Looking for the Best Skim Style Wakesurf Boards?
Finding the perfect equipment is never completely straightforward, and the same goes for selecting skim-style wakesurf boards.
Typically, skim-style wakesurf boards are shorter and wider than other types. Their design also makes them quicker, which is ideal for executing tricks and maneuvers on the wake.
The Benefits of Skim Wakesurf Boards
Skim-style wakesurf boards take their name from traditional skimboards found on the beach, sharing a similar shape and design approach.
These boards are generally shorter, wider, and faster than standard wakesurf boards. While they’re still suitable for beginners, skim-style boards really shine for more experienced riders looking to tackle advanced tricks and maneuvers.
If your goal is to catch some air off the wake, a skim-style board is the way to go. Their playful, highly responsive nature makes them especially popular among younger riders and those who love a more adventurous, dynamic ride.
Features:
The Liquid Force TC Skim has made its return after missing a few seasons, and it’s still a favorite among experienced riders. Its hard rails extend all the way to the tail, giving you sharper, more precise control when carving turns.
The board features a single fin setup with a 1.5" fin and is constructed with a lightweight EPS core, a carbon tail wrap, and LF carbon center tape for added strength and rigidity.
Designed to be light and playful, the TC Skim makes catching air off the wave effortless. Its squash tail also helps make landing tricks smoother and more controlled.
For seasoned wakesurfers looking to really push their limits, jump the wake, pull off tricks, and explore the wave, the Liquid Force TC Skim is an excellent addition to your lineup.
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The Hyperlite Hi-Fi takes your wakesurfing to the next level. With its sleek pintail shape and bold graphics, this board is designed for intermediate to advanced riders.
Crafted in a skim-style design, the Hi-Fi is fast, poppy, and spins easily, making it perfect for playful maneuvers. Its Durashell Construction ensures it can withstand serious wear and tear, so durability won’t be an issue.
Advanced riders will appreciate the pintail shape, which makes switching between regular and switch stance smooth and effortless. The rear features low-profile fins that are fully customizable, you can ride with one, two, or all three depending on your style. Beginners, however, will likely benefit from using all three fins for better tracking.
The board also includes a full EVA traction pad with a central arch bar, giving you a clear reference for the board’s center while surfing.
For those seeking a playful, high-performance skim-style wakesurf board, the Hyperlite Hi-Fi is a standout choice.
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If you’re looking for a skim-style board built for tricks, airs, and pushing your riding skills, the Phase Five MVP is an ideal choice.
One standout feature is the full-deck EVA traction pad. When launching off the wake, you’ll always have grip underfoot, no matter where you land, since there’s no exposed fiberglass. Both the front and tail also include kickpads, providing extra control for advanced maneuvers and helping prevent slips at the ends.
The MVP is unique among Phase Five boards for its rail-wrapped channels, giving riders a secure spot to grab when performing tricks or airs above the wake.
Its generous outline and thicker core offer added float and forgiveness, making the board accessible to less experienced riders as well.
For anyone seeking a top-tier skim-style board that can handle expert maneuvers while still being approachable for the rest of the family, the Phase Five MVP is an excellent pick.
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The Lib Tech Manna Tee is an excellent option if you need a wakesurf board that can support a larger rider. For the best performance, go with the bigger 5'4" size, which provides more volume and buoyancy, making it easier to stay afloat and ride smoothly.
Riders should ideally weigh at least 160 lbs to handle the 5'4" Manna Tee effectively, as smaller weights may find it a bit harder to maneuver.
Lib Tech, a company known for producing top-notch boards across snowboarding, surfing, and wakesurfing, has designed the Manna Tee with user-friendliness in mind. The concave nose adds lift, while the softly rolled-in edges prevent the nose from catching, making it easier to glide, pick up speed, and even let go of the rope when ready.
This board shines even if your boat doesn’t create the perfect wake. Its design allows it to float riders of various sizes in smaller wake pockets, making it versatile and forgiving.
If you want a wakesurf board that can handle bigger riders while still being accessible to almost anyone, the Lib Tech Manna Tee is a must-have, just grab it before it sells out, as global supply chain issues have made popular boards hard to come by.
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The Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurfer is an ideal choice for family use, offering a forgiving ride that’s easy for beginners while still strong enough for bigger riders to pump and carve with confidence.
With over three decades of experience in performance water sports, Hyperlite brings its expertise to the Landlock, crafting a board that transitions smoothly from side to side. This design helps riders stay balanced on the water rather than sliding out.
Its Monocoque construction adds durability, protecting the board from side impacts and reducing the risk of delamination.
For anyone with an older boat or a smaller wake looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option, the Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurfer is hard to beat.
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You’re going to love the Connelly RIDE Heavy Duty!
With its EPS foam core and large EVA deck pad, this board offers excellent buoyancy and stability for bigger riders. Whether you’re just starting out or are more experienced, the RIDE is a solid option thanks to its fully customizable three-fin setup.
Beginners can use all three fins to channel water and generate extra drive, while advanced riders can opt for two side fins or a single center fin to challenge their skills.
This versatility makes the RIDE perfect for riders of all sizes and skill levels, from a 5-foot teenager to a 6'2", 260 lb adult, making it a great choice for the entire family.
Connelly, a long-standing leader in waterskiing and wakeboarding, has brought decades of expertise to their wakesurf boards, and the RIDE stands out as one of the best all-around boards they offer.
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The Phase Five Doctor is purpose-built for larger riders. Its pronounced nose rocker helps keep the board floating on the wave, while a clean single concave allows for smooth, powerful rides down the line.
The subtle tail kick adds speed, stability, and forgiveness, without sacrificing maneuverability. While the Doctor is currently available in 55", it’s often found in 57" and 59" versions that can support riders up to 275–325 lbs, so it’s worth checking which sizes are in stock.
Phase Five struck a perfect balance with this board, you can surf smaller waves comfortably while still cutting and carving without feeling sluggish.
The quad-fin setup adds versatility, allowing you to move the fins forward or backward, or even remove some to attempt advanced tricks. This adjustability makes the Doctor a board that grows with your skills.
For bigger riders seeking a high-performance wakesurf board, the Phase Five Doctor is an excellent choice.
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The Phase Five Wahoo is an excellent all-around wakesurf board for the entire family, including larger riders. Its weight capacity is 200 lbs for the 53" board and 250 lbs for the 56" model.
The Wahoo features a wider nose and tail, with a tapered side rail in the middle. This “Peanut Rail Outline,” as Phase Five calls it, positions volume under your feet where pressure is applied, providing stability without sacrificing speed or maneuverability. The taper allows the board to flow smoothly through turns and transitions.
The extra width in the hips and tail adds volume, making the board versatile for riders of different sizes. It also keeps the board fast and responsive, which helps with maneuvers and smooth transitions from heel side to toe side.
Built with an EPS core and reinforced with carbon fiber and Tough Glass, the Wahoo is strong and durable. For anyone seeking a reliable, high-performing wakesurfer, the Phase Five Wahoo is hard to beat.
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Final Thoughts
Wakesurfers are tons of fun. It's not too difficult to find boards that can handle bigger guys, but it's worth it to take the extra time and effort to find the right one.
The boards we listed are some of the best you can get, and it will enable you to get to a new level of fun on your next day at the lake.
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.
