Style

The first thing you need to understand when buying a wakesurf board is the boards style, i.e., what the board is designed to do. In wakesurfing, there are three main styles – surf, skim, and hybrid, each style has a wide range of different shapes and sizes, but the overall style will generally explain the boards riding characteristics. Dive into each of the styles below to learn more.

Surf Style

Majority of the boards in the wakesurf market are surf style as they are the most popular and common board style you’ll see on a boat. Surf style boards have the most volume, more “push” (ability to be pushed by the wave with a rider on it) and high stability, making them the best option for beginners. When looking at a surf style board, you’ll notice it closely resembles surfboards you see in the ocean, just at a smaller size. This is because just like in an ocean wave you want your board to carry lots of speed, track well on the wave, and have stability to give the rider maximum control. Surf style boards are the easiest to learn on but are also great for experienced riders as they allow the rider to perform more intense maneuvers such as slashes, airs, and big bottom turns. They also allow the rider to use more of the wave as they have a bigger “sweet spot.” Surf style boards will typically have 2-5 larger fins to help the boards stability and speed.

Bottom line, if you are only buying one board for your boat or need a board for a range of riders, we recommend surf style.

Skim Style

Skim style boards are typically smaller and thinner than surf style boards, aka less volume and push. Skim style boards will have a flatter profile to allow them to skim across the water better, this helps the rider perform more advanced tricks as the board isn’t as “stuck” to the water. Skim style boards can be a bit harder to learn on as they have a smaller sweet spot on the wave and will feel slippery underfoot. If you are a beginner we recommend sticking with surf or hybrid style. If you know your way around the wave, a skim style board may help you dive into more advanced tricks. Unlike a surf style board that you can carve up and down the wave with ease, a skim style board will dance around on you and will want to spin and slide across the water. Skim style boards will typically only have one small fin to give the board as much freedom as possible.

Hybrid Style

Hybrid boards are just as they sound, they blend both surf and skim style characteristics to create a mid-volume shallow construction board that rides not the fastest nor slowest, not the most stable but not too slippery, and not the most aggressive for tricks or big carves. Hybrid boards are designed for the rider who has interest in both carving and cruising, but also learning more advanced tricks such as spins or shoves. A beginner can learn on a hybrid board, but it won’t be quite as forgiving as a surf style board. Advanced riders will be able to control a hybrid board to perform just as they need, they are a great alternative for someone who wants the best of both worlds. Hybrid boards will typically have 2-3 mid-size fins that, when added or removed, can manipulate the way the board rides through the water.

SIZE

Once you’ve figured out what style fits you best, it’s time to choose a size. Generally, each wakesurf board comes in 3-4 different sizes to accommodate a range of rider weights. There is no strict guideline to who can ride what board, but if –

You are a bigger rider you will need a bigger board with higher volume, if your board is too small it won’t have enough push to keep you in the wave.

You are a smaller rider you will be able to control a smaller board better, as a bigger board will want to control you.

Your boat has a big wave you will have the freedom to choose from any board (not including rider weight) as your wave won’t restrict you to only high-volume boards. A bigger wave can support the use of a smaller board.

Your boat has a smaller wave you will need a bigger, high-volume board (no matter the rider weight) so the board has enough push with less of a wave. A smaller wave won’t be able to support the use of a small board.

Wave size aside, use the chart below to get a general idea of which board will support which weight.

Size Guide

Shapes, Fins, & Rails

Shapes

Each wakesurf board will have a different shape, you’ll mainly notice this difference in the tip or tail of the board. Board shape determines the boards riding characteristics in the water. To simplify it, a board with a narrower tip and tail will have less push but more carving power, whereas a board with a wider tip and tail will have more push but won’t carve as hard. You’ll typically find wider and less rounded tips and tails in surf style boards as they will allow more volume, and in return more push, but if you see a surf style board with a pointy nose you can expect it to have more carving power than in a board with a “duller” nose. You will also often find a fish or swallow tail (two-pointed tail) in surf style boards, a fish is designed to have more speed and maximize responsiveness and aggressiveness, without severely compromising the boards push. In skim and hybrid boards, you’ll typically find a more rounded shape with sharper nose and tails to allow the board to carve, spin, and slide easier.

