The 5 Best Wakeskate Boards

Wakeskating is one of many watersports that you can check out in the warmer weather. Unlike wakeboarding, however, wakeskating involves being towed without being attached to the board. Even though you’re less secure, it is also a great way to be able to practice fun tricks while you’re being towed along. Before you get started wakeskating on your own, you’ll need a wakeskate board. The best wakeskate board will be the right size for your body, helping you maintain balance while you ride.

Below, you’ll find our top picks and a handy guide that will answer your questions and help you choose a wakeskate board.

The 5 Best Wakeskate Boards In 2023:

Rank	Wakeskate Board	Details
#1	Liquid Force Tao Wakeskate	Length: 39” up to 170 pounds, 41” for 150+ pounds Width: 16” up to 170 pounds, 16.1” for 170+ pounds Fins: 2 1.25” Obscura Fins Core: Wood with grip tape top deck	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#2	Ronix Boomstick Bi-Level - Sintered No products found.	Length: 40” up to 165 pounds, 42” up to 180 pounds, 44” 155+ pounds Width: 15.4” Fins: Two 0.8” wakeskate Fins Core: Composite with grip tape	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#3	Ronix Rove Karver	Length: 40” up to 180 pounds, 42” for 155+ pounds, 44” for 165+ pounds Width: 16.2” Fins: Three 0.8” wakeskate Fins Core: Wood with EVA top deck	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#4	Liquid Force Focus Wakeskate	Length: 42” for 145+ pounds, 44” for 170+ pounds Width: 15.8” for 145+ pounds, 15.9” for 170+ pounds Fins: Two 1” wakeskate Fins Core: 9-ply wood Core with EVA top deck	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#5	Ronix Electric Collective Wakeskate Board	Length: 41” up to 180 pounds, 43” for 155+ pounds Width: 15.4” up to 180 pounds, 15.5” for 155+ Fins: Two 0.8” wakeskate Fins Core: Wood with EVA top deck	CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Wakeskate Board Reviews

1. Liquid Force Tao Wakeskate

The Liquid Force Tao Wakeskate board is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. If you are looking for a deck that uses grip tape instead of EVA foam, this is the perfect choice. It also has a deep concave deck that is perfect for popping up on waves, riding rails, and more.

For fans of wakeskating, they can feel confident knowing this board was designed for wakeskater Daniel Grant. It features 2 1.125” Obscura fins on the bottom of the board. The thin design of the fins makes it cut effortlessly through water without impeding the board’s ability to make sharp turns. Additionally, a SIntered grind base means the board can withstand waves and anything else you might bump into while riding.

While this deck is a little more expensive than some of the other options, it is also designed with greater durability. The core is 100% Paulownia wood wrapped in Liquid Rails. Then, grip tape is layered over the top to give you greater stability as you ride.

2. Ronix Boomstick Bi-Level – Sintered

No products found.

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The Ronix Boomstick Bi-Level Wakeskate board features a concave design that lets it glide easily over the waves. What sets it apart is its bi-level design. Since one of the decks operates above the water, it’s easier to recover after a drop.

Something that is nice about the two different levels is that it has the balance and stability necessary for novice riders and also provides the ride preferred by more advanced riders. The bottom deck is made of more flexible Paulownia wood and the top of stiffer maple wood.

The way this board handles makes it perfect for everyone from beginner to expert. It’s also perfect for smaller and larger riders. There is a handy wakeskate board sizing chart on the Ronix website that can help you find the perfect fit.

Some of the other features of this board include an ABS side wall, compression molding, an EVA top deck, and 2 fins. Something to note is that over time, there can be separation between the two levels. You may need to tighten the screws that hold to board together over time, especially if you are rough on the board.

 

3. Ronix Rove Karver

The Ronix Rove Karver has a blended rocker design that offers stability and easily carves through the water. It also features three wakeskate fins that add traction.

For people looking for a wakeskate board that feels more like a skateboard, this is a great choice. The way that it carves through the water is similar to a skateboard. With the three fins on the bottom, it also has great stability that makes it a great choice for novice riders and people looking to do a few tricks on the waves.

Something to note is that this is a very solid board, which makes it heavy. Even though it can be used for some jumps and turns, it doesn’t offer the same maneuverability as a lighter, more compact board. This makes it best for novice and intermediate riders that might need a little more stability.

The way this wakeskate board cuts through water also makes it a good choice for speed. Additionally, the EVA material on top provides good traction while riding the waves. This makes it a good choice for beginners that don’t want to struggle with using grip tape.

 

4. Liquid Force Focus Wakeskate

The Liquid Force Focus Wakeskate has a buoyant, stable design that makes it a good choice for beginners. Its buoyancy comes from a 9-ply wood core that helps the board stabilize above water, making it easier to balance on.

This is designed to be used without any grip tape. EVA foam wraps the wooden core, providing adequate grip for beginners. It also features two deep fins for traction, which helps this glide through choppy water.

The deck has a single concave design. While it does not rock as much as some of the other designs, the added stability is good for new riders. This isn’t the best choice for doing spins and tricks, however, it is a good choice while you are still learning how to wakeskate. As this is relatively affordable, it’s a good beginner board especially if you are planning to upgrade later once you advance your skill level.

Something to note is that this comes in two sizes, one designed for 145+ pounds and the other for 170+ pounds. The stable design is good for larger riders up to a point but the weight limit is a little lower than that offered by some other boards.

 

5. Ronix Electric Collective Wakeskate Board

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The Ronix Electric Collective Wakeskate Board is designed to provide control while you’re slicing through the water. With EVA foam on the top deck and two long fins below, it’s everything you need to stay stable. This board is a great choice for people looking to buy a second wakeskate board, once they have moved past the novice stage.

