wakesurf boards

Not sure which wakesurfer to buy for your skill level? Below, we show you the specific features to look for in a wakesurf board, whether you’re a beginner, mid-level or advanced level surfer. Plus, we share the top 6 wakesurf board choices.

What’s Your Wakesurfing Skill Level?

First of all, let’s assess your current surfing level behind the boat. Are you just starting out and eager to master the basics? Or have you already carved your way through countless wakes and are ready for some advanced maneuvers?

Beginners:

As a beginner, you want to find a board that offers stability, forgiveness and easy maneuverability. A larger, thicker board will provide the necessary buoyancy and stability for you to get comfortable on the water. As a result, you can learn faster with less falls.

Recommended Boards for Beginners:

a) Liquid Force Rocket: Another fantastic option for beginners is the Liquid Force Rocket.

With its wide nose and tail, this board offers excellent stability and balance, making it easy to stay on top of the water. The Rocket’s responsive nature allows beginners to build confidence and progress their skills rapidly.

b) Hyperlite Landlock: This board is an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its generous size and stable design.

The wider profile and increased volume ensure easy planning and stability, giving beginners the confidence to progress quickly. It’s a forgiving board that allows for slow and controlled turns, making it ideal for learning the basics.

Intermediate Level Wakesurfers:

As an mid-level rider, you’ll want a wakesurfer that gives you a blend of stability and maneuverability. Therefore, you can more easily expand your repertoire of tricks and techniques.

Top Boards for Intermediate Riders:

a) Phase Five Trident: The Phase 5 Trident is a versatile board that caters to the needs of intermediate riders.

Its hybrid shape offers excellent maneuverability while maintaining stability. The Trident’s buoyancy and responsiveness make it a perfect choice for those looking to progress their skills and explore more advanced tricks.

b) Ronix Koal: This board strikes an ideal balance between stability and responsiveness.

With its customizable fin setup, the Ronix Koal allows you to fine-tune your ride based on your preferences.The Koal gives you excellent speed, control and maneuverability, making it a top choice for intermediate riders.

Advanced Wakesurfers:

Have you mastered behind-the-boat surfing and want a wakesurf board that won’t hold you back? Then, you want to choose a board that offers maximum performance, responsiveness and maneuverability.

Recommended Boards for Advanced Riders:

a) Phase Five Ahi: The Phase 5 Ahi is a high-performance wakesurf board designed for advanced riders who crave speed and agility.

Its carbon fiber construction provides exceptional responsiveness and allows for lightning-fast turns and maneuvers. The Ahi’s narrower profile and aggressive rocker ensure maximum control, making it an ideal choice for advanced riders looking to push their limits.

b) Ronix Carbon Skimmer: The Ronix Carbon Skimmer is a top-notch board that delivers unparalleled performance.

Constructed with carbon fiber, this board offers incredible responsiveness, allowing for precise control and lightning-fast maneuvers. The Carbon Skimmer’s sleek design and high-performance features make it the go-to choice for advanced riders seeking the ultimate wakesurfing experience.

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Wakesurf Boards:

Are you considering buying a hybrid wakesurfer instead of a skim or surf style board? (Hybrid boards combine elements of both skim and surf style boards). To find out if they’re a worthwhile investment, let’s check out the pros and cons…

Pros:

1. Versatility: Hybrid boards excel in various wave conditions, making them suitable for different riders and skill levels.

2. Maneuverability: The hybrid design allows for sharper turns and better control, enabling riders to experiment with different tricks and maneuvers.

3. Stability: Hybrid boards provide better stability than skim style boards, making them more forgiving for beginners.

Cons:

1. Limited Specialization: Hybrid boards may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated skim or surf style boards in their respective areas.

2. Learning Curve: Advanced riders who are used to specific board styles may need some time to adjust to the characteristics of a hybrid board.

What is the Best Wakesurf Board for My Skill level?

Finding the right wakesurf board for your skill level is essential to maximize your enjoyment on the water. Beginners should opt for larger, more stable boards that offer forgiveness and easy maneuverability.

Intermediate riders can explore boards that strike a balance between stability and responsiveness, allowing for progression and skill development. Advanced riders can choose high-performance boards that deliver maximum responsiveness and maneuverability.

