How Big Are Wakesurf Boards? What Size Do I Need?
Last updated on February 25th, 2023 at 10:02 am
In this article, you will learn the exact size of wakesurf boards along with everything you need to know about selecting the right size of wakesurf board for your needs.
Wakesurfing is considered an extreme water sport that sends people flying through the water behind a motorboat. Having the right size of wakesurf board is essential for safety, comfort, and skill.
How Big Are Wakesurf Boards?
Wakesurf boards come in many different lengths, depending on the type. On average, a wakesurf board is between 4′ – 5 ‘ in length and 20″ in width.
The following are the wakesurf board lengths and the rider weights they correspond with.
- If the rider is under 110 pounds, the wakesurfing board should be less than 4′ long.
- If the rider weighs 100-170 pounds, skim-style boards should be between 4′ – 4’4″ long.
- If the rider weighs 100-170 pounds, surf-style boards should be between 4′ – 4’8″ long.
- If the rider weighs 100-170 pounds, hybrid-style boards should be between 3’9″ – 4’8″ long.
- If the rider weighs 150 to 200 pounds, skim-style boards should be between 4’4″ – 4’10” long.
- If the rider weighs 150 to 200 pounds, surf-style boards should be between 4’8″ – 5′ long.
- If the rider weighs 150 to 200 pounds, hybrid-style boards should be between 4’8″ – 5’3″ long.
- If the rider weighs 190 to 250+ pounds, skim-style boards should be over 4’10” long.
- If the rider weighs 190 to 250+ pounds, surf-style boards should be over 5′ long.
- If the rider weighs 190 to 250+ pounds, hybrid-style boards should be over 5′ long.
| Rider Weight | Board Size – Skim | Board size – Surf | Board size – Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 110 pounds | Less than 4 feet | Less than 4 feet | Less than 4 feet |
| 100 – 170 pounds | 4′ – 4’4″ | 4′ 4’8″ | 3’9″ – 4’8″ |
| 150 – 200 pounds | 4’4″ – 4’10” | 4’8″ – 5′ | 4’8″ – 5’3″ |
| 190 – 250+ pounds | 4’10’ + | 5′ + | 5′ + |
What Kind of Board Do You Use for Wakesurfing?
Wakesurfing is often referred to as wakeboarding. The difference is in the actual technique being used. For example, wakeboarding requires the rider to hold onto a rope being towed by a boat.
While wakesurfing, a user will most likely drop the rope to ride out a wake although some riders will hold the rope through multiple wakes.
There are different types of boards so it is important to learn about the kinds so you can choose wisely.
Skim style boards
Skim-style boards are shorter with thinner profiles. They are used more for tricks and spins.
Surf style boards
Surf-style boards have thicker profiles with wide tails and higher fins. The thicker profile allows for the board to ride higher on the water. These boards are not used as much for tricks and spins like the skim style boards.
Hybrid Boards
Hybrid boards give you the best of both worlds. They combine a thick profile similar to the surf style but also are shaped like a skim board for those tricks and spins if you wish.
The following video explains the differences between each wakesurfing board.
An Important Rule of Thumb
If you plan on sharing your wakesurfing board with anyone else, you should select the board based on the weight of the rider who will ride the most or the one who is the heaviest.
Should You Buy a Longer or Shorter Wakesurf Board?
Some people do not go by the chart above because they want a longer or shorter board than the one designated for their weight. There are pros and cons to using a longer board and a shorter one. We will examine those below.
- Shorter boards are easier to perform tricks and spins on in the water.
- Shorter boards take more effort to push through the water.
- Shorter boards can cause your face to be in the water more.
- Longer boards are ideal for beginners because they are easier to learn on than shorter boards.
- Longer boards take more muscle because they are heavier.
- Longer boards sit on top of the water better than shorter boards.
What Size Do You Need?
The chart above should help you determine what size you need. Although the weight chart will get you started, you also need to think about your riding style.
If you are new to wakesurfing, you should consider selecting a longer board. As a beginner, one of the toughest issues to handle is the landing. Hard landings can throw you off the board and make it difficult to continue.
Longer wakesurfing boards allow for softer landings, so you do not feel the pain of every wave. Having a longer wakesurfing board makes the ride more comfortable, especially when you are behind a boat.
A great beginner board is the Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurfer.
Check it out:
Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board – Forgiving Longboard Style Wakesurf Board – Perfect for Beginners and Intermediate Riders or for Your First Surf Session – 5ft 9inOn the other hand, if you are experienced, you may select a shorter board. Shorter boards give you a lot more air time which is fun for tricks and thrills. Shorter boards are also faster, giving you a more exhilarating ride.
Try Before You Buy
Most people should try a wakesurfing board before buying. With so many types, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
Once you grow accustomed to wakesurfing, you should consider a custom board. Custom boards can be made in many different ways, allowing you to do everything you want on the water without feeling confined or unsafe.
Wakesurfing Gives You Unbelievable Thrills
Wakesurfing is one of the most exciting and extreme watersports around, but you need the right board to keep it safe and fun. The information above should prepare you for enjoying a ride behind a boat or on cable parks. No matter which you choose, try different boards to see which style and length feel right for you.
