Not all wakesurf boards are created equal, and that’s a really good thing. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or you've been riding for years, your goals on the water should be the first thing that shape what board you ride.

At Smith Board Co., we spend a lot of time thinking about performance. But performance only matters if it’s matched to the person riding. What feels fast and loose to one rider might feel twitchy and unstable to someone else. That’s why understanding your own riding goals is one of the most important steps when picking a board.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for, plus some of our favorite options, based on where you’re at and where you’re headed.

“I Want to Learn Tricks”

You want pop. You want spin. You want a board that feels nimble under your feet. Trick-focused boards are all about rotational speed, control, and the ability to recover quickly from off-axis landings.

What to look for:

• Smaller board sizes
• Flatter rocker (for better pop)
• Sharper rail profiles
• Lightweight materials
• Skim-style shape

Why it matters: A board built for agility allows for faster rotations and more responsive handling, both essential for landing 360s, shuvs, or even just your first clean ollie.

If this is you, check out our Impulse or DiPietro models in the Pro Series. Both are designed for riders who are serious about technical tricks.

Further reading: Mastering Rotational Speed in Wakesurfing

“I Just Want to Cruise and Have Fun”

This is the rider who’s in it for the feeling, not the tricks. You want a stable, smooth, confidence-building board that lets you enjoy the ride without constantly fighting the wave.

What to look for:

• Larger size boards with more volume
• Surf-style shape
• Wide, round tails for stability
• Deeper fins for better tracking

Why it matters: These boards are forgiving and easy to ride, which means more fun and less frustration, especially if you’re new or riding with friends and family.

Start with the Surge or Fusion. These are fun, flowy surf-style boards that give you stability without sacrificing maneuverability.

Also check out: Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards, What Makes a Good Beginner Wakesurf Board

“I Want to Go Fast and Stay in the Pocket”

You’re after clean lines, drive, and that addictive feeling of charging down the wave. Speed-focused riders want boards that minimize drag and accelerate with minimal effort.

What to look for:

• Narrower width
• Lower rocker profile
• Stiffer construction
• Sharp rails and reduced surface area
  

Why it matters: Less drag and a more direct connection to the water translates to higher linear speed and better projection down the wave.

Our Apex or Electrah models are built for this kind of performance. Pair it with a carbon fiber layup and you’ll feel the difference in every carve.

Read more: The Speed Factor: How It Shapes Wakesurf Board Performance, The Weight Factor: Does Your Board’s Weight Really Matter?

“I’m a Bigger Rider and Need Stability”

You’re a powerful rider, or just need a little more surface area under your feet. The right board can make or break your experience on the wave.

What to look for:

• Higher volume (length + thickness)
• Wider platform, especially in the tail
• Strong, stiff construction to prevent flex under load
• Fin setups that help with tracking

Why it matters: More surface area means more lift and less sinking, which is crucial for heavier riders looking to stay on top of the wave and control their turns.

We recommend looking at the Momentum or Surge 54”. Both give you stability and confidence, without feeling like you’re riding a door.

Related reads: Wakesurf Board Stiffness, Beyond the Basics: Bigger Riders

“I’m Still Figuring It Out – What’s the Most Versatile Ride?”

Sometimes you’re not sure exactly what your style is yet, and that’s totally fine. If you’re still exploring different riding styles, you’ll want something versatile enough to dabble in a little bit of everything.

What to look for:

• Mid-range length (e.g., 52”)
• Moderate rocker
• Balanced shape with hybrid feel
• Fin setups that are customizable
  

Try the Paradox or Momentum. They offer a balance between trick potential and cruise control, and they’re forgiving enough to grow with you.

Read next: Why Does Board Size Matter?

Still Unsure? Let’s Find Your Fit.

The best board is the one that helps you ride better, not just in theory, but in the real world, behind your boat, on your wave. If you’re still not sure where to start, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Take our Board Quiz, reach out with questions, or browse the collection by style and performance. We're not just building boards, we're helping riders unlock what’s possible.

Because when you find the right board, everything changes. Let’s get you there.