While hybrid wakesurf boards provide versatility and stability for a wide range of riders, but they aren’s all unicorns and rainbows. Hybrid boards excel in different wave conditions, offer sharper turns, and provide better stability. However, they may not match the specialization of dedicated skim or surf style boards.

Remember, no matter your skill level, the most important factor is to have fun, and really, most boards will help you accomplish that.

Do you want a smaller-sized wakesurf board that will help your kids get started surfing behind the boat? The Hyperlite Gromcast has a shorter length and stable design, making it easier for kids to stand up and surf, so they’ll have more fun.

This kids wakesurfer is designed off of the adult Hyperlite Broadcast, due to its popularity and user-friendly shape. However, the children’s version measures almost 1 foot shorter than the smaller adult board.

As a result, youngsters can better control the wakesurfer as they ride. Plus, 3-fins provide extra grip on the water to prevent slipping around.

Video Review of the Gromcast Kids Wakesurfer:

Check out the video below to see how this board rides behind the boat, and how easy it is for kids to use. The smaller size makes this wakesurfer easier to control and maneuver in the wake. Therefore, kids enjoy wakesurfing more and it’s easier to get them started. (Note: video shows previous year model of Gromcast.)

Hyperlite

Note: The thruster fin set-up combined with the short, wide board shape also help kids progress from beginner to intermediate riding. For example, maneuverable boards enable riders to complete spins and jumps with more success. Not to mention, greater stability helps with landings too.

On top of that, the full-length grippy deck pad adds more stability to build kids’ confidence as they learn. And, the durable outer monocoque shell helps the Gromcast last an extra long time, even if you use it a lot.

Teaching Kids Wakesurfing Ages 8-14

Step 1: Explain Body Positioning & Balance Techniques

To start, establishing proper body positioning and balance is crucial for wakesurfing success. Follow these step-by-step instructions to help kids find their stability on the board:

1. Begin in the water: Teach kids to lie on their backs with the board floating beneath them, ensuring their legs are extended and toes pointing toward the sky.
2. Engage the core: Instruct them to slowly roll onto their stomachs while keeping their core engaged and arms extended.
3. Find the sweet spot: Encourage kids to shift their weight forward until the board’s nose slightly lifts out of the water. This position allows for maximum control and maneuverability.
4. Balance and relax: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a relaxed stance and distributing weight evenly on the board. Kids should keep their knees slightly bent and arms relaxed, allowing their body to respond to the movement of the wake.

Step 2: Gradually Introduce Basic Skills & Advanced Maneuvers

Once kids have grasped the fundamentals of body positioning and balance, it’s time to introduce them to basic skills and gradually progress toward advanced maneuvers. Follow this structured approach:

1. Riding the wake: Teach kids to start by riding parallel to the boat’s wake, maintaining a steady speed. Emphasize the need to stay focused on balance and body positioning.
2. Basic turns: Guide them in initiating gentle turns by shifting their weight and using their toes and heels to steer the board. Encourage practice and experimentation to build confidence in executing smooth turns.
3. Carving and pumping: Introduce the concept of carving, which involves leaning into the wake to create a controlled turn. Teach kids how to generate speed by using pumping motions with their legs while traversing the wake.
4. Small jumps and tricks: Once kids have developed solid fundamental skills, they can attempt small jumps and tricks under proper supervision. Encourage them to start with basic tricks like grabs or surface spins, gradually progressing to more advanced maneuvers as they gain experience and confidence.

Teaching kids wakesurfing requires patience, expertise, and a positive approach. By following the step-by-step instructions and gradually introducing skills, you can empower kids to confidently embrace the world of wakesurfing.

Specs for the Kid’s Hyperlite Gromcast:

• Size: 45″ (3’9″) Long
• Weight Limit: Up to 110 lbs
• Riding Style: Hybrid Surf & Skim
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Compression Molded Construction
• Durable Monocoque Finish
• Dual Concave Base
• Tail Shape: Squash Tail
• Thruster Fin Set-up
• 3 Fins: 1.5″ Fish (2) 2.4″ Fish (1)
• Get a Matching Wakesurf Rope
• Manufacturer: Hyperlite Wake Co.
• Phone: 1-800-938-4646
• Made in USA
• For Sale: Where to Buy the Gromcast Wakesurfer