Fins

Wakesurf fins are like tires on a car – they give the board traction. Just like tires, different fin sizes, locations, and amounts will affect the boards performance. In the most general terms, the bigger and more fins you have on the board the more stable it will be in the water. When you have smaller or less fins, it will free up the tail of the board to slide side to side in the water. Here are some typical fin setups and their general performance –

Single Fin – You will most often see single fins on skim style boards as they allow to board to spin with ease. Typically a skim style fin will be no more than 1” – 1.5” tall, providing the board maximum glide on the water. You will sometimes see a single fin on a surf style board, but in this case, it will be a very large 4” – 6” fin to give the board maximum traction.

Twin Fin – Twin fins are becoming more common in wakesurfing. Twin fins will often be on a surf style board as they allow the board to be fast and loose, while still providing some stability. In most cases you will see a three fin or “thruster” set-up on Hybrid boards, but you can remove the center fin to create a twin fin setup. This will provide a looser surf style feel.

Thruster – Three fins are the most common across the wakesurf lineup because it offers just the right amount speed and stability. Thrusters are often found in surf style boards as the center fin will offer high stability while the outside fins will help the board generate speed. The nice thing about thrusters is the ability to remove fins to change the board feel, most commonly a rider would remove the center fin to create a twin fin but can also remove the outside fins to create a single fin.

Quad Fin – Boards with four fins are designed to generate maximum speed down the line while offering high stability, these are most commonly found in surf style boards and allow the rider to give less effort to stay in the wave. The quad fin design creates channels through the fins that direct the water and generate speed. Quad fin setups are great for all wave sizes but may increase your chance of dropping the rope on a smaller wave.

Five Fin – Five fin boards are rarely found on a surfer as they don’t necessarily increase performance, however they offer the most options when customizing your fin setup. Five fins will only be found on surf style boards and can be good on all wave sizes due to their versatility. We don’t recommend using all five fins at once as they will generate drag and slow down the rider.

Rails

The rail is the edge of the wakesurf board. Rail shapes affect the way the board turns and determine how it moves through the water. The three common rail types are “hard” “soft” and “blended.” The harder the rail the sharper the edge on the base side of the board, harder rails will give more speed and responsiveness, but will be less forgiving when the rider makes mistakes. Soft rails, sometimes called full rails have a rounded edge and allow the board to be more forgiving, a soft rail will be more stable and consistent than a hard rail. Blended rails are just as they sound. They incorporate both hard and soft rail characteristics to “blend” the performance of both a hard and soft rail board.

By Brand

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive deeper into what makes each brand of wakesurf boards unique. The information above applies broadly to all wakesurf boards, but each brand offers distinct shapes and constructions tailored to specific types of riders. Our goal is to keep this guide up-to-date with the latest models and technologies. If you fall in love with a board mentioned here that has since been discontinued, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll help you find similar options that match your needs. 

SOULCRAFT 

Soulcraft boards are 100% hand-built and hand-laminated in the USA (Oceanside, CA) using USA sourced premium aerospace-grade materials, offering a level of craftsmanship and performance unparalleled to mass-produced boards. Soulcraft’s handcrafted process removes excess weight while amplifying strength for peak performance surfing. The result is a board that’s ultra-responsive, easy to maneuver, and delivers a true surf-style feel on the water.  

CONSTRUCTION 

Soulcraft produces boards in many constructions. We primarily carry their Pro Series and R-Series construction boards due to the price point and needs of our average customer. 

Pro Series (Competition-grade flex and strength): For advanced riders looking for a balance of flex and strength, and those upgrading from pre-2023 Soulcraft models. 

• Features a premium twin-band woven carbon fiber that overlaps the nose and tail 
• Increased stringer strength for high energy riding 
• Optimized flex 

R-Series (Balance of performance and flex): For light to average-weight riders, weekend warriors, and those looking for a smooth, flexible ride. 

• Features lightweight carbon fiber band along the stringer that adds strength 
• Softer flex for easy control and flow 
• Great blend of performance and price 

ABILITY LEVEL/SHAPES 

Below is a general overview of the boards we recommend based on your ability level. Keep in mind that wave size can impact how a board performs. Generally, we suggest wider tail designs for small to medium waves, as they provide more stability and control. For larger waves, we recommend sizing down, as a smaller board will offer greater maneuverability and responsiveness. 

