Christy Sports – Wakesurf Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Surfboard
There are lots of good surfboards out there and we want to help you pick the right one. Make sure to take into account your ability level, what type of wake your boat makes, and what style of surfing you want to do. The following information will give you an idea of the differences between different kinds of wakesurf boards. Come in and talk with our staff so we can get to know you better and put you on the perfect board for this summer!
Three types of surfboards
Surf Style Boards:
- Most common and beginner-friendly; easy to catch waves and very stable.
- Popular with all skill levels.
- Best for big turns, slashing the wake, and aerial tricks.
Skim Style Boards:
- Freestyle-oriented; ideal for spins, ollies, and shuvits.
- Ride looser and make tighter turns.
- Better for intermediate to advanced riders.
Hybrid Style Boards:
- Blend of surf and skim styles.
- More stable than skim boards but still playful.
- Great for riders unsure of their preferred style.
Shape of the Board
Wider boards: More stable, easier to catch the wave.
Shorter boards: More nimble, tighter turns.
Tail Designs:
Thruster / Power Tail:
- Increases stability and acceleration.
- Tracks straighter through water.
- Ideal for beginners or smaller wakes.
Fish / Swallow Tail:
- Sits deeper in the water for stronger, more controlled turns.
- Versatile and suitable for most skill levels.
Pin Tail:
- Common on skim-style boards.
- Sharp point aids spins and surface tricks.
- Loosest, most playful tail type; preferred by advanced riders.
Types of Rails
Rails (edges of the board) affect stability, responsiveness, and buoyancy.
- Thick rails: More buoyant; common on surf-style boards.
- Thin rails: Sit deeper in the water; typical of skim-style boards.
- Sharp rails: Increase edge grip and responsiveness.
- Smooth rails: More forgiving and stable but still allow tight turns.
Different rail types appear across many boards—consider how they impact ride feel.
Fin Setup
Fins: Boards typically have 1–4, with customizable setups.
More fins: Increase stability and help the board track straighter.
Fewer fins (e.g., only outer fins): Create a looser, more advanced ride.
Adjustability: Most boards allow easy fin changes to test different setups.
Choosing the right size
Sizing charts: Usually base board size on rider weight, but that’s not the only factor.
Other considerations: Height, board model, boat wake type, and skill level.
Expert advice: Consult a surf specialist to find the best fit and maximize fun.
