Single Fin

The single fin setup has a large fin in the middle of the tail (rear end). The fin acts like a rudder and ensures stability, control and good grip in the wave.

Single fins are also well suited for spins. However, the board also slows down in the water

2 Twin Fin

With a twin fin, two fins are screwed into the two outer fin mounts on the wakesurf board.

With the Twin Fin, the board has a lot of speed and a playful riding feel. The board spins well with this setup. At the same time, there is still good grip in the wave and surf style turns can also be performed.

Only on long turns at high speed does the Twin Fin weaken somewhat and lose stability.

3 Thruster

Three fins are bolted to the thruster. One in the middle holder and one in each of the two outer holders. This setup is used very frequently and is considered standard.

Why are thrusters so popular?

The thruster setup works well in any wave size and is a good compromise between stability and maneuverability!

There is often a small fin in the middle, the so-called trailing fin. This ensures that the board loses less speed. At the same time, the center fin gives the wakesurf board more stability. The two outer fins help to build up speed on the wave.

4 Quad

The quad has four fins bolted to the wakesurf board. The middle fin holder remains free. The fins sit close to the edge of the board.

As this setup does not have a center fin, a lot of speed can be built up. On the other side, the rear part of the board breaks out more quickly.

A quad setup works particularly well in small waves.

5 Five

Five fins are attached to the wakesurf board. This setup combines the characteristics of speed, stability and maneuverability.

But be careful: due to the many fins, the board has more resistance in the water and becomes slower.

The right construction method?

Wakesurf boards can be built in different ways. The design primarily affects the weight and stability when wakesurfing.

The following construction methods are most commonly used for wakesurf boards:

• Compression molding
• Composite or epoxy

Compression molding

Wakesurfers in this design are very suitable for beginners to intermediates because they are very robust and last a long time.

Composite/Epoxy

You may already be familiar with this design from surfboards. A foam core is encased in fiberglass. Then a layer of epoxy or another resin is applied on top.

Wakesurf boards with this construction are very light and have a high buoyancy, but are less stable and more susceptible to bumps and impacts.

Due to their low weight, these wakesurfers are very suitable for high jumps. The buoyancy ensures that you can have fun even in small waves.

The right wakesurf accessories?

To really get started with wakesurfing, you need more than just a wakesurf board. The right wakesurf accessories include

• Wakesurf swim vest
• Wakesurf rope
• Wakesurf board bag

The right wakesurf swim vest?

A vest is essential for wakesurfing. It protects the body on impact and keeps you afloat.

Apart from normal swim vests, impact vests (also known as comp vests) are often used. These are specially designed to protect the upper body from injury.

Good to know: Impact vests do not work like swim vests because they do not keep you completely afloat.

The right impact vest size?

Most manufacturers offer a list in which you can see which dress size fits which bust size. To do this, measure your chest circumference at the widest point and compare the value with the table.

This ensures the impact vest fits correctly:

The wakesurf vest should fit comfortably and not slip over your head.

The right wakesurf rope?

The wakesurf rope is essential for launching from the water. You can find out exactly how to get out of the water when wakesurfing here.

Wakesurf ropes differ from wakeboard ropes:

Ropes for wakesurfing are around 20-25 feet long and therefore significantly shorter than ropes for wakeboards. They also have a smaller handle that you can only hold on to with one hand.

The rope is not needed permanently for wakesurfing:

The rope is only used at the start and helps you to position yourself correctly on the wave. It is then thrown back into the boat.

The right wakesurf board bag?

A bag is recommended so that you can enjoy your wakesurf board for as long as possible. You have the choice between a board bag or a sock.

A wakesurf bag or sock is used to protect the fragile board from knocks, impacts, UV radiation and heat. It also makes the board easier to transport. The bags often have loops for hanging or gripping.

The best is yet to come:

In addition to the wakesurf board, you can also store other accessories and tools in your bag. So you always have everything in one place.

Everything about the wakesurf boat

No wakesurfing without a boat! But how exactly does it work with the boat and wakesurfing?

What kind of boat for wakesurfing?

Only use boats with an inboard motor for wakesurfing. There is a high risk of injury on boats with an outboard motor, as there is a risk of falling into the propeller.

There are two types of boats that are used for wakesurfing:

1. V-Drive boats

   On V-Drive boats, the motor is located at the back of the boat. To get a good shaft, the weight must be placed next to and slightly in front of the motor on the side where the shaft should be.

2. Direct Drive Boats

   On direct drive boats, the motor is located in the middle of the boat. The weight must also be on the side where the shaft should be. But this time more next to and behind the engine, so that there is more weight on the rear.

How fast does a wakesurf boat have to go?

The exact speed depends on the model and weight of the boat. That’s why you need to communicate with the wakesurfer and let them watch the wave. The following are standard values:

• From 10 MPH: A good wave is created behind the boat.
• At approx. 11 MPH: A wave is created that is good for skim style wakesurfing.
• Up to 12.5 MPH: Creates a wave that is good for surf style wakesurfing.

How is the wave created?

Water is displaced by the mass of the boat. This results in a practically endless wave. The wave is located behind the boat, on the side where the boat is lower in the water.

The shape of the wave changes depending on whether more weight is on the bow (front section) or the stern (rear section):

• More weight at the bow (front section): The shaft is lower, but longer.
• More weight at the rear (rear end): The shaft is higher, but shorter.