Beginner/VooDoo: The Voodoo is our favorite board for riders looking to progress beyond dropping the rope and take their wakesurfing to the next level. The Voodoo is wide, fast, and stable down the line, keeping you in the pocket with ease. 

Intermediate/Control Freak or SuperFang: For riders looking to perfect their carves and board control, we’re big fans of the Control Freak and SuperFang. Their slightly rounder profiles offer enhanced fluidity and flow, while maintaining a stable, forgiving frame that helps you ride with confidence and precision. 

Advanced/Pro Series or Phoenix: For experienced riders seeking a board that can keep up with their skill level, the Phoenix or a Pro Series construction board is the perfect choice. The Phoenix is designed for speed, offering stability while riding revert, and features grab rails for tweaking airs. Our top Pro Series boards, Ashley Kidd’s AK-R and Dylan Ayala’s DA Pro, are built for high-energy riding with a construction that supports aggressive performance and precision.

RONIX 

Ronix is a trusted name in the wake industry, known for crafting high-quality wakesurf boards since 2005. They offer wakesurf boards in nine different constructions, each designed for durability and performance. Across most of their boards, you'll find features like machine-made craftsmanship, lava resin, vents, and bio-resin. The result is a precision-engineered board that is free from defects, built to endure heat, and designed for many enjoyable days on the water. 

CONSTRUCTION 

Every construction in the Ronix line has its place. We stock it all, because they cater to a wide range of riders. The most popular constructions are their Koal Classic, Koal Surface, and Flyweight. 

Koal Classic: Hand shaped design made from an eps foam core, then mixed with classic wood laminates to improve dampening. 

Koal Surface: The Koal Classic design wrapped in a bulletproof “Surface” skin. Durable, lightweight, more affordable, and featuring a protective laminate that breaks up water for less resistance. 

Flyweight: Less is more, and for many riders, lighter is better—nothing added, just the purest form of surf.  

ABILITY LEVEL/SHAPES 

Beginner/Standard Core Skimmer or Brightside: These two boards feature a forgiving construction and stable shape. The flatter rocker line on both boards provides greater speed, helping you find the sweet spot and drop the rope with ease. 

Intermediate/Sea Captain or Koal Classic Fish: The Koal Classic Fish is one of the best-selling wakesurf boards of all time. It's perfect for riders of all levels—stable enough for beginners to learn, yet smooth, fast, and loose for more advanced riders looking to carve up and down the wave. The Sea Captain, on the other hand, features sharper rails and a narrower outline, offering riders increased connection to the water, better edge hold, and added speed. 

Advanced/Flyweight Atlantik or Carbon Pro Osmo: These two boards were added to the Ronix surf line for riders looking to take their performance to the next level. The Flyweight Atlantik is an ocean-inspired surfer—perfect for those who want to feel like they're riding in the saltwater. The Carbon Pro Osmo, a lightweight and responsive skim shape, is fast in either direction and carries extra speed for executing technical tricks. 

LIQUID FORCE 

Liquid Force has been crafting high-quality products since 1998. With over 20 years of leading innovation in the wake industry, you can trust that your next LF surfer will deliver top-notch performance. Their extensive wakesurf line offers a wide range of shapes and constructions, ensuring you'll find the perfect board to match your riding style and needs. 

CONSTRUCTION 

Liquid Force specializes in two primary construction types: Hand Glassed and Dura-Surf. All boards begin the same way—hand-shaped to perfection. The shape is then transferred into a CAD file for CNC precision, ensuring every board is made with exact accuracy. This process leaves no room for error, resulting in boards that are consistently identical in quality and performance 

Hand Glassed: Once the CNC machine creates an error-free EPS foam board, it undergoes hand-glassing. These boards are considered higher performance than the Dura-Surf boards. They are lighter, more responsive, and the shapes are specifically designed for high-performance wake surfing 

Dura-Surf: These boards are built with a tough, durable shell that can handle any impact from a day on the water. Liquid Force’s Dura-Surf line is ideal for beginner to intermediate riders, or for boards that will be used by multiple people on the boat. While they may not offer the same high-performance features, they excel in durability and long-lasting use. 

