The Best Wakesurf Boards for Intermediate and Advanced Riders
This is an essential guide for every wakesurf enthusiast. Whether you’re an intermediate just getting the hang of things or an experienced rider in search of an upgrade, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share our top recommendations, reviews, and tips to help you find the perfect board for your riding style and skill level. From budget-friendly options to high-end boards, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision. These are our top picks, in no particular order. So let’s dive in and find the best wakesurf board for you!
1. Pure Wakesurf Tripp
Looking for one of the best wakesurf boards? Look no further than the Pure Tripp.
The Pure Tripp is perfect for intermediate to professional riders with forgiving features and stability for big airs, tracking and quick, sharp turns.
The board’s design features, including a blunt nose, sharp to soft rails, and single concave hull, make it a high-performance option for riding revert, doing air 180s, shuvs, and 360s.
Pure Wakesurf is an American-made company that uses only American-made raw materials and a hand-shaped, laminated production process.
Performance Measurements: The board’s slightly rounded edges on the tail act as release points for the water flowing off the tail, providing quick, sharp turns. The board is also capable of high-level technical tricks like 360 shuvs and varials. You can find a much more in depth review here.
Pros:
Handcrafted in America
Forgiving for all skill levels
Stable for tracking and quick, sharp turns
Capable of high-level technical air tricks
Custom size and color options
Cons:
Higher price point than some off-the-shelf brands
Specifications:
Blunt nose, sharp to soft rails, and single concave hull
Slightly rounded edges on the tail
Aerospace grade S-Glass for superior strength and lighter weight
Hand-shaped and laminated production process
Price: Starting at $1,199.00
Buy it from Pure Wakesurf
2. Mono Gunslinger
As a wakesurfer, you want a board that can provide you with control, speed, spin, and air. You want a board that can cater to your style and experience level, the Mono Gunslinger offers just that.
The Gunslinger Wakesurf Board is a hybrid surf style board that combines the features of a skimboard and a surf style board. With its MŌNŌ H2 Flow Technology, dual concave channels, and Wave Grip Technology, it provides the surfer with superior control and speed for staying in the wave. The board has a squash tail, which makes it ideal for slashing, big bottoms turns, and a fast response. This board is also great at catching airs and doing 360s. The Gunslinger Wakesurf Board has a wide Diamond No-Dive-Nose, which prevents nose-diving and provides better maneuverability.
Pros:
Handcrafted In America
Provides supreme control
Optimal edge sharpness
Suitable for wakesurfers of all levels
Cons:
May not be suitable for wakesurfers looking for a more traditional surf style board
Specs
Hybrid surf style design
MŌNŌ H2 Flow Technology
Dual concave channels
Wide Diamond No-Dive-Nose
Wave Grip Technology
Squash Tail
Price: Starting at $899
Buy it directly from Mono
3. Phase Five Key
The Phase Five Key is easily one of the best skim board ever created! This is the board ridden by World Champion Sean Silvera, and a Phase 5 team favorite.
This board is fast, light, and perfect for wakesurfers looking to progress their technical skim game. The Key’s fast rotations and speed are made possible by its thin and poppy core and subtle V-Spline bottom. Plus, its Gatorskin construction ensures it can take a beating. It’s no wonder the Key is the most popular board in competitive wakesurfing!
Pros:
Made in America
Fast, responsive skim style
Gatorskin construction for durability
Thin, poppy core for speed and rotations
Snubbed nose and tail design for quick releases and smooth transitions
Single fin setup with loaded 1″ Skim Fin for advanced riding, can be ridden finless as well.
Cons:
May not be ideal for beginners or riders who prefer a more stable board
Specifications:
Skim style board
5/8″ thick
Texture Finish
Continuous core
Epoxy resin
Single fin setup
Price: $1,059.00
Buy it from Wakeoutfitters
4. Blusurf Custom Surfboard
Blusurf is a top choice for very serious and competitive wakesurfers. Blusurf Custom Surfboards offer the best surfing experience for users by creating a board that is designed specifically for their size, skill, riding style, and trick goals. A phone consultation as well as video analysis of you riding riding goes into crafting the perfect board. The unique combination of materials and shapes used ensures a lively, predictable, and durable product for the wakesurfer who demands the best.
Blusurf boards are shaped and glassed by Jonathon Matthews, a veteran shaper, making them performance art. The use of S-Glass, Basalt Innegra, Carbon, and Kevlar fiber, along with the EPS Core and Entropy’s BIO based Super SAP Epoxy Resin system, ensures strength and durability.
Blusurf offers a custom look for every board to reflect the user’s style and personality, which sets it apart from other surfboards on the market.
Pros:
Custom designed to match user’s style, skill, and personality
Unique combination of materials used offers strength and durability
Eco-conscious materials used
Cons:
Higher cost due to custom design and materials used
Long lead times due to demand.
