When you first start wakesurfing, everything is new. Getting up, finding your balance, and learning how to stay in the pocket are all new feelings. But as you begin to progress and  your comfort on the wave grows, so should your board. Moving from a beginner board to an intermediate design is a great way to continue to upgrade your progressions.

This stage isn’t just about getting a “better” board. It’s about finding one that helps unlock what’s next for you. That means more speed, more control, and more fun in every turn.

What Makes an Intermediate Wakesurf Board Different

Beginner boards are built for stability. They’re wider, flatter, and designed to keep you centered in the wave. Intermediate boards, on the other hand, are shaped for agility and speed. They’re faster, more agile, and let you start progressing with carving, spins, and small airs.

Here are a few of the key design differences:

• Outline – Intermediate boards often feature refined outlines that improve rail-to-rail transitions and let you generate more drive.
• Rocker – Slightly increased nose and tail rocker allow better maneuverability without sacrificing speed.
• Rails – Sharper rails add responsiveness and help the board bite into the wave for stronger turns.
• Fin Setup – More advanced fin layouts let you fine-tune stability, speed, and release depending on your riding style.

If your current board feels like it’s holding you back either by being too slow, too sticky, or hard to recover from turns, that's your sign you’re ready for something new.

Our Top Picks for Intermediate Riders

At Smith Board Co., we design every board with measurable performance in mind. Here are a few of our favorite picks for riders ready to step up:

• Momentum – Ideal for riders who are starting to explore spins and tricks. Its balanced profile offers the perfect mix of control and freedom for progression.
• Paradox – Built for riders who crave more drive and speed. The Paradox accelerates effortlessly down the line and handles technical maneuvers with precision. This is one of our all-around favorites here at SBC. 
• Impulse – For the advanced rider who wants to land technical tricks with ease. The flatter deck and sharper rail profile create unmatched agility and control in spins and transitions.

All of these boards come in both standard and carbon fiber constructions, letting you choose between classic feel and ultra-responsive performance.

Tips for Progressing With Your New Board

Once you upgrade, expect a short adjustment period. Intermediate boards react faster, which means small shifts in weight or timing make a big difference. Don't get discouraged if you take a step back. Oftentimes we have to take a step back in order to take two steps forward. 

• Focus on edge control, keeping consistent pressure through turns.
• Work on pumping for speed rather than relying solely on the wave.
• Start small with 180 spins or small airs, then build from there.

With the right approach, your progression curve will steepen quickly.

Stepping up from a beginner to an intermediate wakesurf board marks a major milestone in your riding journey. It’s where the riding really starts to take shape and performance begins to matter.