Kevin Baker, Author at Wakesurf Boards on Sale

Wake Surfing Wetsuit Buying Guide for Beginners

A wetsuit keeps you warm, comfortable and protected while riding the waves in various water temperatures. However, choosing the right wake surfing wetsuit can get confusing with the numerous options available.

Wake Surfing Wetsuit Buying Guide for Beginners (Full Wetsuit, Shorty, Spring Suit & DrySuit)

Below, we’ll explain the different types and insulation levels of wetsuits for various water temperatures, including drysuits. Let’s dive in…

Understanding Different Types and Insulation Levels of Wetsuits:

1. Full-Length Wetsuit

A full-length wetsuit covers your entire body from the neck down to the ankles. It is ideal for colder water temperatures and offers excellent insulation. This type of wetsuit is versatile and suitable for various water sports, including wake surfing.

2. Shorty Wetsuit

A shorty wetsuit is a shorter version of the full-length wetsuit, typically covering the torso and upper arms down to the mid-thigh or knee. Shorty wetsuits are suitable for warmer water temperatures or when you need more freedom of movement. Mens Shorty | Women’s Shorty

3. Spring Wetsuit

A spring wetsuit, also known as a long-sleeve shorty, covers the upper body with long sleeves and the lower body with short legs. It’s designed for mild water temperatures and provides some extra warmth during cool mornings or evenings.

4. Drysuit

Unlike wetsuits that trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin to keep you warm, drysuits are designed to keep you completely dry. They are ideal for extremely cold water temperatures or when you want to avoid any contact with the water. Drysuits are typically used in colder climates and may be more expensive than wetsuits.

Choosing the Right Wetsuit Based on Water Temperature:

Girl in Cold Water Wearing Full Wetsuit to Keep Comfortably Warm

Cold Water (below 55°F / 13°C):
In colder water temperatures, opt for a thick full-length wetsuit with a high insulation level, usually 5/4mm or 6/5mm. These wetsuits provide maximum warmth and are equipped with sealed seams and thermal linings to trap heat effectively.

Cool Water (55°F to 64°F / 13°C to 18°C):
For cool water, a full-length wetsuit with a 4/3mm thickness is recommended. This wetsuit offers sufficient insulation to keep you comfortable during your wake surfing sessions.

Mild Water (65°F to 74°F / 18°C to 23°C):
In mild water temperatures, a spring wetsuit or shorty wetsuit with a 3/2mm or 2/2mm thickness will suffice. These suits provide ample warmth while allowing greater freedom of movement.

Warm Water (above 75°F / 24°C):
For warm water conditions, a shorty wetsuit or even a rash guard will offer enough protection against sun exposure and minor chill.

FAQ About Wake Surfing Wetsuits:

Q: Can I wear a wetsuit in hot weather?

A: Wetsuits are primarily designed to provide insulation in cool to cold water temperatures. In warm water conditions, consider using a rash guard or UV protection clothing instead to shield yourself from the sun.

Q: How do I know if a wetsuit fits correctly?

A: A well-fitting wetsuit should feel snug but not constricting. In other words, it should allow you to move freely and not have excessive folds or gaps.

Q: Can I wear a drysuit for wake surfing?

A: Yes, drysuits make wakesurfing more comfortable in extremely cold water conditions. They keep you completely dry and are suitable for winter wake surfing in colder climates. However, drysuits may limit flexibility compared to wetsuits.

Summary:

Selecting the right wetsuit is essential to ensure you stay warm and comfortable during your wake surfing adventures. Consider the water temperature and choose a wetsuit with the appropriate thickness and insulation level to match the conditions you’ll be facing.

A full-length wetsuit is versatile and works well for various water temperatures, while a drysuit offers complete protection in extremely cold conditions. Remember, a properly fitting wetsuit will enhance your wake surfing experience, allowing you to focus on catching the waves and enjoying the ride.

Connelly Voodoo Wakesurf Board – Good for Beginners?

Connelly Voodoo Wakesurf Board for Both Skim and Surf Style Riding

Do you want an entry-level wakesurfer that can accommodate riders of virtually any skill level? The Connelly Voodoo Wakesurf Board has a wide nose and tail, making it great to learn on, plus versatile for both skim and surf style riding.

