Boating - June 2016 USA

50 BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE 2016

 WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The Boat Doctor

Wakesurf Board

ILLUSTRATIONS: BRIAN BOESCH (SURF-STYLE, SKIM-STYLE), COURTESY RONIX (2)

Unlike wakeboarding, where bindings must fit each

individual rider, your crew can readily share wakesurf

boards, or just plain “wakesurfers.” Yet there are differences

you should be aware of before you splurge. We tapped

the expertise of our sister publication, Wakeboarding, for

some tips so you’ll know what to look for. — Kevin Falvey

SURF-STYLE These wake-

surfers boast multiple

larger surf-style fins and

a thicker construction,

which makes them

more buoyant. The high

buoyancy makes surf-style

wakesurfers a great choice

for larger, heavier riders

and some beginners.

The larger volume also

provides more drive and

push on the wave, so they

perform well on smaller

boat waves, like those

produced by runabouts

without ballast or wake-

shaping technology.

SKIM-STYLE Skim-style

boards are shorter, with a

thinner profi le and smaller

fi ns. While anyone can

ride these, skim-style

boards are more suited to

advanced surfers looking

for a loose, more playful

feel — those who like to

pop tricks, such as shuv-its

and ollies. Smaller, lighter

riders also can be well-

suited to skim-style

boards; these boards don’t

carry as much speed and

won’t have surfers riding

into the swim platform.

ROCKER As in wakeboard-

ing, rocker is the curve

profile of the board, which

is a big factor in how fast

the board rides. Boards

with more exaggerated

rocker lines push more

water, resulting in a slower

ride, but they tend to

maneuver easily. Flatter

rocker lines have less drag,

resulting in a faster ride

across the water.

RAILS In surfing

terminology, rails

are the edges of the

board; their shape

determines how a board

will track and turn on

the wave. Sharper rails

are more responsive and

turn more quickly, while

rounded rails have a more

relaxed feel and turn more

slowly. Most wakesurfers

have a combination of

sharp and rounded rails

placed strategically.

Wakesurf

Tricks

CUTBACK: Bashing

the lip of the wave

with the board

OLLIE: A leap

into the air that

causes the board

to jump with you

SHUV-IT: Making

the board jump and

spin 180 degrees

(or more!) under

your feet

STALLING: Applying

pressure to your

rear foot to

slow down

Hybrid boards are a combination of surf- and skim-style boards, and they have

become increasingly popular. They have the speed and push of surf-style boards,

with the playful maneuverability of skim-style boards. A pro-level example is the

Ronix Hexshell Blender. Among other things, it possesses a shape that can really

hook up on rail, yet it has more surface area for toes-on-the-nose stability, as well as

a super-wide tail platform for effortless airs. $799; ronixwakestore.com — K.F.

Hybrid Wakesurf Boards

For more info about

wakesurfers, visit our

watersports content

hub at boatingmag

.com/watersports.

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