Most things in life, like wakesurf boards, were simply not designed with us big people in mind. The good news is we’ve found the perfect boards for you. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite wakesurf board reviews for us big guys who like to live life bigger.
In recent years, wakesurfing has become increasingly popular among watersports enthusiasts. Wakesurfing is similar to surfing in that you ride a wave, but you’re surfing on a wake made by a boat. It’s safe, easy to learn, and full of thrilling excitement.
The good news is that with wakesurfing, you don’t even need to be near an ocean with waves to be able to do it. Finding the right wake surf board, on the other hand, is difficult for bigger people like us, who weigh over 200 pounds.
Wakesurf boards are typically made of compression-molded or layered-composite materials. The size of your board is largely determined by the shape of your board. There are 3 main shape options: Surf, Skim, and Hybrid.
For us big folk, settling for less can be a big problem. Check out our best wakesurf board reviews so you can ride those waves in style!
In wakesurfing, having the correct size board for your height, weight, and surfing skills can make all the difference. Continue reading to find out how big wakesurfers can determine the best size for their boards. We’ll also take a look at the different size aspects of wakesurf boards and use a simple wakesurf board size chart as a quick reference.
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The Different Styles of Wakesurf Boards
If you’re just getting started in wakesurfing, you’re probably obsessing about which cool board to buy. In fact, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. While there are plenty of great-looking boards to choose from, getting the right one for your larger body type should be your top priority.
A wake surf board typically comes in three shapes or styles, which are as follows:
- Surf: Surf-style wake surf boards, as the name suggests, resemble real surfboards. They’re lengthy and beamy with a lot of volume, making them easy to stand on. Their stability makes surf-style boards a great choice for beginners.
That being said, don’t expect to get a lot of carving action out of these boards. Once you’re done getting your feet wet on these, it’s time to jump on a Hybrid or Skim board. - Skim: Skim style boards are shorter and thinner, making them ideal for making sharper and more agile turns. They come with one to three minimalistic fins that allow you to spin right on the spot to make sharp turns using the board’s edges. Get ready to take your 360 and shove-it moves to the next level if you’re into tricks.
Skim style boards are fantastic for agile surfing styles, but they’re not as stable as surfboards, and catching waves can be difficult. Skim boards have less volume, thus staying forward in the wave takes more effort. - Hybrid: Hybrid boards combine the increased stability of surf-style boards with the smaller turning radius and wave-carving capabilities of skimboards. So if you’re a beginner-ish to intermediate or even advanced wakesurfer, hybrid-shaped boards offer a well-balanced wakesurfing experience.
Hybrid board surfers use the tail to cut waves since they have enormous fins on the rear, whereas skimboard surfers use the edges of their board. It just takes some getting used to, but it’s certainly doable!
Choosing a Board Style That Works For You
Picking the right board is only half of the battle when it comes to having a fun wakesurfing session. We know that there aren’t as many possibilities for wake surf boards for bigger guys as we’d like, but they are definitely out there.
Bigger wakesurf boards have more surface area and therefore provide better support for larger surfers. They move more slowly on the water and can handle smaller wakes more easily.
Smaller boards, on the other hand, are more maneuverable and move faster on the wave. These are the boards of choice for more advanced, lightweight riders who want to ride in smaller wakes.
Use a Wake Surf Board Size Chart to Reduce the Guesswork
When determining the best board size to use, we usually start with the rider’s weight. This will give you a good idea of whether you should go for the longer or shorter end of the range.
A Wakesurf Board Size Chart, such as the one below, can help take the guesswork out of determining which board to use based on the rider’s weight.
| Wakesurf Board Size Chart | |||
| Rider Weight | Surf Style | Skim Style | Hybrid Style |
| Up to 110 lbs | Up to 4′ | Up to 4′ | Up to 4′ |
| 100 – 170 lbs | 4′ – 4’8″ | 4′ – 4’4″ | 3′ 9″ – 4′ 8″ |
| 150 – 200 lbs | 4’8″ – 5′ | 4’4″ – 4’10” | 4′ 8″ – 5′ 3″ |
| 190 – 250+ lbs | 5’+ | 4’10″+ | 5’+ |
Wakesurf Board Reviews for the Big Guys
Some models of wakesurf boards come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Other boards, on the other hand, are only available in one size. The majority of boards are between 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 feet long.
