Looking for the Best Surf Style Wakesurf Boards?
Selecting the right gear can be tricky, especially when it comes to skim-style wakesurf boards.
Unlike traditional wakesurf boards, skim-style boards are shorter and wider, giving riders increased speed, responsiveness, and maneuverability.
Their design makes them ideal for performing spins, tricks, and fast, agile moves on the wake.
The Benefits of Surf-style Wakesurf Boards
Skim-style wakesurf boards get their name from traditional beach skimboards, sharing a similar shape and riding style. These boards are generally shorter, wider, and faster than standard wakesurf boards, offering a lively, ultra-responsive ride.
While beginners can use them to learn the basics, skim-style boards truly shine in the hands of advanced riders who love spinning, flipping, and performing other technical tricks.
If you’re looking to catch air and push your skills, a skim-style board is a top choice especially for thrill-seekers and younger riders craving a dynamic, fun-filled experience on the water.
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The Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurfer is a versatile board that works for everyone from families just learning to ride to larger riders tackling aggressive tricks.
With over 30 years of experience in high-performance watersports gear, Hyperlite crafted the Landlock to be soft, forgiving, and smooth-gliding, making side-to-side transitions easier and helping riders maintain balance on the water.
Its durable Monocoque construction protects against side impacts and prevents delamination over time.
For those with older boats or smaller wakes seeking a dependable, high-quality wakesurfer without breaking the bank, the Hyperlite Landlock is a top-tier choice.
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The Lib Tech Manna Tee is an excellent choice for wakesurfers who need a board that comfortably supports larger riders. The 5'4" model offers extra volume and buoyancy, making it easier to balance, carve, and stay afloat perfect for riders weighing 160 pounds or more seeking stability and control.
Lib Tech, renowned for high-quality boards across snow, surf, and wake sports, brings its signature craftsmanship to the Manna Tee. Its concave nose enhances lift, while smoothly rolled edges help prevent nose dives, creating a forgiving and confidence-building ride.
Designed for speed and rope-free surfing, the Manna Tee performs impressively even behind smaller wakes, so you don’t need a premium wake boat to have fun. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of riders, from heavier surfers to lighter paddlers, keeping you effortlessly locked into the wake’s sweet spot.
Durable, responsive, and built for both power and playability, the Lib Tech Manna Tee is a standout wakesurf board, but act fast, as limited availability often means these boards sell out quickly.
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Get ready to experience the Connelly RIDE Heavy Duty!
Featuring an EPS foam core and a full EVA deck pad, this board provides excellent buoyancy and stability, making it ideal for larger riders. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wakesurfer, the RIDE’s three-fin setup offers remarkable versatility.
New riders can use all three fins for added stability and control, while advanced surfers can remove one or two fins for a looser, more responsive ride.
This customizable design accommodates riders of all ages and sizes—from teens to adults up to 6'2" and 260 pounds—making it a perfect choice for family fun on the water.
With decades of experience in waterskiing and wakeboarding, Connelly has engineered the RIDE Heavy Duty to be a reliable, well-balanced board that delivers performance, comfort, and adaptability in one sleek package.
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If you’re after a skim-style wakesurf board built for tricks, airs, and next-level performance, the Phase Five MVP is a top contender.
One of its most impressive features is the full-deck EVA foam traction pad, ensuring consistent grip no matter where your feet land during jumps or spins, since there’s no exposed fiberglass, slipping is far less likely. Both the nose and tail include kickpads for added stability and precise control during advanced maneuvers.
Uniquely, the MVP is the only board in the Phase Five lineup featuring rail-wrapped channels, giving riders a secure handhold when performing grabs and aerial tricks above the wake.
Its wider outline and thicker core deliver excellent buoyancy and a forgiving feel, making it accessible not only to seasoned riders but also to those still improving their skills.
For wakesurfers who want a high-performance skim board that’s agile, stable, and fun for the whole family, the Phase Five MVP is a standout choice that won’t disappoint.
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The Hyperlite Hi-Fi is designed to elevate your wakesurfing experience. Featuring a sleek pintail shape and eye-catching graphics, this board caters to intermediate and advanced riders who crave precision and performance.
Built in the skim-style design, the Hi-Fi delivers quick response and impressive speed, ideal for executing sharp turns and effortless spins. Thanks to Hyperlite’s Durashell Construction, it offers outstanding durability, holding up well to heavy use and hard landings.
The pintail outline enhances control and versatility, making it easy to ride both regular and switch stance. Riders can also customize their setup with a 1-, 2-, or 3-fin configuration, beginners often prefer the stability of all three fins, while seasoned riders may remove some for a looser, more playful feel.
A full EVA traction pad with a central arch bar helps riders maintain proper foot placement and balance, ensuring smoother control on every ride.
If you’re searching for a high-performance skim-style wakesurf board that combines speed, agility, and long-lasting construction, the Hyperlite Hi-Fi is a powerful choice that delivers both excitement and reliability on the water.
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The Phase Five Doctor is expertly designed for larger riders seeking a perfect blend of stability and performance. Its generous nose rocker keeps the board high on the wave, while the smooth single concave base delivers effortless speed and fluid flow down the line.
A subtle tail kick enhances acceleration and control, providing a balanced mix of stability, forgiveness, and maneuverability. The Doctor comes in a 55" model, with larger 57" and 59" options often available—ideal for riders weighing between 275 and 325 pounds. Keep in mind that these larger sizes tend to sell quickly, so check stock before buying.
Built to perform across a variety of wave sizes, the Doctor handles smaller wakes with ease yet still carves powerfully and smoothly without feeling sluggish. Its quad-fin setup adds versatility, allowing you to adjust fin positions for different handling or remove fins entirely to match your riding style and progression.
For heavier riders who want a wakesurf board combining stability, adaptability, and responsive performance, the Phase Five Doctor stands out as one of the best options on the market.
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The Phase Five Wahoo is an outstanding all-around wakesurf board designed for riders of all sizes, making it perfect for families. The 53" model supports up to 200 lbs, while the 56" version accommodates riders up to 250 lbs with ease.
Its innovative “Peanut Rail Outline” combines a wider nose and tail with a tapered midsection, concentrating volume right under your feet. This design strikes the ideal balance of stability and responsiveness, keeping the board fast and agile without feeling bulky.
Extra volume in the hips and tail provides excellent lift and drive, allowing smooth transitions from heel-side to toe-side. Whether carving turns or hitting tricks, the Wahoo delivers fluid, consistent performance.
Built with an EPS foam core, carbon fiber reinforcements, and Tough Glass lamination, the Wahoo offers durability and stiffness that can withstand years of use.
For anyone seeking a versatile, family-friendly wakesurf board that blends stability, speed, and fun, the Phase Five Wahoo excels in every category.
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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.
