When searching for a wakesurf board to purchase, there are several factors that need to be considered based on size, budget, and durability. Below, we will describe the three factors that make up the best wakesurf board for novice to expert riders.
Wakesurf Board Size
Just as other outdoor extreme sports have boards that are meant for varying skill sets, wakeboarding is no different. If you’re just beginning to wakeboard, size does make a difference.
The larger boards will provide more lift and balance, so that you’re able to build on your skills. With that being said, if you’re new to the sport and you can’t make a decision between several different boards, opt for the larger one.
This is not to say that shorter boards are for only those with expert experience, but more so that they require less buoyancy to perform. Larger boards will help the novice to develop the fundamental abilities needed down the line.
Wakesurf Board Cost
Another factor to consider when making a wakeboard purchase is in regard to the budget that you have available. Thanks to the widespread increase in interest within the wakeboarding world, there are now boards of all different makes, models, and pricing.
The cost for a board and the bindings can range from around $200 to well over $1,000, but fortunately, the price is dependent on the features of the board and not necessarily the quality.
If you are a beginner or plan to have a bunch of people out on the boat for a fun-filled day, you might want to consider a cheaper board, as it’s likely that it will get banged around a good amount, in addition to, provide a more well-rounded model that can accommodate various body types and sizes. These more basic designs will tend to be cheaper than those that are highly customized for top performance.
Wakesurf Board Durability
Lastly, durability is very important to consider when making a wakeboard purchase and there are several questions that you need to ask yourself.
- What is the primary reason for buying a wakeboard?
- Will this board allow me to develop fundamental skills through time?
- Do I plan on allowing others to use my board?
- What sort of watercraft will be pulling me?
As we briefly touched on before, it is important to decide whether the wakeboard will be for personal use or used as the community board. If it’s the latter, you will want to opt for a more durable board due to the wear and tear that it will consistently experience.
The good thing? Durability is not necessarily price-dependent. Most wakeboard are inherently durable, but by opting to purchase ones that have extra layers of protection, you’re extending the life of the wakeboard.
On the other hand, boards that are strictly for personal reasons can sacrifice the overall durability for features such as thinner rails, bigger rockers, and smaller size. While these can make the board more fragile, they also will allow you to take your skills to the next level, as these features transition well into carving and aerial maneuvers. With these factors in mind, listed below are 10 best wakesurf board reviews for 2024, along with descriptions and skill level recommendations.
10. Hyperlite Shim Wakesurfer
Introducing the Hyperlite Shim Wakesurfer 2023: designed for intermediate to advanced riders seeking versatility. With a single concave base and vented tail channels, it offers unparalleled control. Layered glass design ensures durability, while fast rocker enables seamless speed transitions. DurasHell construction combines buoyancy with resilience. Elevate your wakesurfing experience with optimal design for maximum performance. Lastly, the wakesurf board comes in 3 different sizes (4FT 4In, 4FT 7In, 5FT 3In).
Product Details
- Product: Hyperlite Shim Wakesurfer 2023
- Rider Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Riding Style: Skim and Surf
- Versatile Design: Perfect for pushing skills to the next level
- Construction: Layered Glass for durability
- Fast Rocker: Allows speed anywhere on the wave
- Maneuverability: Short profile for rotational and air tricks
- DurasHell Construction: Combines buoyancy with durability
- Optimal Performance: Single concave base channels water for control
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
9. Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurfer
Hyperlite Broadcast is a sharp wakesurf board designed with a swallow tail shape. The tail shape works as a pivot point for sharp handling and adds hover in the tail for higher speeds. Dual Concave Base offers smooth tracking and stability which means that surfers can ride the waves with control and follow through.
The swallowtail shape is perfect for pivoting and making sharp turns even if the waves are a little choppy. This board is primarily made out of monocoque which means that it’s durable during grueling conditions and you won’t have to worry about dings or dents keeping you off the water.
Product Details
- Shaun Murray Certified
- Monocoque Construction
- Layered Glass
- Machined EVA Traction
- Rolled Edge Profile
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Weight Range: 110LBS and Up
8. Swell Skim Slice Wakesurf Board
Introducing the SWELL Wakesurf Vermillion Skim Board, ideal for surface tricks and progressive riding. Constructed with durability in mind, featuring an EPS foam core, wood stringer, True weave fiberglass cloth, and resin for strength.
