Choosing the Right Wakesurf Board

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Choosing the Right Wakesurf Board

Adam Drybrough

A business and government relations consultant, Adam Drybrough provides a wide range of clients with strategic planning assistance. Although he focuses much of his work on the real estate industry, he also handles digital marketing for corporate and retail brands. In his free time, Adam Drybrough enjoys wakesurfing.

When choosing the right wakesurf board, it is best to narrow down the options early by figuring out the right shape of board. There are three basic types of wakesurf boards: skim, surf, and hybrid. Skim-style boards are ideal for experienced riders who plan on performing tricks on the water, while surf-style boards are best for beginners and advanced riders who want to enjoy the waves with good maneuverability. Finally, hybrid boards, as the name suggests, are a blend of skim and surf styles.

Once riders know the shape of the board they need, they can focus on finding the right length and weight. This is largely determined by each rider’s size. Heavier riders need more surface area to stay on top of the water and thus require larger boards that move more slowly. Meanwhile, lighter riders need lighter, smaller boards.

Riders must also decide on the tail shape and fin set-up that they want. There are five common fin set-ups that riders can choose from: single fin, twin fin, thruster, quad fin, and five fin. Each set-up affects how a board rides and plays a role in the overall speed, maneuverability, and stability of the board. Tail shape also affects various aspects of how a board operates by adding more buoyancy or more drag.