Purchasing a Wakesurf Board: Skim vs. Surf Style

If you’ve spent any time on the water, then you’ve noticed the latest rage in watersports: wakesurfing. It’s been around for awhile, but experienced boaters and new boaters alike are getting into the sport because of it’s accessibility for all ages and how fun it is to wakesurf behind one of our Nautique boats. Buxton Marine in Lewisville, Texas has has a Dallas pro shop full of the top wakesurf boards and gear. As you begin looking, you may wonder – do I need a skim board or a surf board? The experts at Buxton Marine are here to offer advice on when to use both: 

Skim Boards

If you’re new to wakesurfing, then starting with a skim board is a good idea! These boards are mostly flat, molded boards, making them more durable and great for beginners. They handle 180s and 360s with ease, and many agree they are less likely to nose dive or roll in the water unexpectedly. Plus – if you’re already a wakeboarder, skim boards normally stow really well in a wakeboard rack with very little issues. However, if you are interested in learning to free ride, you may want to look at regular surf style boards, as these skim boards are difficult to free ride on.

Surf Boards

These traditional wakesurf boards mimic traditional surfboards you’d find at the coast – and they handle more like traditional boards too. If you purchase a wakesurf board from Buxton Marine expect the board to handle traditional surfing curves and cutbacks with ease, and freeriding is much easier with surf boards than with skim boards. The downside is that if you are new to the sport and not used to surfing under traditional conditions, these boards may be trickier to maneuver. Still have questions? Visit us at one of our Buxton Marine Pro Shops, conveniently located in Lewisvile, Texas or at Long Cove Marina in Malakoff, Texas. Our expertly trained sales staff will be happy to discuss our inventory of boards and what wakesurf board is right for you!