Specs
Materials used: S-Glass, Basalt Innegra, Carbon, Kevlar fiber, EPS Core, Entropy’s BIO based Super SAP Epoxy Resin system
Customizable design
Price: Starting at $1,500
5. Soulcraft Voodoo
The Soulcraft Voodoo is a board that will cast a spell on you! Soulcraft is one of the OG surf style brands that has been around for more than 14 years.
Intermediate to experienced wakesurfers will love the super-fast speed, stability, and pop off the wake for airs. The sharp rail generates speed in the wave, making it perfect for riders who like to mash the gas. The board is pump-driven, allowing you to develop your rotational tricks with ease. The recovery ability is excellent, giving you confidence to unlock the magic that many riders have come to love from the Voodoo. The wide, rounded tail allows you to stay in the wave even when you’re way back.
Pros:
Handcrafted in America
Super-fast speed and agility
Excellent stability and recovery ability
Pump-driven board, perfect for developing rotational tricks
Wide, rounded tail for staying in the wave
Cons:
Fragile construction
Custom orders may take longer to receive
Specifications:
Performance Focus: Intermediate
Nose: Blunt
Tail: Wide Squash
Rail: Hard Sharp for Speed
Rocker: Moderate
Fin Setup: Twin/Podium Fiberglass Honeycomb
Deck Profile: Convex
Construction: Epoxy/EPS/PVC
Price: $998.00
Buy it from NoCoastSurfers
6. Exile Deese Mode
The Exile Ryan Deese is the perfect balance of weight, strength, and stiffness, making it the one of the most popular high-end skimboard on the market among serious wakesurfers
It is versatile for all skill levels and capable of performing all the tricks. The board’s use of Carbon Fiber and Epoxy resin makes it stronger, stiffer, and lighter than fiberglass boards. It is suitable for performing all high level skim tricks (you will never outgrow this board!) and can withstand heavy use. Exile has been building high-performing skim style wake surf boards since 2002, with customers still riding their boards from that time period.
Pros:
Perfect balance of weight, strength, and stiffness
Versatile for all skill levels and capable of performing all tricks
Extreme strength and stiffness due to use of Carbon Fiber and Epoxy resin
Cons:
We don’t love the graphics
Specifications:
Aerospace Grade Carbon Fiber and Epoxy resin construction
S-Glass Reinforced Bottom and multiple layers of fiberglass for added strength
High Density PVC Foam Core and Double Wrapped Rails for durability
Price: $775.00
Buy it from Exile
7. Doomswell Falcon
The Doomswell Falcon is recommended for beginner to advanced skill levels and riders weighing between 215 to 280lbs.
The nose has a good amount of flip to prevent purling and digging in the bottom of the wave. The board is an inch wider than other Doomswell boards, allowing heavier riders to enjoy the benefits of a shorter board. The tail is wide with a squash tail for doing lots of pivots and slashes. The board is very fast and responsive, making it great for airs, spins, and performing in a variety of wave conditions.
Pros:
Suitable for heavier riders (215 to 280lbs)
Good amount of flip in the nose to prevent purling and digging in the bottom of the wave
Wide midsection and tail for improved performance
Round rails for increased drive to stay in the pocket/wave
Cons:
May not be suitable for lighter riders
Made overseas
Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Recommended Rider Weight: 215 to 280lbs
Quad fin setup (can be surfed as a twin or quad)
Single concave from nose to tail on the bottom
Price: $799.00
Buy it from Wakeoutfitters
8. Chaos Ringer XL and XXL
The Chaos Bamboo Series Ringer XL and XXL™is another great option for larger riders who want effortless speed and high-performance surfing. The bamboo deck and bottom inlays make this board durable and long-lasting while offering timeless styling.
Pros
Made in America
Great for larger riders
Durable bamboo deck and bottom inlays
Effortless speed
Cons
May not be suitable for smaller riders
Specifications
Skill level: Beginner to advanced
Recommended rider weight:
5’0″ up to 320lbs
5’4″ up to 365lbs
Price: $899.00
Buy it directly from Chaos
9. Lib Tech Air’N Skim
The Lib Tech Air’N Skim is a true skim style board that delivers maximum pop, response, and control. With a unique Carbon/Balsa I Beam Spine, this board provides amazing maneuverability and precise edge control.
The low rocker design allows for maximum speed and consistency while riding regular and reverted. This board features a full wrap tucked hard edge that holds a rail better than any other board on the planet. Additionally, the board is built with the Lib ECO IMPACTO construction, providing bulletproof durability, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Pros:
Made in the USA
One of the most durable wakesurf boards out there
Amazing maneuverability and precise edge control
Built with eco-friendly materials and construction techniques
Cons:
May not be suitable for riders who prefer a traditional surfboard construction
Specifications:
Available in 4.4 and 4.6 sizes
True twin tip design
Skim Fin Set included (Two double foiled “nubb” fins – 1 5/8″, One double foiled skim fin – 1″)
Price: $899.99
Buy it from Evo
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Wakesurf Board
What to Look for in a Wakesurf Board
When looking for the Best Wakesurf Board, there are a few key factors to consider.
Board Size
The size of your wakesurf board is crucial. The larger the board, the more stable it will be. However, a smaller board will be more maneuverable, allowing for more tricks and faster turns.
