The 10 Best Wakesurf Boards & Wakesurfers In 2023
Our Top Pick After 20 Hours of Reviewing and Testing:
Has Dura-Shell Construction
Includes layered Glass for extra protection
Perfect for advanced to intermediate riders
Bright color makes it easily visible
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Wakesurfing combines surfboarding and wakeboarding to create the ultimate water sport. In wakesurfing, the rider is pulled onto the water by a rope. Once they are on the wake, they let go of the rope and are then free to move through the water independently. Because different boats create different sorts of waves, it’s important to know which is the best wakesurf board for your style.
The 10 Best Wakesurf Boards In 2023 Are:
- 1. Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board
- 2. Hyperlite Shim Wakesurf
- 3. Driftsun Fifty-50 Wakesurf Board
- 4. Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board
- 6. Hyperlite Byerly Buzz Wakesurf
- 7. Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board
- 8. Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Wakesurf Board
- 9. CWB Connelly Ride Wakesurfer
- 10. Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 Wakesurf Board
Check out our other surf related product reviews, such as these: Best Wakeboard Tower Speakers, Wakesurf Shaper, Bodyboards, and bodyboard fins.
After a hard day wakesurfing, why not have some fun with your friends using these inflatable towable tubes!
Below is a list of the top ten best wakesurf boards In 2023, as well as a buying guide to further help you in your research and purchasing journey.
Rank | Board | Details | |
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#1 | Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board: Best For Beginners | Length: 4 Foot, 8 Inches (56") Width: 20 In Rail: Low Tail: Diamond Fins: 4 Core: EPS core | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#2 | Hyperlite Shim Wakesurf: Dura-Shell Construction | Length: 3'9" 4'7'' 5'3" Width: 1.0 21.5 Fins: 3 Core: EPS Core Board Style: Hybrid | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#3 | Hyperlite Landlock 2020 Wakesurf Board: Best To Learn On | Length: 59" Width: 20.25 in Rail: Rolled Edge Profile Tail: Diamond Fins: 3 Core: Foam | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#4 | Driftsun Fifty-50 Wakesurf Board: | Length: 4 ft 9 in (144.7 cm) Width: 21.5 in (54.6 cm) Rail: Sharpe Tail: Diamond Fins: 3 Driftsun 1” stinger skim fins Core: | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#5 | CWB Ride Wakesurf Board: Surf Style | Length: 5'2" Width: 20.5 Rail: Double Edge Rail Fins: 3 Core: Foam | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#6 | Hyperlite Byerly Buzz Wakesurf: Lightweight | Length: 4' 8" - 80 - 200 lbs. 5' 2" - 140 - 260 lbs Width: 32 in Rocker: Single Concave Base Contour Tail: Mellow Tail Channels Fins: 3 Core: Fiberglass, Foam | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#7 | Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board: | Length: 4'6" 5' 5'6'' Width: 20.6 21.6 21.6 Rail: Full Rail Tail: deep swallow tail Fins: 3 Core: | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#8 | Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Wakesurf Board: Advanced-Expert | Length: 4'6" 4'8'' Rail: Seamless Rail Finish Fins: 4 Core: Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, Foam | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#9 | Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 Wakesurf Board: Premium Model | Length: 4'3" 4'7" 4'11'' Width: 20.3 20.3 19.8 Rail: Hard Rail Fins: 3 Core: Carbon Fiber Board Style: Skim, Hybrid | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
#10 | Ronix Koal Thruster Vortex Special Edition Wakesurf Board: | Length: 5 ft 7 in Rocker: The quickest rocker line, construction and rail design Ronix has ever made Concave Top Deck For More Board Control and Overall Feel. Fins: 3 | CHECK CURRENT PRICE |
Our Reviews
1. Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board
The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board is currently one of the best wakesurf board models on the market. It comes with fitted, customizable riders that ensure the best results in the shortest time possible. The 4.8-inch surf style board design makes it ideal for beginners, but it can also be great for intermediate surfers who are still building up their confidence on the water.
You’re sure to get a high price-value ratio with its natural wood stringer and EPS core construction. The custom design is complete with layered fiberglass and a hand-crafted epoxy finish for advanced durability. The Driftsun Throwdown Wakesurf Board features a machine cut, diamond EVA pads along with a kicktail that makes this board great for all surfers.
