Picking the Right Wakesurfer
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of wakesurfing.
If you've landed here, chances are you're trying to wrap your head around the endless options that come with choosing a wakesurfer.
Board shapes, sizes, volume, construction, fins and riding styles...
It can feel like there are more choices than there are boats on the water.
Whether you're buying your first board, upgrading your setup or just trying to work out why your mate's board feels completely different to yours, we're here to help.
At Skiforce, we'll guide you through the good stuff, the confusing stuff and the things that actually matter - so you can spend less time researching and more time riding.
Welcome aboard. Let's get into it.
Choosing The Right Wakesurfer
There are a few things that come into play when choosing a wakesurfer.
Some are based on your size and ability, some depend on your boat's wave, and some simply come down to the type of riding you want to do.
Unlike wakeboarding, where the board and bindings play a very specific role, wakesurfing has a lot more freedom. The perfect board for one rider might be completely wrong for another.
A beginner looking for stability, easy starts and confidence will want something very different from a rider who considers themselves abit of a Kelly Slater (or Stephanie Gilmore)
Board Size - Bigger Isn't Always Better... But It Helps
Wakesurfers are generally measured by length (feet and inches), but the size on the board isn't the whole story.
Volume is just as important.
Volume determines how much float the board has, how easily it gets moving and how forgiving it will feel under your feet.
Bigger Wakesurfers
Bigger boards generally offer:
- More stability
- Easier starts
- More float
- Better performance behind smaller or weaker waves
- More forgiveness while learning
They're perfect for:
- Beginners
- Heavier riders
- Boats with smaller waves
- Riders who want a smooth, relaxed ride
Basically, if you're still finding your feet, a little extra board under you is your best friend.
And if you've enjoyed a few too many dips, sips and snacks over summer...
Don't worry.
Volume has your back.
Smaller Wakesurfers
Smaller boards generally offer:
- Faster response
- More manoeuvrability
- Easier spins and tricks
- A looser, more playful feel
They are better suited to:
- Experienced riders
- Stronger waves
- Riders wanting a more aggressive style
The trade-off?
Less volume means less forgiveness.
A smaller board might look cooler sitting in the rack...
But it might also make you spend more time sitting in the water rather than on top of it.
Wakesurf Shapes
Most wakesurfers fall into three main categories:
- Surf Style
- Hybrid Style
- Skim Style
Each one creates a completely different feeling on the water.
Surf Style Wakesurfers
Surf-style boards are inspired by traditional surfboards.
They are designed for riders who love:
- Big flowing turns
- Carving
- Speed
- Generating power from the wave
They usually have:
- More volume
- Larger fins
- More stability
- More drive
These are the closest feeling to surfing an ocean wave behind your boat.
Want to throw down big bottom turns and smash the lip?
This is where you want to look.
Hybrid Style Wakesurfers
Well.. You guessed it.. Hybrid boards combine elements of surf and skim styles to create an all-rounder.
They offer:
- The stability of a surf board
- The freedom of a skim board
- More versatility
- Multiple riding styles
Perfect for riders who want one board that can do a bit of everything.
The Swiss Army knife of wakesurfers.
Skim Style Wakesurfers
Skim boards are where things get playful.
They are generally:
- Shorter
- Thinner
- Lighter
- More slippery on the water
Designed for:
- Spins
- Shuv-its (Board spins)
- Tricks
- A loose riding style
They release easily and feel more like a skateboard on water.
The downside?
They require more balance and control.
Wakesurf Construction
Not all boards are built the same.
Construction affects:
- Weight
- Durability
- Performance
- Price
Compression Moulded
The workhorse of wakesurf boards.
Compression moulded boards are:
- Extremely durable
- Great for beginners
- More affordable
They can take the punishment of everyday boating life.
Think:
"The board you don't have to panic about when your mate drops it on the dock.
Dura-Shell Construction
A lighter and more refined construction.
These boards combine durability with improved weight savings.
Benefits:
- Lighter feel
- Better response
- More performance
Vacuum Sealed Construction
A premium construction method designed to reduce weight and improve consistency.
Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Premium feel
Great for riders looking for a higher-performance setup.
Full Surfboard Construction
The closest thing to riding a real surfboard behind the boat.
