Looking for the Best Surf Style Wakesurf Boards?
Choosing the right gear can be challenging, particularly when it comes to skim-style wakesurf boards.
These boards are generally shorter and wider than traditional wakesurf boards, giving them increased speed and agility. This design makes them perfect for performing tricks and maneuvers on the wake.
The Benefits of Surf-style Wakesurf Boards
Skim-style wakesurf boards get their name from their resemblance to traditional skimboards used on beaches, sharing a similar design approach.
These boards are typically shorter, faster, and wider than standard wakesurf boards. While beginners can still learn on them, skim-style boards truly shine for more experienced riders looking to perform advanced tricks and maneuvers.
If you’re aiming to catch 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 adventurous surfers seeking maximum fun 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 an excellent choice for wakesurfers who need a board capable of supporting larger riders. For the best performance, opt for the bigger 5'4" size, which provides more volume and buoyancy, making it easier to stay afloat and maneuver. Riders should ideally weigh at least 160 pounds to take full advantage of this size without compromising control.
Lib Tech, a company renowned for crafting high-quality boards across sports, from snowboarding to surfing and wakesurfing, brings the same expertise to the Manna Tee. The board features a concave nose for added lift and soft, rolled-in edges designed to keep the nose catch-free, making it forgiving and easy to ride.
The Manna Tee is fast, user-friendly, and ideal for learning to surf without a rope. Its design works well even with smaller wakes, meaning you don’t need the “perfect” wake boat to enjoy a great ride. The board accommodates a wide range of riders, from big guys to lighter surfers, and stays in the wake’s sweet spot for as long as you like.
If you’re searching for a wakesurf board that handles larger riders while remaining versatile enough for nearly anyone, the Lib Tech Manna Tee is a must-have. Act quickly, though, supply chain disruptions have made these boards scarce, and they tend to sell out fast.
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You’re going to love the Connelly RIDE Heavy Duty!
With an EPS foam core and a large EVA deck pad, this board provides plenty of buoyancy and stability, making it ideal for bigger riders. Whether you’re a beginner just learning to wakesurf or an experienced rider, the RIDE is a versatile option thanks to its customizable three-fin setup.
Newer riders can use all three fins to generate extra drive from the tail, while advanced riders can switch to two side fins or a single center fin for a more challenging ride.
This flexibility makes the RIDE perfect for riders of all sizes and skill levels, from a 5-foot teenager to a 6'2", 260-pound adult, making it an excellent choice for families.
Connelly, a long-standing leader in waterskiing and wakeboarding, has brought decades of expertise to their wakesurf board lineup, creating one of the best all-around boards on the market with the RIDE.
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If you’re searching for a skim-style board designed for tricks, airs, and taking your wakesurfing skills to the next level, the Phase Five MVP is an excellent choice.
One standout feature is the full-deck EVA foam traction pad. No matter where your feet land during an aerial, you’ll have instant grip since there’s no exposed fiberglass on the surface. Both the front and tail feature kickpads, offering extra stability for advanced maneuvers and preventing slips off the ends.
The MVP is the only board in the Phase Five lineup with rail-wrapped channels, providing riders with a secure place to hold while performing tricks and catching airs above the wake.
Its generous outline includes a thicker core than previous models, offering more float and forgiveness, which also makes the board accessible to less experienced riders.
For anyone seeking a top-tier skim-style board that’s also versatile enough for other family members to enjoy, the Phase Five MVP delivers performance, stability, and fun.
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The Hyperlite Hi-Fi takes your wakesurfing to the next level. With a sleek pintail design and bold graphics, this board is built for intermediate to advanced riders.
Designed in the skimboard style, the Hi-Fi is fast, responsive, and perfect for poppy spins. Durability won’t be an issue, thanks to Hyperlite’s Durashell Construction, engineered to withstand serious wear and tear.
Advanced riders will appreciate the pintail shape, which makes it easy to ride switch or in your regular stance. The rear fins are fully customizable, allowing for 1, 2, or 3 fins depending on your preferred style. Beginners may find using all three fins provides the best tracking.
The full EVA traction pad features a central arch bar, helping you easily locate the board’s center while riding, ensuring better control and balance.
For those seeking a playful, high-performance skim-style wakesurfer, the Hyperlite Hi-Fi is an outstanding choice that combines speed, versatility, and durability.
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The Phase Five Doctor is specifically designed with bigger riders in mind. Its generous nose rocker helps keep the board on top of the wave, while the clean single concave shape allows you to charge down the line with ease.
The gentle tail kick provides speed, stability, and forgiveness, all while maintaining excellent maneuverability. Currently, the Doctor is available in a 55" size, though 57" and 59" versions are often offered, accommodating riders up to 275–325 lbs. Be sure to check availability before purchasing.
Phase Five has struck a perfect balance with this board: it performs well on smaller waves yet still allows for sharp cuts and smooth carving without feeling sluggish.
We particularly like the quad fin setup, which offers a high degree of versatility. Fins can be moved forward or backward, or removed entirely for more advanced tricks. This adjustability allows the board to grow with your skill level.
For bigger riders seeking a wakesurf board that delivers performance, stability, and flexibility, the Phase Five Doctor is an outstanding option.
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The Phase Five Wahoo is an excellent wakesurf board for the entire family, including larger riders. The 53" board supports up to 200 lbs, while the 56" model can handle 250 lbs.
The Wahoo features a wider front and tail with a tapered side rail in the middle. This design creates exceptional stability while maintaining smooth, efficient flow through turns and maneuvers. Phase Five calls this the “Peanut Rail Outline.” By concentrating volume under your feet, where pressure is applied, without overly rounding the board, it preserves both speed and maneuverability.
The extra volume in the hips and tail makes the Wahoo fast and responsive for riders of all sizes. The board handles transitions from heel-side to toe-side effortlessly, enhancing performance during tricks and carving.
Built with an EPS core and reinforced with carbon fiber and Tough Glass, the Wahoo is durable, strong, and ready to handle frequent use. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile wakesurfer suitable for riders of all sizes, the Phase Five Wahoo is a top choice.
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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.