ABILITY LEVEL/SHAPES 

Beginner/Primo or Syncro: The Primo and Syncro are the standout models of the Dura-Surf series. Classified as hybrid-style boards, they’re perfect for beginners. Both offer excellent stability and provide enough speed to easily find the "drop the rope" sweet spot. Thanks to their hybrid design, these boards are versatile, allowing riders to switch between a Skim-style or Surf-style ride, depending on the fin configuration. 

Intermediate/Pod or Quattro: The Pod is one of Liquid Force's best-selling boards, offering a performance shape wrapped in a durable shell. Its wide profile and tail make it ideal for boats with smaller waves or riders seeking extra push. The Quattro is like the Pod’s high-performance sibling—similar in shape but featuring a more rounded nose, V-tail, and hand-glassed construction. The Quattro is lightweight and highly responsive. Ride it with all four fins for a more gripped up feel or switch to a twin fin setup for smooth slashing and tail sliding. 

Advanced/Flyer or Twin Turbo: Both the Flyer and Twin Turbo are part of Liquid Force’s hand-glassed line, meaning they are lightweight and highly responsive underfoot. The Flyer is an ocean-inspired thruster that transitions smoothly from edge to edge, making it perfect for riders looking to perfect their carves. The Twin Turbo takes wakesurfing into a new era. While still a surf-style board, it’s designed to handle more skim-style maneuvers. With the fin boxes positioned slightly further toward the nose than typical surfboards, the Twin Turbo breaks loose effortlessly and pops off the water with ease, as if it’s built to help you land on the podium. 

HYPERLITE 

Since 1991, Hyperlite has been known for producing high-quality products. Their Broadcast and Landlock wakesurf boards have consistently been best-sellers, thanks to their affordable price point and user-friendly design, making them ideal for beginner surfers. In recent years, Hyperlite has stepped up its game by partnering with top brands like Varial and Lost Surfboards to create high-end, high-performance surf shapes aimed at pushing the limits of the sport. 

CONSTRUCTION 

Similar to Liquid Force, Hyperlite offers wakesurf boards in two main constructions: Handcrafted and Durashell. The handcrafted series features a select lineup of five surf-style boards, while the Durashell construction is available in a wide range of shapes, including surf, skim, and hybrid styles. 

Handcrafted: Hyperlite’s five hand-glassed boards each serve a specific purpose in the lineup. The ARC and Condor, crafted in collaboration with Lost Surfboards, are the most ocean-inspired, performance-driven shapes. The Frother 2.0, Lobo, and Darkstar are designed to be lightweight, responsive, and fun, making them perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. 

Durashell: Durashell boards are molded using a CNC machine and then wrapped in a durable outer layer designed to withstand years of use. While they may not offer the same high-performance features as other boards, they excel in durability. This makes them an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate riders or for boards that will be used by multiple people. 

ABILITY LEVEL/SHAPE 

Beginner/Broadcast or Landlock: Two of the best-selling wakesurf boards of all time, the Landlock and Broadcast are both excellent choices for newcomers to the sport. The Landlock performs similarly to a longboard you'd find at the coast, offering plenty of push for riding smaller waves. It's user-friendly but may be more challenging on larger waves. If you're riding more standard-sized waves, the Broadcast is a great option. With its wide, stable frame and dual concave base, the Broadcast provides the speed needed to stay in the pocket and carve with ease. 

Intermediate/Buzz or Time Machine: The Buzz and Time Machine are both part of the Durashell line, offering an ideal mix of performance and durability. These boards are perfect for riders with prior experience or those quick to pick up wakesurfing. The Buzz is slightly slower but delivers smoother edge-to-edge carving, while the Time Machine is faster, providing excellent down-the-line speed. If you're unsure which to choose, consider the shape of each. The Time Machine, with its wider frame, offers more stability and push, while the Buzz’s pintail design makes it easier to lock in on a line and generate speed. 

Advanced/Condor or Lobo: The Condor, crafted by Lost Surfboards, is the most ocean-inspired, lightweight, and responsive ride—perfect for those who want to bring their ocean skills inland. The Condor excels at flying down the line, delivering sharp carves, and even handling skim-style maneuvers like shuv-its. In contrast, the Lobo offers incredible pop off the wake and powerful ollie capability, thanks to its wider tail profile. As a true twin fin, the Lobo feels playful and agile underfoot, making it a fun, dynamic ride.