Board Shape
The shape of the board is also important. A board with a wider tail will generate more speed, while a board with a narrow tail will have better control. The rocker of the board is also essential, as it affects how the board handles in the water.
Board Material
Wakesurf boards can be made from various materials, such as foam, wood, or fiberglass. Each material has its oiwn benefits and drawbacks, but a board made from high-quality materials will provide better performance and last a long time.
There are three main types of wakesurf boards: skim-style, surf-style, and hybrid
Skim-Style Boards
Skim-style boards are the most maneuverable and have a flat bottom, making them ideal for tricks and spins. They’re also lightweight, allowing for greater speed and agility on the water.
Surf-Style Boards
Surf-style boards are designed to mimic the feel of surfing in the ocean. They have a curved bottom, providing better control and stability in the water. These boards are great for riders who want a more laid-back, surf-like experience.
Hybrid Boards
Hybrid boards are a combination of skim-style and surf-style boards, providing the best of both worlds. They have a curved bottom for stability and control, as well as a flat surface for tricks and spins.
The shape of the board is also important. A board with a wider tail will generate more speed, while a board with a narrow tail will have better control. The rocker of the board is also essential, as it affects how the board handles in the water.
Board Material
Wakesurf boards can be made from various materials, such as foam, wood, or fiberglass. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, but a board made from high-quality materials will be more durable and provide better performance.
There are three main types of wakesurf boards: skim-style, surf-style, and hybrid.
What is the Best Wakesurf Board for Tricks?
When it comes to wakesurfing, one of the most exciting things to do is perform tricks on your board. If you are an advanced rider and want to take your trick game to the next level, you will want to find a wakesurf board that is specifically designed for that purpose.
The best wakesurf board for tricks is one that has a narrow tail and a pointed nose. This design allows for better control and maneuverability while performing tricks. A board that has a lot of rocker (the upward curve of the board from nose to tail) will also help with performing tricks as it allows for more air time.
Some of the best wakesurf boards for tricks include the Phase 5 Matrix, the Liquid Force Pod, and the Hyperlite Shim. These boards are designed with advanced riders in mind and have features that make them perfect for performing tricks.
How to Take Care of Your Wakesurf Board
Taking care of your wakesurf board is essential if you want it to last a long time and perform at its best. Here are some tips on how to take care of your wakesurf board:
After each use, rinse your board with fresh water to remove any salt or debris.
Avoid leaving your board in direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can cause the board to warp or delaminate.
Store your board in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Keep your board away from sharp objects that can scratch or damage the surface.
If your board gets damaged, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How to Store Your Wakesurf Board on the Boat
Storing your wakesurf board on the boat can be tricky, especially if you have limited space. Here are some tips on how to store your wakesurf board on the boat:
Use a wakesurf board rack or holder to keep your board off the floor and out of the way. We’re big fans of the HypeRyd Overhead Racks.
If you don’t have a rack or holder, store your board in a padded bag to protect it from damage and out of the sun..
Make sure your board is secured and won’t move around during transport.
Avoid storing your board in a damp or humid area as this can cause mold or mildew to grow.
FAQs About The Best Wakesurf Boards
What is the best wake surf board?
The best wakesurf board depends on the rider’s skill level, preferred riding style, and the type of wave they’ll be riding. It’s important to consider factors such as board shape, size, and fin setup when choosing the best wakesurf board.
What is the right size wakesurf board?
The right size wakesurf board depends on the rider’s weight, skill level, and riding style. Generally, a larger board is better for beginners, while smaller boards are better for more experienced riders looking to perform tricks.
What is the best speed for a wakesurf board?
The best speed for a wakesurf board varies depending on the rider’s skill level and the type of wave being ridden. Generally, most riders prefer a boat speed of around 10-12mph.
What is the difference between skim and surf style wakesurf boards?
Skim style wakesurf boards are typically smaller and have a flatter bottom, making them better for tricks and spins. Surf style wakesurf boards are larger and have a more curved bottom, making them better for carving and generating speed on the wave.
Is wakesurfing harder than surfing?
Wakesurfing is generally considered to be easier than traditional surfing because the rider is pulled by a boat and doesn’t need to paddle or catch a wave. However, it still requires balance and skill to ride the wave and perform tricks.
Is a longer or shorter wakesurf board better?
A longer wakesurf board is better for beginners or larger riders because it provides more stability and is easier to ride. A shorter board is better for more experienced riders looking to perform tricks and maneuvers.
Is Wakesurfing a good workout?
Wakesurfing can be a great workout as it engages many muscle groups such as the core, legs, and upper body. The constant balancing and maneuvering on the board can also improve coordination and balance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best wakesurf board for your skill level and riding style is crucial for a fun and progression. By considering factors such as board size, shape, and material, as well as your preferred riding style and skill level, you can choose the perfect board to take your wakesurfing to the next level. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, there is a board out there that is perfect for you. So, get out on the water and enjoy the stoke of wakesurfing with the best board for you!