How to put weight on the boat?

To create the best possible wave behind the boat, you need to use additional ballast. Either with a ballast system in the boat or with additional ballast bags. You also need to take your passengers into account!

1. Factory Ballast System

   This refers to the ballast system that is already installed in the boat. This is the case with most wakesurf boats. If you want to buy a wakesurf boat, it is best to ask your dealer about an integrated ballast system.

   However, the boat’s ballast system is often not sufficient to create a perfect wave. Additional ballast or a wakeshaper is then required.

2. Water Ballast Bags

   Water ballast bags are large bags that are filled with water. The advantage: the water can be drained quickly and the weight can be changed easily.

3. Passengers

   People on board must also be taken into account as ballast. The most important thing is that the passengers sit safely and comfortably in the boat.

   How the passengers are distributed in the boat depends primarily on the model. In a Centurion, the passengers should be distributed as evenly as possible. In a Malibu, it is helpful if all passengers sit on the side where the wave is.

The perfect wave with a wake shaper?

Wake shapers are plates that are attached to the stern of the boat to create an even better wave. Using wake shapers is the best and easiest way to get a good wave.

That’s why you should never do without a wake shaper:

They ensure that more water is displaced and the wave becomes even bigger and cleaner. It is best to use Wake Shaper in combination with ballast.

Wake shapers can be easily switched from one side of the boat to the other. You can also experiment with the position on the boat to create the best wave.

Safety when wakesurfing!

The following rules must be observed to ensure that you are safe when wakesurfing:

1. Be familiar with the boat and your equipment.
2. Wear a swim vest.
3. Use a wakesurf rope.
4. Do not load the boat above the specified maximum weight.
5. Have a third person in the boat to watch the wakesurfer.

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Learn to wakesurf in 5 steps!

Enough of the material theory, how does wakesurfing work? Learn in 5 simple steps how to make your first wakesurfing attempt a guaranteed success:

1. Find Stance

   The stance is the position in which you stand on the wakesurf board. Either with the left foot in front (Regular), or with the right foot (Goofy).

   To find out where you stand, first look for a friend. Then stand up, your feet should be slightly shoulder-width apart. Your friend must now push you from behind. The foot with which you intercept the push is at the front of the wakesurf board.

2. Positioning in the water

   Now it’s time for the water! Swim behind the boat with your wakesurf board and position yourself on the side where the wave will be later.

   This means you are in the right place from the outset and don’t have to paddle far to the left or right after the start.

3. Get up

   This is the trickiest part, especially for beginners. But with a little practice and the right technique, you will soon be standing on the board.

   Let the tip of the board point in the direction in which you want to ride later. Position your feet with your heel close to the edge of the wakesurf board pointing towards you. Your feet should be close to your bottom.

   Then give the captain the start signal and take the rope firmly in your hand.

   When the boat sets off, they have to put their heels under their buttocks and then lean towards the boat as they stand up.

   Important: Stand up with your feet! Do not try to pull yourself up with the help of your arms.

4. Driving into the wave

   Once you have done this and are on the wave, you need to find the pocket, which is the place where you get the most speed and forward push from the wave. You will feel it when you are in the right place.

   To find the position more easily, you can pull yourself forward by the rope. But be careful: never wrap the rope around your arm or other parts of your body!

5. Drop the rope

   When you feel safe, the time has come to throw the rope into the boat. Alternatively, you can also drop it if someone on the boat can catch it.

   During your first attempts, you will still want to hold on to the rope. However, try letting go of the rope at some point and riding the wave.

What wakesurf tricks are there?

Typical wakesurfing tricks include, among others:

• Spins:

  Rotations around its own axis on the shaft. For example, you can rotate 180°/360°/540°.

• Airs:

  The wave is used as a ski jump. You can either just jump upwards, which is called an ollie, or do spins in the air.

• Grabs:

  An air where you hold on to your wakesurf board.

• Shuv-it:

  A trick from skateboarding, you turn the board 180° under your feet and then keep going.

Where can I go wakesurfing?

In contrast to wakeboarding, a boat is required for wakesurfing. As not everyone can afford this luxury, there are wakeboard schools that also offer wakesurfing, for example:

• WakeboardAcademy on Lake Zurich (in Zurich).
• Crazywake on Lake Constance.
• In Vienna there is a sports club, Danubesurfer, where you can book a wakesurfing slot together with other wakesurfers.

Well-known brands and manufacturers?

The best-known and most popular wakesurf board brands include

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Jobe, Phase 5, Liquid, Hyperlite, Ronix

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

What is wakesurfing?

Wakesurfing involves surfing the wave behind a boat with a wakesurf board.

What equipment do I need for wakesurfing?

A boat, a wakesurf board, a swim vest and a wakesurf rope are the basic requirements.

What tricks are there for wakesurfing?

There are spins, air, grabs, shuv-its and many more.

What should I look out for when buying a wakesurf?

The most important factors are the shape, fins and the style in which you want to wakesurf.

What kind of boat for wakesurfing?

Either a V-Drive or Direct Drive boat with an inboard motor.

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Conclusion: The most popular wakesurf boards reviewed

Wakesurfing is still a niche sport, partly because you need a boat to do it. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a lot of fun!

If you have the opportunity to try out wakesurfing, then let’s go!

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Specialist literature, sources & further links

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