What size wakesurf board should you get? Don’t worry – we’ll help you find the right wakesurfer for you, so that you don’t end up with a board that’s difficult to ride. We just need to look at your weight, skill level and wave size you’ll be riding.
Different Types of Wakesurfers:
Wakesurfers are designed for different styles of riding, small or large waves and of course, different people sizes. In other words, you can find a board that feels custom made just for you.
Alternatively, you can buy a wakesurf board that can accommodate multiple riding styles and a wide range of people sizes. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need to different boards for every single person on the boat.
The Liquid Force Rocket shown on the right has been one of the most popular beginner/intermediate wakesurf board for several years running…
How to Choose a Wakesurf Board:
Follow these 3 criteria to find wakesurfers that are optimal for you – and weed out others that won’t fit your needs. Save time, money and most importantly, get a board you like and that’s fun to ride.
1. What is Your Weight?
The general rule of thumb is that you want a board that roughly fits your weight, give or take 10 pounds. So for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’ll want a board that’s designed for someone in the 140-160 pound range. This will help ensure that the board has enough buoyancy to keep you afloat, but isn’t so big that you can’t maneuver it.
Hyperlite Shim offers great performance for intermediate/advanced riders
Note: You can even get wakesurf boards specifically designed for kids, like the Hyperlite Gromcast. This 3’9″ long board can hold up to 120 lbs in weight. And for bigger/taller kids, you can use the small version of the Liquid Force Rocket.
2. What is Your Wakesurfing Skill Level?
Beginners typically want a larger board that’s more forgiving and easier to balance on. As you progress and gain more experience, you may want to switch to a smaller board that’s more maneuverable and allows you to try more advanced tricks.
Wakesurf Boards for Beginners:
If you just getting started with wakesurfing, look for a beginner-intermediate board that you can use for learning as well as progressing to the next level. Therefore, you don’t have to buy a brand new board after you move from the novice level to intermediate.
In addition to saving you money, these popular wakesurfers are often more durable, so they last longer even if you use them a lot. Plus, the medium-size boards can accommodate riders of various weights, making them even more cost effective.
3. What Size Wave Does the Boat Produce?
The size and shape of the wake you’re riding also influence the board you choose. For example, if you’re riding a smaller, slower wave, you may want a larger board to help you stay on top of the water. Also, look for fast boards with a swallowtail design, like the Ronix Koal Classic or the Hyperlite Broadcast.
On the other hand, if you’re riding a larger, faster wave, a smaller board may be better for quick turns and aerials. Also check out the Liquid Force Pod, as it provides more stability and control, and the Phase Five Hammerhead for its precise control and quick maneuvering.
Note: You can also get a “Wakesurf Shaper” which can double the size of your wake. In other words, if your boat produces a small wake, you can stick one of these devices on the back of your vessel and ride a larger wave.
So, what size wakesurf board should you get? Here are some general guidelines:
- For riders under 120 pounds, look for wakesurfers between 3′ to 4′ long.
- For riders between 120 and 150 pounds, look for boards between 4′ to 4’6″ long.
- Between 150 and 180 pounds, get a board between 4’6″ to 5′ long.
- Over 180 pounds, a board in the 5′ to 5’6″ range works best.
Of course, the above measurements are just general guidelines. In my experience, wakesurfers can be fairly forgiving, so if you find a design, style or price that you like that comes close to these criteria, it will probably work just fine.
Note: One final thing to consider is the shape of the board. Wakesurf boards come in a variety of shapes, including skim style, surf style, and hybrid. Each shape has its own strengths and weaknesses, so read below to get a basic gist of the differences.
Surf VS Skim Style Wakesurfers
Typically, wakesurf boards come in 2 different styles (or a hybrid of both): surf or skim. Get a skim style if you like doing lots of spins and jumps.
On the other hand, surf style boards provide a traditional surfing experience, but behind a boat. Alternatively, you can get a hybrid of both styles for maximum versatility.
You can compare wakesurf boards here.