In addition, the Thermo Shell outer construction makes it lightweight and buoyant. Therefore, it’s easier to maneuver and requires less effort to surf around the water.

The compression molded design also makes the Voodoo durable and strong. So, it can stand up to frequent use by multiple people. (Plus, it helps keep the cost lower.)

Note: The company also makes the Connelly Ride specifically for beginners. It is a good intro package, in part because it costs under $300.

However, the Ride is a very basic board and only allows for surf style riding. The Voodoo offers more versatile riding, since it is a hybrid surf/skim board. Therefore, you can get more use out of it.

Video Review of the Connelly Voodoo Wakesurfer:

The video below shows how this board rides behind the boat. Plus, it reviews the overall characteristics of the wakesurfer and how they benefit you.

Voodoo Surfer from Connelly Skis

Easily Control Your Wakesurfer:

Good Board Design, Speed and Stability will Help You More Easily Maneuver Your Wakesurf Board

And if that wasn’t enough, the Voodoo wakesurf board is reactive and can move fast if you want it to. For example, simply by putting more weight on your front foot, you can speed up the board to move quickly into the sweet spot of the wake.

The swallowtail design helps the wakesurfer glide faster as well, because it helps the board release off the wake.

Therefore, you can stay surfing for longer without the rope, even if you are new to the sport. This means people can learn faster, ride longer and gain a lot more confidence to try carving, spins and other tricks.

Learning to Wakesurf – Made Easier!

The twin fin design helps give the Voodoo its surf-style ride, while making it easy to turn and maneuver. In addition, the blunted nose and swallow tail design make this wakesurfer very forgiving.

In other words, this stable and controllable wakesurfer is a great board for beginners to learn on. Plus, the wider nose and tail increase the board’s surface area so it can support big and tall riders.

Less Nose Dives While Surfing!

Finally, the nose of this wakesurfer has a slight rocker, which helps prevent nose dives. This feature makes surfing a lot easier, especially for beginners.

When you accidentally put too much weight on your front foot, boards without that rocker can dig straight down into the water. Then, your ride is done.

With the slight upward curve in the board nose, the wakesurf board is more forgiving. Hence, you don’t have to worry so much about diving under water.

Note: By the way, the Voodoo Wakesurf Board rides well on small waves. Therefore, if your boat produces a smaller wake, you can get better performance from a wakesurfer like this.

How the Voodoo Surfer Delivers Speed & Control:

The Connelly Voodoo features a swallowtail design with a twin fin setup. Together, you get a wakesurfer that rides fast, yet provides you with a good amount of control.

Swalow Tail and Twin Fin Set Up on Voodoo Wakesurfer

In other words, the back of the board won’t slow you down, causing you to fall out of the wake. Plus, you can maneuver the board more easily when turning and carving, as opposed to slipping around in the water.

Note: Without the center fin, the middle of the board has less resistance. As a result, this keeps the board fast, plus it minimizes friction so you can turn the board more easily.

Specs for the Connelly Voodoo Wakesurf Board:

2 Lengths: 4’10” and 5’1″
Weight Capacity: Up to 180 lbs (4’10”), Up to 200 lbs (5’1″)
Riding Style: Hybrid Surf & Skim
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
EPS Foam Core
Compression Molded
Thermo Shell Construction
Rocker Height: 2.9″
Tail Shape: Swallowtail
Twin Fin Set-up
(2) Futures 3.6″ Fins
Full EVA Deck Pad
Color: Blue/Red/White/Grey
Manufacturer: Connelly Water Sports
For Sale: Where to Buy the Voodoo Wakesurfer

Swell Wakesurf Creator VS Top Wake Shapers – What’s Best?

Swell Wave Generator Can Double the Size of Your Wake Behind the Boat for Wakesurfing

Do you want your boat to create better waves for wakesurfing – without a lot of work? The Swell Wakesurf Creator simplifies the process while producing a bigger, cleaner wake.

The Mission Wake Shaper and Liquid Force Mega Wakesurf Edge essentially do the same thing as far as generating a DIY wave.

However, they do have different design features you’ll want to know about, and we note them below.

How Do Wake Shapers Work?

In short, these wave-making devices have 2 high-performance suction cups that secure to the hull of your boat. They are strong, durable and can withstand speeds up to 14 mph.

The unique wakesurf wedge design first increases water turbulence along the boat’s hull. In turn, it slows the water flow on that side of the boat.