Equipped with a 3-fin setup, offering versatility and stability. The twin-tip shape, slight rocker, and lightweight design ensure effortless progression. Included EVA traction pad provides exceptional grip. Available in 53″ and 56″ sizes, accommodating riders up to 260 pounds for an exhilarating wakesurfing experience.
- Product Name: SurfSwell SkimSlice Wakesurf Board
- Style: Skim
- Length Options: Available in 53″ and 56″
- Construction Materials: Wood, Fiber, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- Features: Twin-tip shape, slight rocker, lightweight design
- Fin Setup: 3-fin setup with two 1″ fiberglass fins and one 2″ fiberglass fin
- Included Accessories: EVA traction pad
- Rider Weight and Height Recommendations: 53″ suitable for riders up to 175 pounds and 6′ tall, 56″ ideal for riders up to 260 pounds and 6′ – 6″ tall.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
7. Hyperlite Landlock 5’9″ Beginner-Intermediate Wakesurf Board
Meet the Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board, a 5ft 9in longboard style perfect for beginners and intermediates. Its design is tailored for first-time surfers and those desiring a relaxed session, with a focus on easy, soulful turns. Stability is unparalleled, thanks to its wide shape that ensures balance and control.
Built with the advanced Biolite 3 Core, this board promises durability and responsiveness. Comfort isn’t overlooked, featuring a soft EVA Traction Pad and a concave base for steady rides. Its surf-friendly profile boasts quick carving and enhanced maneuverability.
Lightweight at 4 kilograms and crafted from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), this blue board combines functionality with style. Ideal for anyone’s first surf adventure or skill improvement, the Hyperlite Landlock is your gateway to enjoyable watersports.
Product Details
- Size: 5ft 9″
- Color: Blue
- Brand: Hyperlite
- Item Weight: 4 Kilograms
- Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
6. Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurfer
Introducing the Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurfer—endorsed by Shaun Murray—for all wake surfers, from beginners to intermediate riders. Available in two sizes (4FT 8In and 5FT 4In) and a sleek Black/Blue color. Weighing just 13.2 pounds, it’s easy to handle.
Crafted with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and fiberglass for durability. The rolled edge profile suits both beginners and advanced surfers. The Biolite 3 Core ensures durability and responsiveness. Its advanced design allows for smooth carving and effortless turns. Ideal for mastering tricks or pushing your skill set.
Product Details
- Size Options: Available in 4FT 8In and 5FT 4In
- Color: Black/Blue
- Brand: Hyperlite
- Item Weight: 13.2 Pounds
- Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Fiberglass
Skill Level: Beginners to Intermediate
5. Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board
The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board is a custom surf-style board that’s 4ft 8in long, perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. Made with an EPS core and epoxy fiberglass, it’s designed for durability and performance.
This board stands out for its hand-finished build and a wood stringer that’s covered with a tough glass epoxy resin. It features a quad fin setup for customizable riding and a special traction pad for quick water release and grip.
Its shape includes dual concave channels and a specific rocker for a responsive, stable ride. Plus, it’s designed to adapt as you improve, making it a great choice for all ages and skill levels, promising long-lasting fun on the water.
Product Details
- Size: 4ft 8in
- Brand: Driftsun
- Material: EPS Core with Epoxy Fiberglass
- Dimensions: 56″L x 20″W
- Construction: Hand-finished with foam core and wood stringer, covered in tough resin and fiberglass
- Fin Setup: 4 customizable fins for better wave riding
- Shape: Designed for fast, stable rides with a special grip pad
- Use: Durable and grows with your skills, for all ages and skill levels
Skill Level: Beginners to Pros
4. Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurfer
The Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurfer is a top-tier wakesurf board designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate riders. Endorsed by Shaun Murray, this 4ft 8in or 5ft 4in board comes in an eye-catching black and blue color scheme and weighs 13.2 pounds.
Constructed with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and fiberglass, it incorporates advanced features such as versatile riding capabilities, layered glass for increased durability, and a unique profile with a rolled edge for easy maneuverability.
The Biolite 3 Core construction sets the industry standard for a responsive board that blends speed, power, and stability. Its sleek shape and rocker profile are engineered for smooth carving and effortless turns, making it an ideal choice for wake surfers seeking to enhance their skills on the water.