Regardless of your experience level, you’re sure to enjoy the Driftsun Throwdown Board with its excellent quality, great price, and F4 quad fin setup. It has a beautiful design, is very stable, and is easy to use, making it a great first board. It has a weight capacity of two hundred fifty pounds and is a favorite due to its quality and versatility.
- Best beginners wakesurf board
- F4 quad fin setup enables a customizable performance
- Excellent quality and decent price point
- Useful for all ages
- Surf Style Board
- Can be painful if the board is slammed into while on the water
- Maybe heavy for certain users
2. Hyperlite Shim Wakesurf
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The Hyperlite Shim board truly embodies a hybrid board design. Its predecessor showed that this wakesurf board holds its value well, even with newer products out on the market. It’s a great product for individuals who want to surf style board and skim style board but don’t want two different boards. You can easily go for a long mellow ride or show off your tricks with this Hyperlite wakesurf board. This board is great for handling multiple riders.
This board comes with three removable fins, so riders can customize the board however they wish to use a single fin design, dual, or all three together. Generally, the Hyperlite Shim Wakesurf board is best for intermediate to advanced users, but beginners can still use it. The board’s multiple features make it appealing for intermediate and advanced riders.
Beginners can opt for the larger size, which is 5 ft. 3 inches long and is ideal for riders who weigh more than 120 lbs. The smaller size, which is 4 ft. 7 inches, is great for riders weighing 100 lbs. or more. The Hyperlite Shim Wakesurf is great for riders who wish to improve their surfing skills. In the end, it’s great for those looking for a design that allows them easier and faster rotates and spins.
- Has Dura-Shell Construction
- Includes layered Glass for extra protection
- Perfect for advanced to intermediate riders
- Bright color makes it easily visible
- Higher price
3. Driftsun Fifty-50 Wakesurf Board
One of the best beginner wakesurf boards currently on the market, the Driftsun Fifty-50 Board allows you to stay up with ease. It’s a favorite among beginners who are looking to build their confidence. The Driftsun board is great for giving you a stable ride with minimal effort. Its design closely mimics a standard surfboard, allowing an easier and shorter learning curve. It’s also great at achieving high speeds, which saves work while in the water.
The Driftsun Fifty-50 board comes with a tri-fin setup, which allows the rider to use one, two, or three fins. The adjustable fin setup allows beginners to customize their boards for their comfort and skill levels. The EVA pad, kicktail, and compression molded design makes the board easily maneuverable and precise.
The board comes complete with a surf rope, making it a great all-in-one set that gets you out onto the water quicker. It is truly a great mix between a Skim style board and Surf style wakesurf boards. The EPS and full carbon fiber design give the Driftsun Fifty-50 Wakesurf Board a great look and high stability. All in all, this board is sure to stand the test of time while giving you some great time on the water.
- Ideal for advanced and intermediate riders
- Durable enough for rough waters
- Versatile skim/surf use
- Stability ensures smooth maneuvers
- Not ideal for everyday use
- The design is not great for visibility
4. Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board
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If you’re a beginner who has been thinking about dipping your toes into the world of wakesurfing, then the Hyperlite Landlock Board is the perfect option for you. This has become a must-have board for any boat excursion, as it’s suitable for beginners and intermediate wake surfers. You can keep yourself in the pocket and easily track with the tri-fin setup. It features a Monocoque construction and a light EPS core that creates off the charts tricks for everyone to enjoy.
It offers a huge amount of versatility and smooth side rails, which are great for any wakesurfer, especially beginners. The Hyperlite Landlock 2020 Wakesurf Board is great for individuals who weigh more than 120 lbs. The concave hull and soft rail ensure that you get a mellow ride. You can easily slow down by leaning more towards the tail. The concave deck also provides a better grip for riders.
This is one of the top wakesurf boards for beginners and intermediate riders, but advanced riders might wish to look at shorter options. It comes with three fins – two 1.5 inch fins and one 2.4 inch fin. Hyperlite is known for their versatile fiberglass, with each board having a layered glass that is perfectly suitable for that specific board. The monocoque construction integrates the bottom glass and top glass to give the board more durability and prevent delamination.
- Versatile use allows you to perform tricks or take a mellow ride.
