As the 2024 wakesurfing season draws to a close, it's an exciting moment for us at Smith Board Co. This year has been marked by significant milestones in both product innovation and community engagement. Our journey to redefine wakesurf board performance has taken bold steps forward, and we couldn’t be more proud of what our team has accomplished.

2024 Highlights:

1. Defining and Optimizing Performance: One of our proudest achievements this year has been establishing a clear, data-driven definition of what performance means for wakesurf boards. By analyzing the key metrics speed, air, and agility across different conditions, we’ve created a measurable framework to evaluate how our boards perform. This allows us to move from intuition-based design to evidence-based optimization. With this framework in place, we can now design boards that target specific performance outcomes—whether that’s maximizing trick potential with increased rotational speed or improving recovery rates with enhanced stability. This has set a new benchmark for how we approach innovation moving forward.
2. Technology Integration: 2024 was also the year we pushed the boundaries of data-driven design. By leveraging tools like CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and real-time performance data collected through GoPro setups, we were able to fine-tune our designs in ways that yielded measurable gains in speed, control, and agility. This approach has not only enhanced rider experience but has also strengthened our position as leaders in wakesurf board innovation.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability is becoming a central focus of our manufacturing process as we move toward more eco-friendly materials in 2025. While we’ve taken the initial steps in exploring alternative materials this year, our full transition is set for the next season. This shift aligns with our long-term vision of minimizing environmental impact while maintaining the high-performance standards our riders expect. In the coming year, we’ll continue to prioritize sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
4. Community and Engagement: Our community outreach grew significantly this year. From engaging in direct feedback loops via our Performance Optimization Methodology (POM) survey to launching our board repair program, we’ve worked closely with our riders to continuously improve their experience both on and off the water.
5. Competitions and Recognition: This year, we were thrilled to see one of our riders take a podium finish, showcasing the potential of our boards in competitive wakesurfing environments. Although we’re still growing our presence in the competitive scene, this achievement highlights the versatility and performance of our designs. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the seasons to come, with an eye on expanding our roster of riders and earning even more recognition on the world stage.

Looking Forward to 2025: A New Chapter for Smith Board Co and the Industry

As we set our sights on 2025, we’re excited about what's on the horizon for Smith Board Co and the broader wakesurfing industry.

1. Expanded Lineup and New Technologies: We’re excited to announce that we’ll be launching an entirely new lineup for 2025. While we can’t reveal all the details just yet, we can promise that the new boards will offer groundbreaking innovations in both performance and design. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the official launch.
2. Pushing the Boundaries with Advanced Materials: We’re exploring next-gen materials that can further optimize board weight without sacrificing strength or performance. By continuing to experiment with cutting-edge composites, our goal is to offer products that elevate the sport’s capabilities.
3. Growing the Wakesurfing Community: In 2025, we plan to expand our presence both online and in physical events. Look out for our new content series that dives deeper into wakesurfing techniques, equipment maintenance, and rider stories. We’re also committed to launching our subscription model for B2C customers, giving them more flexibility in choosing and upgrading boards throughout the season.
4. A Broader Industry Perspective: The wakesurfing industry continues to grow, with more emphasis on personalized performance and customization. We see this trend accelerating in 2025, and SBC is well-positioned to lead the charge. With innovations in board design and data-driven performance tracking, wakesurfing will become more rider-centric than ever before.

The future of wakesurfing is bright, and we’re honored to play a role in shaping where it’s headed. We look forward to what 2025 will bring for our company, our customers, and the wakesurfing community at large.