Without further ado, here are our 2022 wakesurf board reviews for big guys.
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Hyperlite Broadcast LTD Wakesurfer
Size: 4’ 8″
Board Type: Surf Style
Experience Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Price Range: Under $400
If you’re ready to jump into the wakesurf lifestyle, you can’t go wrong with the Hyperlite Broadcast. The Broadcast has an incredible shape that delivers a top performance regardless of skill level. The board also has a Dual Concave base and a new rocker line for a quick, responsive ride.
Experienced riders will be surprised at how well this board allows them to air out and generate speed for rotational tricks. Beginner and intermediate riders will have no trouble maintaining the mentum and staying in the curl’s sweet spot.
The Machined EVA deck pad, which is most commonly seen on the North Shore, gives optimum traction.
An All-Around Great Board
It may appear heavy in the air, but it feels well at home on the water. This board is exceptionally simple to use for beginners while yet being sophisticated enough for seasoned riders to enjoy.
Cons
When using this board, be prepared for a slick sensation.
Final Verdict
The Hyperlite Broadcast LTD Wakesurfer is an absolute steal at this price. It has more than enough versatility to satisfy riders of all skill levels. It’s a must-have board for your collection, with just the right size and superb design.
Ronix Modello Skimmer Wakesurf Board
Size: 4’ 10”
Board Type: Skim Style
Experience Level: Intermediate
Price Range: Under $500
If you’re looking for a board that allows you to do 360s while maintaining a solid level of stability, the Modello delivers. The Modello is ideal for those who enjoy using a skim-styled board. Do you want to be as stable as a surfer? Install the three fins!
The Modello Skimmer provides excellent value and the durability of boards costing hundreds of dollars more. Without a doubt, we have a real winner here.
Thick and Well-Built
This board is less prone to dings and relies on the rail rather than the fin. This improves its connection to the water.
Cons
It’s a tad too hefty for my taste. The fins, meanwhile, appear to be made of cheap plastic.
Final Verdict
The Ronix Modello Skimmer Wakesurf Board has incredible control, allowing you to spin, pop, and add fins for more stability. For the price, you simply cannot top it.
Mission Kilo Hybrid Wakesurf Board 2022
Size: 4’ 7”
Board Type: Hybrid
Experience Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Price Range: Under $500
In the water, the KILO feels remarkably light and quick. KILO forgoes the trackpad in favor of wax’s raw sensation. As a wax option, it’s a cross between a surfer and a skim, and it excels at both. It has a large surface area rail to rail, allowing it to easily stay in the wave while still maintaining agility. In the early-morning surf club, this is unquestionably one of our all-time favorites.
Let’s not forget about the price – did you notice the price point? You simply cannot afford not to purchase it.
A Unique Riding Experience
Wakesurfing without the trackpad is a fascinating and distinct sensation. In the water, this board is swift and nimble, with the ideal grip-to-slip ratio.
Cons
The fins are mounted differently than on other wakesurf boards. Instead of a traditional fin box, the board has a hole through it with a plastic black spacer on top. It looks and feels strange, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Final Verdict
The Mission Kilo Hybrid Wakesurf Board 2022 is a fantastic hybrid style board for larger riders! Designed to be a high-performance board for a bigger rider or a smaller wave. It will allow you to cut and carve like no other board on the market.
The Big Picture
Wakesurfing, in reality, has little to do with size! Believe us when we say there are a few 250-pound dudes wakesurfing to their hearts’ content. So, next time you want to visit the waters, do it with the board you deserve!