Wakeboard and Wakesurf What is the difference?

Although wakesurfing and wakeboarding may seem similar because they are two popular water sports that are practiced behind a boat and involve a person attached to a rope and pulled across the water, there are some key differences between them.

1. Equipment needed

To begin with, Wakesurfing is practiced with a wakesurf-specific surfboard, shaped like a traditional surfboard. The board has no bindings for the feet and the surfer stands on the board with his feet parallel, semi-flexed position and facing forward.

Wakeboarding, on the other hand, is practiced with a wakeboard-specific board, which has foot bindings. It also usually has fins to aid in stability and control.  Wakeboards often have more elaborate and colorful designs than wakesurfs.

2. Position of the surfer/surfer

For example, in wakesurfing, the surfer is positioned on the board with the feet one behind the other, as on a traditional surfboard. Once the board is in motion, the surfer releases the rope and slides down the wave created by the boat.

Whereas, in wakeboarding, the surfer positions himself with his feet parallel to the board's bindings and remains attached to the rope throughout the ride.

3. Boat speed

In general, the boat speed for wakesurfing is much slower than wakeboarding.

In fact, wakesurfing is practiced at speeds of around 10-12 mph, while wakeboarding is practiced at speeds of 20.5-23.5 mph.

4. Nature of the sport

Finally we will say that wakesurfing is more similar to surfing in the ocean, as the goal is to glide on a wave created by the boat and perform tricks while staying on the wave.

And wakeboarding is more similar to snowboarding or water skiing, as the goal is to perform tricks and jumps while being pulled by the boat at high speed.

Beginner or Pro, choose the right equipment

Whether it's your first time sailing or you're a pro at any of these sports, choosing the right gear is important to make sure you have a great time behind the boat. Check out our store, where you'll find everything you need.

One of the main differences between wakeboards and wakesurf boards is their shape, size and thickness. But, let's look at other differences.

Wakeboards:

• They have a more symmetrical and snowboard-like shape, with a tip and a tail.
• Their size is usually between 120 and 150 cm long and they are usually thinner in thickness.
• The bindings are anchored to hold the rider's feet to the board.
• Maneuverability and steering are controlled primarily by the board.
• Designed for higher speeds and sharper turns.
• Practice style is behind a boat, on a cableski or on a winch.

Wakesurf boards:

• They are shaped more like a surfboard, with a rounded, pointed or flat whore and a fishtail, pointed, rounded, or flat tail.
• They range in thickness from thinner for skimmers to thicker for hybrids or traditional ones.
• They are usually between 120 and 160 cm long, depending on the style of surfing you want to practice.
• They do not have bindings, since the rider moves on the board with bare feet.
• The direction and maneuverability of the rider is to move through the wave and use his weight and body movements to maneuver the board.
• The boards move more slowly and are designed to make smoother, more fluid turns on the wave.
• Their practice is behind a boat with the wave generated by the boat with additional weight.

In summary, wakeboards and wakesurf boards may appear similar at first glance, but they have significant differences in their shape, size, thickness, bindings, practice style and riding technique.

Both offer exciting and fun watersports experiences, but each has its own style and requires specific skills and techniques.

And while they can be practiced with basic equipment, investing in high-quality equipment can make a big difference in terms of safety, performance and overall enjoyment of these two sports.