- Tri fin design enables customization
- Adjustable to your needs
- Durability ensures that it will last
- Not great for advanced wake surfers
- Not ideal for those looking for more shred
5. Ronix Koal Thruster Vortex Special Edition Wakesurf Board
With this Ronix Koal Thruster Vortex Special Edition Wakesurf Board, you can get rid of the traditional cramped handles and ropes of wakesurf boards. If you’re looking for a board that can offer incredible glide speeds and quick peak releases, then this Ronix Koal wakesurf board is the best choice for you. The design and functionality of this board can easily accelerate out of the deep bottom turns like you’ve never seen before.
The board features a Futures fin system, FCS, Epoxy Resin with a Biaxial Cloth, and EPS Core. The Ronix Koal Thruster Vortex Special Edition Wakesurf Board features the quickest rail design, construction, and rocker line that Ronix has ever made. This Ronix wakesurf board has a concave top deck, which offers more board control and a better overall feel. The Epoxy Construction gives a stronger bond with harder resin. It comes complete with bottom mount surf specific fins that measure 3 inches by 2.9 inches.
The build and structure of this Ronix Koal Thruster Vortex wake surf style board ensure that it is ideal for intermediate and advanced wake surfers alike. The machined EVA top deck comes complete with a built-in tail wedge. The design of this surf style wakesurf board features a bright green color combined with white. These features offer you a more buoyant, faster, and lighter board.
- Ideal for advanced riders
- The construction ensures that the board is more buoyant.
- Top deck concave design offers more board control
- Exceptionally durable
- Some boards were reported to have minor blemishes on the surfacing
6. Hyperlite Byerly Buzz Wakesurf
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The Byerly Buzz BMF is another board that bridges the gap between Surf and Skim style boards. The shape, crafted by Butch, was made to be the most maneuverable and fastest board in the Byerly’s surf product line-up. It’s great for beginner wake surfers and more aggressive riders alike. It’s built with durashell technology that comes complete with a one year warranty. The board comes in two sizes; the larger one at 52 inches is great for more push and the smaller one at 48 inches is great if you’re looking for maneuverability.
This board features a tri-fin system that allows riders to customize their fin design. It is sure to stand the test of time with a handmade foam slab. It’s designed to be great for beginner, intermediate, and advanced wakesurfers. The skim style board enables wakesurfers to push the limits and perform some amazing tricks in the water.
If you’re looking for something that truly bridges the gap with an innovative design, then this Byerly Buzz Wakesurf BMF is the best option for you. It is safe to say that this is one of the best all-around wakesurf boards currently on the market.
- Tri fin system allows customization over fin design
- Sculpted with hand-made foam slab which helps the durability
- Skim style wakesurf boards enable wakesurfers to push the limits
- Design is suitable for beginners and advanced wakesurfers
- Still looking
7. Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board
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This Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board is a favorite among wakesurfers for its airtime and speed. It’s available in three different sizes so that it can cater to riders of all skills levels, weight, and sizes. The design features a swallowtail end to pick up speeds, while the wider body allows the rider to perform tricks and catch on to the waves. Though Ronix continues to make new products every year, it hasn’t deterred much from their original Ronix wakesurf board design.
The Ronix Koal Classic Fish Board features a machine concave EVA pad that gives an extra tall tail kick and arch support. The board also showcases Ronix’s exclusive tool-less Fin-S 2 system, with two 4-inch fins and one 3-inch symmetric fins.
- Available in three sizes
- Thruster fin setup delivers control and speed
- Great for beginners
- The wide shape gives a more stable wakesurf board
- Not ideal for those that do not like a swallow tail design
- Higher price
8. Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Wakesurf Board
The Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Wakesurf Board is another creation of the dynamic duo Scott Bouchard and Scott Byerly. It features a full carbon and DuraShell construction, which delivers the best ride on any wake. The carbon laminates the bottom and top of the board, making it great for quick snap turns and popping airs. The wakesurf board also comes complete with a PET Foam Insert, increasing responsiveness and durability.
This design also contains a centerline carbon ringer stringer, adding rigidity to the board. The Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Wakesurf Board contains one 3-Pin placement and five Futures fin boxes to allow customization. Byerly boards contain layered fiberglass, which comes in three weights depending on the board style and fit. The layered glass also adds durability.
The Byerly Wakeboards Misfit Board features a seamless rail finish. It comes in two different color schemes and sizes, with one slightly larger than the other. The smaller size is 4 ft. 6 inches with a yellow and orange design. The larger one is 4 ft. 8 inches with a green design.
