Top Picks for the Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards

Wakesurfing is a great way to enjoy summer, connect with friends and family, and build your balance and strength. To get the most out of the experience, it’s important to have the right equipment, starting with a wakesurf board suited for beginners.

As a beginner, you might be overwhelmed by the different types and brands of wakesurf boards available in the market. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll guide you through the factors you need to consider when choosing a beginner wakesurf board, and share our top picks for the best beginner wakesurf boards. We'll also give you tips on how to use your new board and progress quickly. 

So, whether you're a first-time rider or simply looking to add to your arsenal of toys, this guide is for you. 

Why Choose a Beginner Wakesurf Board

Beginner boards are great for more than just the reason of being a “beginner board.” The boards are packed with features that make them appealing to anyone looking to drop the rope, are easier on the wallet, and just plain fun! 

Here's why we love beginner wakesurf boards:

• Stability: stability is a key feature of beginner wakesurf boards that allows riders to maintain control and balance while learning the basics.
• Durability: beginner boards can typically withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
• Ease of use: a key feature of beginner wakesurf boards, they're designed to be accessible to riders of all skill levels.
• Ease to ride: the boards are designed to be easy to get up on and easy to stay in the wave, allowing riders to focus on improving their skills rather than struggling to maintain their footing.

These features make beginner wakesurf boards an excellent option for anyone looking to get into the sport or for experienced riders looking for a fun and accessible board to ride.

WakeMAKERS Product Advisors' Top Choices for Beginner Wakesurf Boards

Hyperlite Landlock

If you’ve ever tried to learn to surf in the ocean and remember how that board felt, the Hyperlite Landlock is an encore of that shape for behind the boat. A big board that anyone can have a good time on. Stable where it matters most and with its large size it’s a board larger folks can ride too. Easy to get up on and easy to stay in the wave, it’s no surprise why this is the longest-running wakesurf shape in history! It just works!

Ronix Marsh "Mellow" Thrasher 

A board built to take abuse. With a soft top design paired with a traditional thruster shape and big tail, the Marsh "Mellow" will have newbies getting up and experienced riders feeling nostalgic. It’s one of the only beginner boards that is also designed for rider progression. Add or remove the fins to really give the board a new feel when you are looking to try something new!

Speaking of adding or removing fins, experimenting with different wakesurf board fin setups is crucial for rider progression in wakesurfing. Every rider has different preferences and riding styles, and as a rider progresses, they may find that they prefer a certain fin setup over others. Experimenting with different setups can help you progress faster and develop a more versatile riding style, making you more comfortable and capable on a variety of different waves and conditions. 

Liquid Force Rocket

Ready to ride on any wave! The Liquid Force Rocket is one of those boards that just goes. Put it on any wave size and you’ll be stoked at how it just keeps you in the pocket and riding all day long. No over the top materials or “special features” the rocket was designed to be friendly on the wallet and get you surfing without the rope on any wave as quickly as possible.

Slingshot Boss Hoss

The Boss Hoss is designed with beginners in mind, making it the perfect choice for those who are just starting their wakesurfing journey. Built to provide stability and ease of use, this board is ideal for anyone who has "tried everything and just can't seem to let go of the rope!" Its forgiving design helps beginners build confidence and develop the skills needed to ride freely, making the transition to rope-free surfing smoother and more enjoyable.

Connelly Spark
The Connelly Spark is expertly crafted by athletes and wakesurf instructors to make learning easier for beginners. This board stands out as the only one specifically designed to teach newcomers the fundamentals of wakesurfing. Its innovative features, like a color-coded deck pad and concave heel pockets, help instructors guide learners on proper positioning for water starts and riding. The wide cruiser shape and square tail create a stable, forgiving platform, allowing novice surfers to build confidence and smoothly develop their skills.

Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards For Kids

Ronix Super Sonic Space Odyssey Fish for Girls and Boys

The ultimate fun board for new surfers! The Ronix Super Sonic Space Odyssey Girl's Fish Wakesurf Board and Super Sonic Space Odyssey Boy's Fish are crafted exclusively for young riders. The thin profile with a deep swallow tail, wide-body, and extra rear thickness, offers kids so much confidence on the water. With its ample tail surface area and construction akin to Ronix's top wakeboards, this board not only outshines most kid's surfers in strength but also facilitates easy deepwater starts. As a bonus, it comes with a performance award sticker pack featuring tricks every young rider should aspire to master.

Liquid Force Primo Jr. w/ Straps

The Primo Future Series is designed for kids learning to wakesurf, offering the right size and stability to help them build confidence and improve their skills. Included with every Primo FS are traction pads that can be used or removed as needed—they're helpful for practicing proper foot placement or working on your first spin. It’s a great beginner board that supports progression while keeping the ride fun and manageable.

Hyperlite Gromcast

Kid’s unite behind the boat, this time while wakesurfing with Hyperlite’s Gromcast! Spawned from the Broadcast series, the Gromcast is an easy-to-surf fun shape designed for all kids to enjoy. The wide profile provides the needed surface area, but the Gromcast is short and easily maneuverable so kids can begin learning power carves and spins right away.

Customize the ride with 3 removable fin options and relax on the cushy, comfy Molded EVA Traction pad. Don’t make your groms ride a plank, get them on the Gromcast so you can sit back and watch them shred.

Phase 5 Snapper

The Phase Five Snapper Wakesurfer is an ideal beginner board for kids, designed with features that make learning easy and fun. Its forgiving wide outline helps young riders stay in the wave, while the full deck pad allows them to position their feet comfortably as they develop their balance and technique. The 36” version, with its ⅜” core, is perfect for smaller riders, allowing them to sink the board easily for better control. For bigger kids, the 43” version with a ½” core offers added float and stability. Built with a single fin setup and equipped with a 2” fin, this board ensures maximum control, making it a reliable choice for kids starting their wakesurfing journey.

Improving Your Skills with a Beginner Wakesurf Board

Now that you've chosen your board and maybe have gotten out there a few times, you want to know how to progress quickly. A great way to improve your skills is to experiment in different size waves and in various riding positions. Riding on a variety of wave sizes allows you to develop your skills and adapt to different conditions.

Trying out different riding positions (such as switch stance or riding on the heelside wave) can also help you improve your sense of balance and control, which can translate to better performance in more challenging conditions.

The stability and ease of use of beginner wakesurf boards makes them well-suited for riders who are new to the sport or who are still developing their skills, making it easier to learn and progress in various riding positions and wave conditions. You'll be doing 360s in no time!

We hope this guide helps you find the right beginner wakesurf board. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our Product Advisors by phone at (888) 338-6085, by email at support@wakemakers.com or via live chat.

Happy riding!

Wakesurf Boards for Beginners FAQ

Q: What size wakesurf board is best for beginners?
A: The ideal size for a beginner wakesurf board is typically between 4'6" and 5'6". This size range is perfect for learning the basics and developing your skills. As you become more confident and proficient, you can consider a larger board.

Q: Are epoxy or foam wakesurf boards better for beginners?
A: Both epoxy and foam wakesurf boards have their own set of pros and cons. Epoxy boards are generally more durable and have better performance, but they can be more expensive. Foam boards, on the other hand, are more affordable and easier to repair, but they may not be as durable. Ultimately, the choice between epoxy and foam depends on your budget and preferences.

Q: How do I set up the boat for wakesurfing?
A: Setting up the boat for wakesurfing requires a few key steps. First, you'll need to fill the ballast bags with water to create a larger wake. Next, you'll want to adjust the speed of the boat to around 10-13 mph. Finally, you'll need to position the boat in such a way that the rider is surfing the sweet spot of the wake. It's important to always follow the boat manufacturer's guidelines and consult a professional if you're unsure.

Q: Can I use a regular surfboard for wakesurfing?
A: While it is possible to use a regular surfboard for wakesurfing, it's not recommended for beginners. Wakesurf boards are specifically designed for the unique demands of the sport and are typically smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than traditional surfboards. Using a regular surfboard can make it more difficult to ride and control the board, and it can also put extra stress on your body.