Top Picks for the Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards

Wakesurfing is a fun and challenging water sport that's gained so much popularity in recent years. It's a great way to enjoy the summer, hang out with friends and family, and improve your balance and strength. However, to fully enjoy the experience, you need the right equipment, and that starts with choosing the best beginner wakesurf board.

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 Wakesurf Board

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 Wakesurf Board

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.

Ronix Koal Classic Fish - Men's and Women's

The Ronix Koal Classic Fish is the ultimate blend of style and performance for both men and women!

With a versatile shape that withstands the test of time in surfer designs and constructions, the Koal Classic Fish is your go-to board for any session. Its clean bottom, fast rockerline, and smooth rails combined with the swallowtail Fish profile allow it to ride loose, breaking free on the top of the lip, yet still responsive for a bottom turn drive that will get you there on time.

Experience recreational level ease and stability from this smooth ride - perfect for us inlanders looking for wake slashing adaptability. Whether you're a beginner or gaining new skills, the Koal Classic Fish is a ride for all styles and abilities.

Hyperlite Broadcast

Dive into the wakesurf lifestyle with the Hyperlite Broadcast - your ticket to endless fun on the water! Designed for all skill levels, the Broadcast delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Its Dual Concave Base feature and new rocker line provide a fast and responsive ride, allowing more advanced riders to air out and generate speed for rotational tricks.

But that's not all or it wouldn't make this list - beginner and intermediate riders can also thrive on the Broadcast, maintaining momentum and staying in the sweet spot of the curl with ease. The Broadcast is a board designed to grow with you.

Coming Soon: Liquid Force Primo w/ Straps

Introducing the all-new Primo with Straps - the ultimate ticket to mastering wakesurfing! Tommy’s Primo 2024 edition is tailor-made for all level of riders, making learning and progressing a blast. 

The Primo will help you effortlessly learn to lift out of the water and will continue to be your go-to board as you master carving through the waves with increased speed and agility. Crafted with the ultra-durable Dura-Surf construction, the Primo is built to handle newbie mistakes and endure anything you put it up against.

With foot straps included, you have the option to ride with or without them. They come in handy when working on proper foot placement or trying to dial in an air or new spin! Win-win.

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 Powertail Kid's Wakesurf Board Crafted exclusively for young riders, the shrunken Powertail with a thruster 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.

Coming Soon: Liquid Force Primo Jr. w/ Straps

Introducing the Liquid Force Primo Jr. with Straps - all the perks and performance of the regular Primo, but sized just right for the Groms! Gone are the days where your Grom is forced to ride a board too big for them or one that hinders their progression rather than nurtures it. Enter…the all-new '24 Primo Junior! Our shapers had one goal in mind: create something for the little rippers out there to thrive on, and they nailed it.

With the Primo Jr., it's nothing but stoke and smiles ahead for your young rider. Sized perfectly for their needs, this board allows them to experience all the fun and excitement of wakesurfing while honing their skills. Plus, with the included Straps, they can ride with confidence, making progress and enjoying every moment on the water.

Coming Soon: 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.

Coming Soon: Ronix Alpha Squad Sea Captain

Introducing the Ronix Alpha Squad Sea Captain - a new go-to for the up and coming generation of surfers. 

Designed for riders who have outgrown their Super Sonic Kid’s surfer, the Alpha Squad Sea Captain is ready for the teenage surfer who wants a smaller size version of our best-selling adult shapes.

Made from the lightweight Standard Core construction, the Sea Captain shape features a hybrid profile, perfect for kids who enjoy both surf or skim style wake surfing.



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.