Looking for the Best Surf Style Wakesurf Boards?
Selecting the right equipment can be tricky, especially when it comes to skim-style wakesurf boards.
Compared to traditional wakesurf boards, skim-style boards are typically shorter and wider, allowing for greater speed and responsiveness. Their design makes them ideal for riders who love performing spins, tricks, and quick maneuvers on the wake.
The Benefits of Surf-style Wakesurf Boards
Skim-style wakesurf boards are named for their similarity to traditional beach skimboards, sharing a comparable design and riding style.
They’re generally shorter, wider, and faster than standard wakesurf boards. While beginners can still use them to learn the basics, these boards truly excel in the hands of more advanced riders who enjoy pulling off spins, flips, and other technical tricks.
If your goal is to catch air and push your skills further, a skim-style board is an excellent choice. Its lively, ultra-responsive feel makes it a favorite among younger riders and thrill-seekers who want a dynamic, fun-filled experience on the water.
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The Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurfer is an excellent choice for family-friendly learning, yet it’s robust enough to handle aggressive maneuvers for larger riders.
With over three decades of experience in building high-performance watersports gear, Hyperlite brings its expertise into the Landlock Wakesurfer, crafting a board that is soft, forgiving, and glides smoothly from side to side.
This design helps riders maintain balance on the water, reducing the chance of sliding out. Its Monocoque construction enhances durability, protecting the board from side impacts and preventing delamination.
For those with an older boat or smaller wake who want a reliable, high-quality wakesurfer without overspending, the Hyperlite Landlock is a nearly unbeatable option.
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The Lib Tech Manna Tee is a top pick for wakesurfers seeking a board that comfortably supports larger riders. For optimal performance, the 5'4" model is recommended, it offers extra volume and buoyancy, making it easier to balance, carve, and stay afloat. Riders weighing at least 160 pounds will find this size ideal for maintaining control and stability.
Lib Tech, well-known for producing high-quality boards across snow, surf, and wake sports, applies its signature craftsmanship to the Manna Tee. It features a concave nose that enhances lift and smooth, rolled edges that help prevent nose dives, creating a forgiving and confidence-building ride.
Designed for speed and ease of use, the Manna Tee is perfect for mastering rope-free surfing. It performs impressively even behind smaller wakes, so you don’t need a top-tier wake boat to have fun. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of riders, from heavier surfers to lighter paddlers, while keeping you locked into the wake’s sweet spot effortlessly.
If you’re after a durable, responsive wakesurf board built for both power and playability, the Lib Tech Manna Tee stands out. Just be quick, these boards are in high demand and often sell out due to limited availability.
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You’re going to be impressed by the Connelly RIDE Heavy Duty!
Built with an EPS foam core and a full EVA deck pad, this board delivers exceptional buoyancy and stability, perfect for larger riders. Whether you’re new to wakesurfing or already have experience, the RIDE’s adaptable three-fin configuration makes it an incredibly versatile choice.
Beginners can ride with all three fins for extra stability and control, while more advanced surfers can remove fins, either running two side fins or a single center fin, for a looser, more responsive feel on the water.
This customizable setup makes the RIDE a great fit for riders of all ages and body types, from younger teens to adults up to 6'2" and 260 pounds, making it an ideal family-friendly board.
With decades of expertise in waterskiing and wakeboarding, Connelly has crafted one of the most dependable and well-balanced wakesurf boards available. The RIDE Heavy Duty offers performance, comfort, and versatility all 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 crafted for larger riders who want both stability and performance. Its generous nose rocker helps keep the board high on the wave, while the smooth single concave base ensures effortless speed and flow as you ride down the line.
A subtle tail kick enhances acceleration and control, providing a perfect balance of stability, forgiveness, and maneuverability. The Doctor currently comes in a 55" model, with larger 57" and 59" options often available, ideal for riders weighing between 275 and 325 pounds. Be sure to check for stock before buying, as these larger sizes tend to sell quickly.
Phase Five has designed this board to perform exceptionally across different wave sizes, it handles smaller wakes with ease yet still carves powerfully and smoothly without feeling sluggish.
The quad-fin setup adds another layer of versatility. You can adjust the fin positions forward or backward for different handling or remove some fins entirely to suit your style and progression.
For heavier riders looking for a wakesurf board that combines stability, adaptability, and responsive performance, the Phase Five Doctor stands out as one of the best choices on the market.
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The Phase Five Wahoo is a fantastic all-around wakesurf board that the whole family can enjoy, especially larger riders. The 53" model comfortably supports up to 200 lbs, while the 56" version is designed for riders up to 250 lbs.
Its innovative design features a wider nose and tail combined with a tapered midsection, creating the perfect mix of balance and control. Phase Five refers to this shape as the “Peanut Rail Outline.” By concentrating volume directly under your feet, where pressure is applied, the board maintains exceptional speed and responsiveness without feeling bulky or sluggish.
The added volume in the hips and tail gives the Wahoo impressive lift and drive, allowing riders to transition smoothly from heel-side to toe-side. Whether carving turns or performing tricks, the Wahoo delivers consistent, fluid performance.
Constructed with an EPS foam core, carbon fiber reinforcements, and Tough Glass lamination, this board offers excellent durability and stiffness for long-lasting use.
If you’re searching for a versatile, family-friendly wakesurf board that provides stability, speed, and fun for riders of all sizes, the Phase Five Wahoo is an outstanding choice that truly delivers on all fronts.
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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.
