Crafting Wakesurf Boards: Behind the Ride

For wakesurfers, the board beneath their feet isn’t just equipment—it’s an extension of their passion. But have you ever thought about how wakesurf boards are made? The manufacturing process shapes performance, durability, and feel, making it crucial to understand.

In this series, we’ll explore the three main production methods: compression molding, glassing, and vacuum forming. Each technique offers unique benefits and trade-offs, influencing your ride in surprising ways.

What Is Innovation?

When you think of a “disruptive technology,” you might picture the internet, the iPhone, the introduction of electric vehicles, or even the rise of AI. These breakthroughs have reshaped entire industries, and many people assume they emerged from a single “lightbulb” moment. Names like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or Sam Altman often come to mind—visionaries who supposedly woke up one day with a brilliant idea fully formed.

Destination Spotlight: Wakesurfing at Lake Powell

One question we hear all the time is, “Where’s the best place to wakesurf?” Though we each have our own go-to spots, there’s one destination our team just can’t quit: Lake Powell. Our founders—myself included—have been coming to this breathtaking reservoir for nearly two decades, and it still tops our list of favorite places in the world.

We’re kicking off our new 2025 Destination Spotlight Series by featuring some of the most incredible wakesurfing locations on the planet. And what better place to start than with Lake Powell? Below, you’ll find out exactly why it’s such a unique spot to ride, plus our tried-and-true tips from countless trips.

Biomechanics of Tricks: Unlocking Air, Spins, and Landings

When it comes to advanced board tricks success isn’t just about courage or creativity. It’s about understanding how your body moves in space. This is where biomechanics, the science of how the body generates and transfers force, comes into play. By grasping the fundamentals of jumping mechanics, rotational movements, and landing dynamics, you’ll not only improve your consistency and confidence but also reduce your risk of injury. Think of these principles as the foundation that will transform raw effort into refined performance.

Efficiency in Motion: Leveraging Body Mechanics for Power and Speed

When it comes to wakesurfing, speed and power are the names of the game. Whether you're cruising for a longer ride or setting up for that perfect trick, how you move your body can make all the difference. By fine-tuning your body mechanics, you can ride faster, generate more power, and do all of it while using less energy. Let’s break down how you can achieve that.

The Physics of Movement: How Biomechanics Drives Wakesurfing Performance

When you're wakesurfing, every movement you make is a balance of physics and biomechanics. Whether you're carving back and forth or recovering from a wobble, understanding how your body interacts with the board and the water is key to unlocking consistent performance. By mastering core principles like balance, force generation, and momentum, wakesurf riders can achieve a higher level of performance on the wake.

Top 5 Wakesurfing Tips for Beginners: Mastering the Basics

A day out on the water wakesurfing can be some of the best days of your life. But like any new sport, learning the basics can make or break your first experiences. The good news is that with the right guidance, you can go from struggling with balance to confidently carving in no time. Whether you’re completely new or just dusting off old skills, these five tips are designed to set you up for success from day one.

Essential Post-Season Wakesurf Board Care: 5 Tips to Keep Your Ride Ready for Next Season

By following these simple maintenance steps, you’re not only preserving your board’s performance but also ensuring it’ll be ready for action next season. Taking a few extra minutes to rinse, store, and protect your board can make all the difference in how it performs for you down the line. At Smith Board Co., we’re here to help you make the most of your wakesurfing experience, from your first ride of the season to the last.

Optimizing Air: How Riders and Boards Work Together

Air, like all aspects of wakesurf performance, is a combination of rider skill and smart board design. By understanding the physics and dynamics behind it, we can continue pushing the limits of what wakesurf boards can do. Whether you're looking to catch more air for tricks or simply improve your jumps, the right combination of technique and design is key.

Breaking Down Translatable Force: How to Launch Higher