Wakesurf and skim boards: learning the differences

• Posted on 8 June 2023
• By Julia Peet
• 0

Just bought a boat? Congratulations! Now it's time to get out on the water and start shredding. But what board do you get? How do you know you're making the right decision? Well that's where we come in.  Let

Just bought a boat? Congratulations! Now it's time to get out on the water and start shredding. But what board do you get? How do you know you're making the right decision? Well that's where we come in. Let's dive into the differences between skim boards and surfboards. 
There are three main types of wake surf boards: surf boards, skim boards, and hybrid boards. Surf boards are thicker in shape and typically less dense. They have a foam core and are wrapped in epoxy and fiberglass. Surfboards ride higher in the water which give the rider the feeling of "float" on the water. Surfboards typically have large fins. These kinds of boards generate drive and power from the fins. When you're riding on them, you'll generally carve and slash on the water. Advanced riders will use the large fins in the board to generate drive down the wave and pop off for aerial tricks. That's the style of riding that you'll do and the style of riding that these boards perform best at. 
Good: Connelly Lil Easy, Connelly Baja, Liquid Force Happy Pill, Wake Foamie, etc. 
Better: Hyperlite Automatic, Connelly Jet, Doomswell Nubstep
Best: Hyperlite Arc, Phase 5 Phantom, Connelly AK

You can pick out a skim board based on their low profile design and their sharp edges. These kinds of boards are slippery. They slip across the water and slide into tricks. They usually have just one small center fins that provides just enough grip. These kinds of boards are conducive to surface spins and 360 tricks. Skim boards are slippery and can be tough to handle, but that's what makes them so fun! Because they are slippery, they break free for spins easy. If you're confident and you trust in your board, it'll spin right around for your first 360. 
Good: Ronix Standard Skimmer, Doomswell Nitro, 
Better: Hyperlite Hi-Fi, Doomswell Mongrel
Best: Liquid Force Reign Pro, Phase 5 Matrix, Phase 5 Diamond, Ronix Flyweight Pro, Hyperlite Storm. 

Hybrid boards are a combination of both. They typically have 3 fin boxes. You can play with the fins and change up the way that the board will react. Changing the fins in the board will completely change how it handles. If you ride with all 3 fins in the board, you'll maximize the grip that the board has with the water, locking it in for maximum control. If you cruise with just two fins on either side of the board, you'll mimic the drive and handle of a surf board. Ride with just a center fin in the back and you'll slide around more like a skimmer. Getting a hybrid board is a cost effective way to give yourself and your family the feel of either kind of wakesurf board. 
Good: Hyperlite Speedster, Hyperlite Broadcast, Doomswell 
Better: Hyperlite Shim, Liquid Force Primo
Best: Connelly Benz, Hyperlite Ranger, Doomswell Mongrel, 

That's the gist of it. That's wakesurf boards in a nutshell. If you know what style of riding that you like, then it's a no brainer. If you're new to the surfing world, then it may be beneficial to get a board that will do both! And if you really have no idea where you start or you're overwhelmed by it all, then let us help. Our expert staff is here you point you in the right direction. Call us at 207-693-3867. Email us at [email protected]. Message us on Facebook or Instagram! We are here to help you bring home your favorite surfer.