Product Details
- Endorsement: Shaun Murray
- Size: 4ft 8in and 5ft 4in
- Color: Black/Blue
- Brand: Hyperlite
- Item Weight: 13.2 Pounds
- Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Fiberglass
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
3. Ronix Koal Classic Longboard Wakesurf Board
The Ronix Koal Classic Longboard Wakesurf Board combines timeless design with modern performance. Crafted from bamboo wood and finished in a sleek white, this 4′ 10″ board is the epitome of classic surf construction.
Weighing just 12 pounds and measuring 15.75″L by 39.37″W, it features a lightweight yet high-end core that mimics the quality of traditional saltwater surfboards. Its full rail design ensures smooth and predictable rides, embodying the classic surf feel.
This board is equipped with a single symmetric 4.5″ fin for precision and control. It’s advised not to store this board in boat racks due to its delicate nature, which isn’t covered under warranty. With standard thickness, it provides excellent top water speed and buoyancy, catering to surfers who cherish a traditional experience on the waterline.
Product Details
- Color: Bamboo Wood/White
- Size: 4′ 10″ / 58″
- Brand: Ronix
- Item Weight: 12 Pounds
- Material: Bamboo Wood
- Product Dimensions: 15.75″L x 39.37″W
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
2. Phase 5 Wakesurf Board Hammerhead
The Phase 5 Wakesurf Board Hammerhead, at 55″ in size and adorned with a striking Hammerhead graphic, is a masterpiece of design and functionality by PHASE FIVE. Crafted from durable carbon fiber, this board is built for the surfing sport enthusiast who demands performance and style.
It features GatorSkin Glass for an exceptional ride, a 3/4” thickness for optimal float and control, and a continuous core for stability and responsiveness. Equipped with a single 1” tail fin for precision in every turn, and complemented by a deluxe skim pad plus P5 Techno Grip Traction v2, this wakesurf board offers unparalleled grip and comfort. Whether you’re carving waves or pushing your limits, the Phase 5 Hammerhead is engineered to elevate your surfing experience.
Product Details
- Size: 55″
- Color: Hammerhead Graphic
- Brand: PHASE FIVE
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Sport: Surfing
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
1. O’Brien Havana Wakesurf Board (Best Seller!!)
The O’Brien Havana Wakesurf Board, at 52″ and 56″ and featuring a natural bamboo color, is a lightweight yet robust option for wakesurf enthusiasts, weighing in at just 9.5 pounds. Manufactured by O’Brien and crafted from durable fiberglass, this board employs compression molded construction for increased durability and performance.
The rounded pin tail design enhances maneuverability and wave locking, while the machined EVA pad offers exceptional grip and comfort underfoot. For customization and optimal tracking, it comes with a single removable fin, accompanied by a 1- PAC 1.1 fin. This combination of features makes the O’Brien Havana an excellent choice for surfers looking for a responsive, easy-to-manage board that delivers on both performance and style.
Product Details
- Size: 52″ and 56″
- Color: Bamboo
- Brand: O’Brien
- Item Weight: 9.5 Pounds
- Material: Fiberglass
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (Advanced with new fin set up)
Best Wakesurf Board Buyers Guide
This list of the best wakeboards available in 2020 are sure to provide you with your needs and wants while shredding the wake. As we mentioned earlier, there are several important factors to consider when choosing a board to purchase including the primary use of the wakeboard, the durability, and the price point.
If you’re going to share your board with others, then it’s best to get a board that can accommodate skill sets across the board, as well as, one that has great durability.
It’s inevitable that a board with high usage is going to deal with more wear and tear, especially if you’re sharing it with others that are not as experienced. Durability isn’t only important for community boards, it’s also important based on the rider’s skill set.
Are you going to be doing more surface tricks or aerials? Large jumps and landings overtime will breakdown the support that is within the board. It is recommended if you are going to be doing jumps on a regular basis, you purchase a board that is composed of carbon fiber and has stringers running along the board.
Lastly, the price point. There are many great wakeboards that don’t require you to take out a loan or sell a kidney. The important thing is to do your research and be adamant about it.
Only you know what your needs will be. With that being said, check out each of these boards and find the right one so you can get shredding just in time for the summer!
Learning How to Wakesurf
Similar to riding a bike, learning how to wakesurf starts with lots of practice. Fortunately, living on the coast will give you enough water to practice on. You’ll need patience and determination to get back up after you fall. The most important aspect is to have fun with the group of friends you’re wakesurfing with.