The 10 Best Wakesurf Boards
Special Honors
Mission Alpha Skim While it isn't the cheapest option out there, it is undeniably one of the most limber. Its skim-style design and short body length make it exceptionally maneuverable, while a single central fin combines with relatively sharp rails to balance out its speed and control, enabling quick, exciting tricks. missionboatgear.com
Editor's Notes
September 01, 2019:
In revisiting this list, we found a pair of products that were suffering from significant availability issues — the Phase 5 Prop and the Hyperlite Landlock. Both were removed, and an effort was made to replace them with even better options. The efforts of that research also necessitated a reorganization of our remaining models, with the likes of the Hyperlite Trifecta getting knocked back from our top spot all the way to number five. This isn't necessarily any fault of the board's. Its material construction, speed, and handling are among the best out there, but not by so much as to justify its significantly higher price point than the models in our top four.
Our new number one model, for example, represents an all-around better option for the majority of riders, whether they're veterans or newbies. It's a hybrid surf/skim with a thruster fin layout and enough width in the middle to provide unstable newcomers with an easy time balancing. Still, at just 57 inches in length, it doesn't sacrifice maneuverability on the mantle of stability, and by simply popping out its center back fin, you can up the speed quotient for even more advanced tricks.
Despite its Landlock model being removed from our ranking, Hyperlite is still very well represented, with its 2019 Shim model landing at number three. And for really advanced riders who might scoff at the O'Brien in our top slot, they can pick this rather durable skimmer up and put their skills to the test. It's fast and durable, with a rocket tail that accelerates and maneuvers remarkably well.
June 22, 2019:
When choosing a wakesurf board, it's important to take your skill level into account. Boards are priced at a variety of levels based on the skill needed for riding and the quality made. If you're just starting the sport, a great board for all levels is the Driftsun Throwdown. It offers a stable ride for anyone, and allows you to grow with the board, as it is quite capable of doing spins and jumps. However, if you're looking to upgrade your board to something more capable, look no further than Hyperlite. They offer a variety of boards, but their Varial series are the best. Varial is a seperate company that developed a strong—yet forgiving—foam, allowing for snappy handling and better performance. Essentially, Varial infused glass with carbon-fibre to create a board perfect for gliding and doing tricks.
There are two types of wakesurfing: The first of its name; wakesurfing, is done by holding onto a rope attached to a boat to get speed, then letting go and riding the wakes it leaves behind. The second; skimboarding, is done by giving yourself a running start from shore and "skimming" the water into the waves.
You can usually tell a proper wakesurf board from its skim counterpart by the fins on the bottom. Wakesurf boards usually have three or more fins, while skimboards have only one. That being said, there are plenty hybrid options, like the Hyperlite Shim, for those who don't want to buy multiple boards.
If you're looking for something durable, make sure to stay away from the Airhead Pfish. While affordably-priced, it lacks in quality and has many reports of spitting upon first use.
It's important to wear aquatic safety equipment when using wakesurfing boards and to only go with a licensed boat operator.