These boards are:
- Lightweight
- Highly responsive
- Incredibly fun
The downside?
Like a traditional surfboard, they need a little more care.
Maybe don't let your mate throw it in the back of the ute with the esky.
Rocker
Rocker is the curve from the nose to the tail of the board.
Less Rocker
Creates:
- More speed
- Better glide
- Easier cruising
Great for beginners and riders wanting maximum push.
More Rocker
Creates:
- Better turning
- More manoeuvrability
- A more surf-like feeling
The trade-off?
It can require a little more power from your wave.
Rails
Rails affect how the board grips and releases from the water.
Sharp Rails
Create:
- Quicker response
- Sharper turns
- More aggressive riding
Full Surf Rails
Create:
- Smoother turns
- More forgiveness
- A more traditional surf feeling
Surf Rope & Handles
A wakesurf rope is designed specifically for wakesurfing.
Unlike a wakeboard rope, wakesurf ropes are:
- Shorter
- Thicker
- Easier to hold
- Designed for lower speed riding
The thicker handle helps you pull yourself into the sweet spot of the wave without destroying your hands with some ropes having knotted sections aswell to help aid.
Once you're locked in?
Throw it back and enjoy the ride.
Wakesurfing & Your Boat
Safety First
Traditionally, wakesurfing should only be done behind boats designed for wakesurfing, such as direct-drive and V-drive inboard boats.
The reason?
Propeller placement.
Your safety is far more important than catching the perfect wave.
What Speed Should You Wakesurf At?
Most riders will sit around:
10-12mph
However, every boat is different.
Things that affect speed:
- boat design
- ballast
- rider ability
- wave shape
The perfect speed is the one that creates a clean, pushy wave.
Creating The Perfect Wake
A good wakesurf wave comes down to:
Weight
More weight generally creates:
- bigger waves
- more push
- longer rides
Most wake boats have built-in ballast systems.
External ballast bags can also help fine tune your wave.
(And yes, we've all heard stories of creative ballast solutions... but maybe keep the random household objects at home.)
Take a look here for the range of external Bags and Pumps to suit.
Then There's Wakeshapers..
Not every boat rolls out of the factory ready to throw a perfect surf wave. Some boats need a little encouragement.
A wakeshaper is a device that attaches to the side of your boat and helps redirect the water flow as it leaves the hull. By changing the way the water moves, it can help create a cleaner, longer and more defined surf wave.
Do Wakeshapers Actually Work?
A wakeshaper can make a huge difference to your wave - but it isn't a magic wand.
Give it a boat with the right hull, enough weight and a good setup, and you'll be surprised how much cleaner and longer your wave becomes. Bolt one onto a tiny runabout with no ballast, though, and there's only so much it can do
However, it won't turn every boat into a professional surf boat overnight.
The best results usually come from combining:
- Correct ballast
- The right speed
- Proper weight placement
- A decent wakeshaper
Are Wakeshapers Worth It?
For many boat owners, For sure.
They can be a great option if you:
- Don't have a dedicated surf boat
- Want to improve your existing wake
- Want a cleaner surf pocket
- Want to get more enjoyment from the boat you already own
Plus its way cheaper than upgrading the boat.. Until you decide to just go all-in on a proper 23ft surf monster .
The Reality Check
A wakeshaper is a tool - not a miracle worker.
A $600 wakeshaper won't transform a small runabout into a $250,000 wake surf machine...But paired with the right setup, they can make a huge difference and help you get more out of your day on the water.
Wakeshapers vs Ballast
The best surf waves usually come from a combination of both.
Ballast creates the size and push.
A wakeshaper helps shape and clean up the wave.
One without the other can work, but together they create the best possible wave.
Check the Shapers here.
And that's a wrap...
Wakesurfing is one of the most addictive sports on the water. It's low impact, incredibly social, and there's a good chance you'll still be able to walk *normally the next morning.
*Normal walking assumes you avoided the classic faceplant and remembered to stretch... maybe.
The best wakesurfer isn't necessarily the most expensive one.
It's the one that suits:
- Your ability
- Your boat
- Your riding style
- What you want to get out of your time on the water
The good news is, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
Whether it's your very first board or your next one, we're here to help you find the right setup. Now... let's find your perfect wakesurfer.