This board features a three-stage hybrid rocker design that moves easily over water. It also has a kicktail. When paired with the concave shape, this is an ideal board for people who want to be able to pop up on waves to do jumps, spins, and tricks without sacrificing too much stability.

Ronix recommends this board for the intermediate to advanced rider, making it perfect for when you’re ready to put your skills to the test. Something to note is that this board has a maximum recommended weight limit of 180 pounds. This means it’s not the best choice for larger riders.

Wakeskate Board Buyer’s Guide

Even if you’re just beginning as a wakeskater, one of the most important things is buying the right board. The size and shape of the deck is going to affect how it rides through the water. It also affects how well you can balance on it and perform tricks. Below, you’ll find some considerations for finding the best wakeskate board.

Griptape vs. Foam

An important element of wakeskating is being able to grip the board. As most wakeskaters use shoes on their boards, grip tape provides better traction than foam. However, foam boards are a good choice for beginners and provide enough grip if you aren’t doing tricks. They are also generally affordable than boards requiring grip tape instead, simply because foam is a cheaper material.

Generally, people who are newer to wakeskating are more likely to choose a board coated in EVA foam. This is especially true because many board companies design beginner boards with EVA. One advantage of this is that EVA foam is not as rough as grip tape if you wipe out. Once you are ready to buy your second wakeboard, choosing one with griptape may be more practical.

Concave vs. Flat

Many avid riders dismiss flatter boards as the choice for beginners. However, flatter wakeboards are also the more cost-friendly choice in most cases. They’re great for people starting out that are still getting their balance on the water. Generally, concave boards are preferred for the way that they land in the water. This is especially important when you’re trying to do tricks.

Something to note is that the concave shape varies between boards. When a board is more concave, it offers more pop up on the waves. These are best for doing tricks and catching air. As the concave gets greater, however, there is also less stability. Beginner riders should try something with a shallower concave shape.

Another option is the bi-level deck. With a bi-level deck, the only contact points between the top and bottom board come from where the two are attached. For people who prefer the feel of skateboarding, this might be the best choice. With the upper deck sitting above the water, it is easier to maneuver and do tricks. Additionally, the bi-level design is perfect for picking up speed to do tricks like ollies.

Rocker Type

There are three general rocker types that wakeboard manufacturers use:

• The continuous rocker has a smooth shape that is perfect for catching turns and speed. It is also perfect for popping up on waves because you can catch a good amount of air from the speed and it is easy to plan your trajectory.
• The three-stage rocker has three distinct planes on the bottom of the board, one near the tail, one near the fin, and the other across the bottom. The downside of this type of board is that it can be more sluggish than a continuous rocker. Additionally, the rocker has a less controlled feeling.
• Hybrid rocker- The hybrid rocker is one you’ll see a lot today. It is a blend between a three-stage rocker and continuous rocker. It has three sides but they are not distinct as they are on a three-stage rocker. The smoother design provides more stability and lets the board handle waves better.

Core

The most common core materials for wakeskate boards are wood and foam. A wood core is similar to a big skateboard deck. It offers great buoyancy in most cases, which is great for keeping the board up above water while you’re riding.

While wood has advantages, foam and other composite materials also are popular. Composite cores might have extra features like moulded rails or kicktails. This is an area where it’s a matter of preference which you choose, so it’s best to get some wakeskating experience before you decide. Your wakeskating style can also affect which you prefer, especially because the way the board sits on the water is going to affect how you can use it while riding.

Board Size

In addition to considering the materials and features of the board, you’ll want to consider the overall size. If you’re a taller, heavier rider, you’ll naturally need a bigger board. Something else to consider is how you want to be using the board. Larger wakeskates are better for getting from wake to wake, while a smaller board is easier to maneuver and better for tricks.

Some people find that they need more than one board, especially if they are avid wakeskaters. One board might be used for cutting through water and gliding along on still mornings, while another might be used for having fun and doing tricks on the water. Since there are different specifications that make each board good for a certain type of riding, this is best for people who enjoy different styles of wakeskating.

Wakeskate Board FAQs

Q. What’s the difference between wakeboarding and wakeskating?

A. Wakeboarding and wakeskating are both watersports where the rider is on a board while the board is towed around by a boat. Wakeboarding involves using a board that the rider is attached to. Even though it’s great for beginners, it’s harder to do tricks when wakeboarding. Wakeskaters are not attached to their boards, making it easier to do tricks. The rider usually wears shoes that provide traction on the board’s grip tape while wakeboarding.

 

Q. Do I need to wear shoes while wakeskating?

A. Most people wear shoes while wakeskating, especially when doing tricks. It is possible to bring your foot down too hard and cut it open on a fin or sharp edge of the board.

You do not need special footwear while wakeskating. Of course, there are also shoes designed especially for water sports. If you plan on wakeskating frequently, they would be a good investment.

 

Q. What size board do I need for wakeskating?

A. Finding the perfect wakeskate board size depends on the weight of the rider, the type of deck you want, and how you’ll be using the board. You can find a handy wakeskate board sizing guide here if you aren’t sure what you need. Keep in mind that you’ll want to consider the shape of the board and materials used while you are sizing as well.

 

Q. How fast does a wakeskate board need to be pulled?

A. Another major difference between wakeskating and wakeboarding is how fast the board is towed. Wakeboarders usually travel at around 12mph, while wakeboarders should be towed around 15-25 mph. Moving at faster speeds means that there is a more continuous wake. This makes it easier to do jumps and tricks as you reach higher speeds.

Conclusion

Wakeskating is a fun sport for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. Like with many sports involving a board, the wakeskate board you choose is going to affect your experience. This makes it important to do your research and find out what will work best before you make a decision. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in finding you the best wakeskate board to hit the waves.