The 10 Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Watersports Buyer | May 26, 2023
Wakesurfing has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, prompting brands to expand their offerings for the beginner market. Gone are the days when finding the best beginner wakesurf board meant settling for the largest, most voluminous option available. Nowadays, there are thoughtfully designed shapes tailored for newcomers, focused on fostering progression from learning how to wakesurf to mastering intermediate and advanced techniques before considering a new addition to your quiver.
New This Year:
2023 introduces stylish entry-level boards that everyone can use, moving beyond the simplistic designs of the past. These boards boast a wide range of ride characteristics tailored to help new riders meet and exceed their goals when embracing the sport. Clever tech and adjustable fin setups ensure there's a perfect board for everyone. We've curated a list of the best beginner wakesurf boards for 2023, helping you discover the ideal shred stick for this summer – and beyond!
Hyperlite Broadcast
The Hyperlite Broadcast Wakesurf Board is one of the best-selling wakesurf boards in the industry for good reason. It blurs the line between expert and beginner board like few others can, offering the speed and power that advanced riders need for airs and tricks while providing a stable platform for intermediate riders to advance their skills on. Features like the full-top EVA traction pad will help on both ends of the skill spectrum with a nice grippy surface, and the three-fin configuration allows for a bit of playfulness without sacrificing precision.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Hybrid | $439.99 |
Hyperlite Landlock
A must have for any boat, the Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board is the baseline for beginners to pros. Its large volume makes for easy riding, while the tri-fin setup tracks easily and keeps you in the pocket. With its light EPS core and Monocoque construction, the Hyperlite Landlock Wakesurf Board will create off the charts smiles for everyone on the boat.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $459.99 |
Liquid Force Rocket
If you want a rocket in the pocket, there's only one place to turn: the Liquid Force Rocket Wakesurf Board. This versatile surf style board can be ridden as a twin fin for that unique "fish" feel, or as a thruster when you want to keep your foot on the gas and drive. For a capable all rounder that'll please newbies and veterans alike, climb aboard the Rocket and count down to lift off.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $359.99 |
Liquid Force Happy Pill
The Liquid Force Happy Pill Wakesurf Board is good for what ails ya, and 10 out of 10 wake shredders agree. This capable deck is a total crowd pleaser, engineered with a versatile shape that allows each rider to dial things up or down however they like. The quad fin setup allows more aggressive riders to put the pedal to the metal when they want drive, while a full shape and wide, squared off tail offers easy balance for intermediate riders taking it a little slower. They don't call it the Happy Pill for nothing!
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 4 | Surf | $519.99 |
Ronix Marsh Mellow Thrasher
If progression is the name of the game, then the Ronix Marsh "Mellow" Thrasher Wakesurf Board has your needs built into its DNA. This is a capable, yet approachable surfer with full rails for speed, hold, and durability. For a predictable thruster ride that offers stability, performance, and predictability from end to end, the Ronix Marsh "Mellow" Thrasher Wakesurf Board is a winner.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $499.99 |
Ronix Standard Core Brightside with Straps
Progression is the name of the game with the new Ronix Standard Core Brightside with Straps Wakesurf Board, a hybrid surf and skim platform that'll excite beginners and advanced riders alike. Featuring removable straps for easier starts in deep water and hard rails for skim inspired tricks, the Brightside has a connected shape that supports learning the ropes and cruising down the line.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Hybrid | $499.99 |
Ronix Koal Classic Longboard
Ronix's thickest and most buoyant board, the Ronix Koal Classic Longboard Wakesurf Board is an easy going soul surfer made for chilling out with style and hanging ten behind the infinite wake of your boat. One big fin is all you need on this big boy for smooth turns and easy carves until you run out of daylight or run out of beverages. The Ronix Koal Classic Longboard Wakesurf Board is a board that anyone can have a good time on.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 1 | Surf | $699.99 |
Connelly Baja
So you like to cruise huh? Pick up the Connelly Baja Wakesurf Board for a mellow ride that brings a ton of push to the waves, whether you're a beginner on your first catch or a pro looking to sit back and relax. A tri-fin setup provides lots of grip that can be adjusted to your riding style, and an extra stable square tail helps you get up and stay up. Go with the flow fam, it's the Connelly Baja Wakesurf Board!
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $549.99 |
Connelly Lil Easy
Longboarding isn't just for the big guys any more, the Connelly Lil Easy Wakesurf Board brings the joy of floating to smaller people. It handles just like a true long board, but is way more manageable if you just don't have the weight to maneuver something huge. Yeah that's right, they made this one for YOU. No more fighting your board!
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $649.99 |
Obrien Wake Hog
If you're looking for something the whole family can have fun with and learn on, then the Obrien Wake Hog Wakesurf Board is right up your alley. This soft top surfer provides superior hold and stability for a classic surf feel. The thruster fin setup gives the hog a controlled and predictable ride that won't intimidate or take away from fun maneuverability.
| Fins | Style & Shape | Original Price |
| 3 | Surf | $319.99 - $359.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Wake Guides:
- Wakeboards - How to Choose & Size Chart
- Wakeboard Boots & Bindings - How to Choose
- Wakeboards & Wakeboard Bindings - Compatibility Guide
- Wakeskates - How to Choose
- Wakesurf Boards - How to Choose
- Wakesurfing - How to Wakesurf & Beginner Tips
- Wakesurfing - Boat Setup / Safety
- Wakeboarding - How to Wakeboard & Beginner Tips
- Wakeboarding - Towing Speed, Rope Length & Boat Weight
- Wakeboard Vests / Life Jackets - How to Choose
- Wakeboard Ropes & Handles - How to Choose
- Wing Foiling & Winging - How to Get Started
Learn About our Favorite Wake Gear
- The Best Wakeboard Bindings
- The Best Wakefoils
- The Best Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Wakeboards
- The Best Wakeboard Life Jackets & Vests
- The Best Wakeboard Ropes & Handles
- The Best Boat Fenders & Accessories
- The Best Wakesurf Ropes & Handles
- The Best Wakeskates
- The Best Wake Ballast Bags & Wake Shapers
- The Best Water Skis
- The Best Beginner Wakeboards
- The Best Value Wakesurf Boards
- The Best Value Wakeboards
- The Best Beginner Wakesurf Boards
The Selection Process:
Our wake buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things watersports stemming from years of experience in the watersports industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves behind the boat or ripping at the cable park. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
I grew up on the north end of Lake Washington and was surrounded by watersports enthusiasts who all had an immense passion for any activity done on the water. My dad has also worked in the boating industry my whole life, so those two factors were the main building blocks that shaped my love for the industry from a young age.
After attending Western Washington University, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for a number of years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012.
At evo, I started out on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the water into a career as the Watersports Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife Katie and two sons, Wes and Carter.