- Layered Glass for extra protection
- Seamless finish
- Exceedingly durable
- Full Carbon Durashell and Construction
- Slightly heavier than other boards
- Higher price
9. CWB Connelly Ride Wakesurfer
CWB’S Ride Board is a great solution for those who wish to learn how to ride or get up faster. It has a blunted nose and a high volume for a more stable platform. It is made with premium materials that ensure you keep the sweet spot with less effort. The three removable fins offer the rider a truly customized feel.
The Ride Wakesurf Board comes complete with a durable 20 foot surf rope. The surf style board features various fin setups, board outlines, and rail shapes to accommodate different styles and skill levels. It comes with three 1.75 inch tail fins and a diamond-cut EVA pad with a kicktail.
This CWB Ride Board is great for beginner and intermediate riders. With a one-size-fits-all weight capacity, this is sure to be a hit among many riders. It measures 5 feet 2 inches, an ideal length for most people.
- Increased rigidness through the compression molded design
- Durability and comfort offered through the EVA pad
- Customizable with removable fins
- Surf style board design
- Higher price
10. Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 Wakesurf Board
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The Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 Board is built for maximum fun. This board is stacked with a compression molded carbon layup, which gives an incredible feel and extremely rigid ride. It has the most responsive construction ever used by Ronix.
This design’s thinner, more reactive rail has a completely different shape from Ronix’s typical design. It’s designed by one of the greatest skaters, Reed Hansen, who wanted the perfect crossover shape. This design is a lighter board that offers more feel and contact. The skimmer shape will sacrifice some top water momentum to give riders the maximum amount of feel in the water.
The Ronix Carbon Air Core 3 Board has everything you want in a board. The hard rail edges offer higher speeds that help burn the rail. The epoxy molded fins are some of the most advanced fins ever produced. The machine cuts EVA concave pads provide the extra tall tail kick and arch support that riders need.
- Sleek design and finish
- Can be used by all riders
- Light-weight
- Suitable for intermediate and beginners
- Some reports of the board being easily cracked
How To Choose The Best Wakesurf Board – Buying Guide
Wakesurfing is a great activity for individuals of all ages. However, before you invest in this surface water sport, you should know a few things that you’re likely to encounter while researching. We’ve compiled all the necessary aspects that you’ll need to consider that will help purchase the best wakesurf board.
Aspects Of A Wakesurf Board
This section of the buying guide details the various parts of a wakesurf board that you will have to consider for your purchase.
Base
The base of a wakesurf board can be concave, v-spine, channeled, or smooth. Concave boards have round impressions built onto their bases. This minimizes the pull of water, so the board will give an easier pop and ride higher.
Rocker
This section of the board illustrates the shape of the wakesurf board. Every wakesurf board has an arch in its shape. The total amount, or arc, can hinder or help some aspects of your ride. There are two types of rockers: Three-Stage and Continuous.
Continuous
If you enjoy staying on the water and only want to catch big air occasionally, you want a continuous rocker. If you decide the continuous rocker is perfect for you, your board will have one continuous curve. These wakesurf boards are much easier to control than Three-Stage rockers, but they lack the ability to go as high.
Three-Stage
Three-stage rockers look slightly different. They have a heavily curved shape with a more distinctive bend. These boards are known for getting larger air, but are much harder to control as they don’t have distinct edges to go through the water. Landing the board after catching big air will be harder than it would’ve been with a continuous rocker, and landings are harder on the body. It also takes longer to get up, since you have less control over the board.
Flex
The flex describes the amount of flexibility in a board. Flex can help you go higher after catching big air. It also helps in carving. As you become more comfortable on the water, you will develop an opinion of which boards you like best.
Fins
Like paddleboards and surfboards, wakesurf boards use fins to keep them facing the correct direction. The various features on the base of the board will change the rideability of the wakesurf board. Typically, the fin types depend on the intended use and skill level.
The tail is one of the most vital parts of a wakesurf board. It affects how the board rides and the balance while it’s on the water. There are up to eight different styles that you can choose from, all of which have different characteristics and benefits.
Bat Tail
This is not the most common type of board design. It can be spotted by its wide tail, making it very stable on the water. It also has sharp corners, making it easier to maneuver in the water.
Diamond Tail
If you’ve tried and liked the squash tail design, you’re also likely to enjoy this diamond tail design, a mix between the squash tail and the pintail designs. It offers riders high speeds while still offering great maneuverability. The diamond tailboard design is great for those looking for an easy ride but who wishes to perform some tricks. It is suitable for all skill levels.