Before and After Wake Boat Shaper Comparison

As a result, you get a bigger, cleaner and longer wake that makes for better surfing. In other words, your board gets more “push” from the wave, and you can surf more easily for longer.

People love these small surfing gadgets because they are quick and easy to use, plus they don’t cost a lot of money. Not to mention, they take up virtually no space in the boat. =)

Fat Sac Ballast Bags to Increase Wave Size Behind a Wakesurfing Boat

Can You Use a Wake Shaper Without Ballast?

In short, yes you can. However, you can get a larger, more surf-able wave by adding ballast with Fat Sac Ballast bags or lots of heavy people.

Installation Instructions: How to Use a Wakesurf Shaper:

Once the boat is fully loaded, attach the Swell Wakesurf Creator to the hull of the boat 3-4 inches below the water line. (Position it on the opposite side of where the person will surf.)

Then, simply press both suction cups firmly against the hull of the boat and flip the locking levers. Placement only takes a few seconds.

How to Install a Wakesurf Creator on Your Boat for Big Wave Surfing

The Swell eliminates the need to weight your boat to one side. In other words, now everyone can sit where they want in the boat – instead of on top of each other.

Plus, both goofy and regular riders can surf on their preferred side. Just release the levers on the Swell and attach it to the opposite side of the boat!

Specs for the Swell Wakesurf Creator 2.0:

Dimensions: 13″ Long x 8″ Wide x 8″ Tall
Universal, Works on Most Inboard Boats
Space Needed: 13″ Long x 5″ Wide x 3.5″ Tall
Material: UV-Protected Marine Grade Polymer & Stainless Steel
Weight: 4.5 lbs
It Floats!
On Sale: Where to Get the Swell 2.0

What if the Swell Won’t Fit Your Boat? Wake shapers don’t fit all boat styles. For example, the Swell doesn’t fit the Mastercraft X2, X30 or X45. In these situation, you can use the Swell Wakesurf Slim instead.

2. Delta 2.0 Mission Wake Shaper:

The Mission Wake Shaper works a little differently from other wakesurf creators.

First of all, it has open side vents to increase turbulence and produce a better surfing wave.

Second, the device has lofted suction cups to conform to curved surfaces on boats. Therefore, if your boat’s hull has significant curvature, this device may work best for you. Otherwise, the fitting may won’t matter.

Third, the RipFlow technology creates a really clean wave without putting extra load on your boat. In other words, it minimizes wash, smooths out the wake and you can save money on gas. (That said, it costs about $75 more up front than the Swell.)

The video below reviews how to install a wake shaper and how it works to divert the water flow. Plus, you see a comparison of how the wake looks before and after…

Note: The Delta 2.0 also works on direct drive boats, due to its reversible orientation feature. Plus, you can use the Delta 2.0 on a boat with a complex hull, or if you need to attach the wakesurf wedge higher.

Liquid Force Wakesurf Edge Mega Wave Shaper

3. Liquid Force Mega Wake Shaper:

As you might expect, the Liquid Force Wake Shaper makes a really big wave. Basically, the concave channeling arm pushes more water, and therefore increases the length of the wave.

However, this shaper will put extra load on your boat and therefore use more gas. It is recommended boat 21 feet or longer and for boats that have a 325 hp engine or greater.

4. Tidal Wake XLR8 Wake Generator:

Tidal Wake XLR8 Wake Shaper that Costs Less Money

If you want to save money, the Tidal Wake Shaper costs about $50 less than the Swell.

It also has a curved arm vs a flat panel, which allows it to increase the wake size, providing more push and speed.

What’s the Best Wake Shaper for Wakesurfing?

This really depends on (1) the size wave you want (2) how much money you want to spend and (3) if you want to save money on gas. In any case, adding ballast bags will enhance wave output.

The Liquid Force Mega wake generator can produce the largest wave. On the other hand, the Mission Delta 2.0 work efficiently to produce a smooth, elongated wake with minimal pull. The Swell Wakesurf Maker is the best-selling model, while the Tidal Wake Shaper is the cheapest.

Also, keep in mind that wakesurf creators don’t work on jet skis, jetboat hulls or pontoon boats. In addition, you don’t want to surf behind a boat with an outboard motor due to safety reasons.

Last Updated June 6, 2024

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