Half-Moon Tail
This is a less common design, but some boards offer the half-moon design. This design has a minimal amount of board area after the fins. It allows the rider to turn with ease, making this board great for performing tricks on the water. It’s a great option for maneuvering around any wave size.
Pin Tail
The pintail design is the narrowest of them all, making it ideal for those going into bigger waves. The smaller tail can dip lower into the water, resulting in a lower center of gravity and more grip. However, this is not ideal for smaller waves due to the lower dip.
Round Tail
Riders that frequently visit different types of waters will love the round tail design. The round tail is great for various wave conditions, as it is much like the pintail with a more spacious surface area. It has a wider back, which is great for fun turns and simple tricks.
Square Tail
The square tail design is built with speed in mind. While sitting high out of the water, you might have difficulty keeping traction and getting your footing. The design is excellent at top speeds.
Squash Tail
Squash Tails are one of the most popular types of tail designs currently on the market due to their ability to adapt to various wave conditions. It provides riders with excellent performances while reaching high speeds.
Swallow Tail
The swallow tail design is a combination of the pintail design and the square tail design. In moderate to mild waves, it is easy to maneuver while still hitting high speeds.
Rail
The rail is another important aspect of your board, as it is solely responsible for controlling the amount of water that flows over the board. Beginner riders often opt for thicker rails, which provide more grip and stability. However, the boards with thicker rails are often slower. Those with more experience generally opt for a board with thinner rails to hit the highest speeds possible.
There are three types of tail systems typically found on wakesurf boards, including Blended Rail, Hard Rail, and Full Rail.
Blended Rail
Generally, you’ll find a blended rail ideal, as it is the perfect blend of performance and stability. It is the ideal choice for beginner to intermediate riders. It’s great for keeping your balance and riding in a straight line. With a blended rail, you are also able to do some relatively sharp turns for stunts.
Hard Rail
For those who have the confidence and the experience, the hard rail is a great choice. It is also the recommended type of rail for any stunts and tricks. You get a harder ride, but with less stability.
Full Rail
The full rail design is great for beginners, as it offers a smooth and stable ride. It is a great design for those looking to build their confidence, but turns are more difficult.
Size
The larger the fins, the fewer the stunts that are possible. Boards with larger fins are best for beginners, as large fins help you maintain stability and direction. More advanced wakesurfers will want boards with little to no fins, for the flexibility to spin into and out of jumps.
Fixed vs. Detachable
Some boards have detachable fins, attached by channels and screws, while others have permanent ones. Most boards have at least two sets of fins. The outside ones are usually fixed while the inner ones are detachable.
Maintenance
If your board includes removable fins, you must maintain them properly. Before you go wakesurfing, ensure that all screws have been tightened. Remember that the screws and fins don’t float, so you must be careful when adjusting them. Replacements for lost or damaged fins are available online.
Style
Wakesurf boards fin into three main categories: hybrid, boat, and park. These categories indicate the best use of each board. While you can use wakesurf boards in different situations, boards are designed for one specific use.
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Hybrid Boards
One of the newest designs, hybrids is a mixture between skim style boards and surfboards. These are great if you want to switch up what you’re doing, but don’t want the hassle of carrying around two different boards. It’s also great for a tight budget.
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Boat Boards
Boat boards use wakes created by boats, so they have much less flex than park boards. This allows for an easier and smoother landing. Since you won’t be catching as much big air with these boards, the bases look different.
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Park Board
Park Boards are designed for maximum durability so that they can be used on ramps and rails. The base is smooth and reinforced, and the edges are precise, allowing the board to take sharp turns due to its smaller size. These boards have a high flex rating and are extremely slim. That allows them to pop higher and be thrown into corners.
Size
Your skill level and your weight should determine the length of your wakesurf board. Size is measured in centimeters and ranges from 144 to less than 130.
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Smaller boards
Once you become more experienced, you will start to develop a preference on board size. A shorter board will be much slower than other boards but will excel at tricks and flips. They are easy to maneuver but require a more advanced skill set to land the board successfully.
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Larger boards
Larger boards are much easier to control than smaller boards, so they are often used by intermediate and beginner wakesurfers. The larger surface allows for faster speeds, but the larger design does decelerate more quickly when doing tricks and jumps in the air. Larger, heavier boards are also more troublesome during some tricks.