How to Choose a Wakeskate

General Wakeskate length guidelines are located below. Look at specific sizing charts for all Wakeskates on their individual product detail pages.

The shorter the Wakeskate, the more manoeuvrable it is. Shorter Wakeskates make Skateboard-esque flip tricks easier. Longer Wakeskates allow you to stay on a plane at slower speeds. If your Wakeskate will be used by multiple riders of different sizes you should go with a size based on the largest rider’s weight. You will be better off with a Wakeskate that is a little longer versus one that is too short.

Deck Surface - Grip Tape vs. EVA Foam

The top surface of the Wakeskate is either covered with grip tape similar to a skateboard or a soft, high-traction, EVA pad. If you prefer to ride barefoot, go with foam. If you wear Wakeskating shoes, the grip tape gives you a stable platform for ultimate control, just like a skateboard.

Rocker

Rocker Continuous Rocker (smooth, continuous arch),  A continuous rocker has one smooth, fluid, curved shape. Continuous rockers provide fast, smooth rides and allow you to hook up turns more easily. You can generate a lot of speed on a continuous rocker Wakeskate. This speed will shoot you farther out into the flats with a very predictable pop (height) when you hit the wake. Continuous rocker Wakeskates are great for carving.

Hybrid Rocker (a combination of continuous and 3-stage),  Living somewhere between a continuous and 3-stage rocker, the hybrid rocker features a blend of continuous and three-stage rockers. Some hybrid rockers include: Blended 3-stage, Continuous Hybrid, Progressive, Subtle three-stage Deck Shape Variable Edges Wakeskates with variable edges have rounder rails in the middle and sharper on the edges to allow forgiveness on rails and lip tricks, while simultaneously providing sharp edges for cutting into the wake.

Concave Decks,  Concave decks are curved or rounded somewhat like the inside of a bowl. Concave Wakeskates provide you with more pop, as well as, enhanced control and ability to do skateboard-style tricks.

Bi Level Decks. As with most things involving the prefix "bi," (bicycles, binoculars, bipedals) a "bi level" Wakeskate refers to skate consisting of two parts. The bottom deck is shaped and constructed the same as most regular ol' Wakeskates, the difference being that it is attached to a separate, super cool top portion. This top portion, rather than following the curve of the bottom deck, is shaped more like a skateboard deck and the only contact points with the bottom deck are found at the attachment points that hold it all together. The attachments points are placed where the tip and tail start their upward curve from the straighter middle section of the top sheet. What does this design accomplish? The sharper angles and increased flex of the top board produce greater acceleration out of the water during ollies, causing the wakeskate to stick to your feet in a way that much more closely models the feel of skateboarding than do traditional Wakeskates.

Materials 

Wood is often used to make Wakeskates. The wood Wakeskates are glassed over with a marine grade epoxy that gives the Wakeskate a lively feel, more of a Skateboard-esque feel. Wood Wakeskates are less durable than their composite counterparts because the wood does not like water. Some manufacturers do not warranty wood Wakeskates.

Composite Wakeskates give riders more of a wakeboard feel. Composite wakeskates last longer then their wooden counterparts, however they are usually much more expensive.  Fins help your Wakeskate track through the water. Deeper, larger fins create a more stable ride and give you less ability to break the board free for surface tricks… actually, any tricks. Beginning riders often benefit from longer, deeper fins when they start riding. Fins can be removed if you prefer a looser ride.

Wakeskate Shoes, Do you need them?

No, you can wear your normal shoes. Are Wakeskate shoes awesome? Yes. Why are they so great? Well, Wakeskates are heavy and when you start throwing kickflips and pop shuvit’s, your toes get a little scared. Wakeskate shoes keep your precious tootsies protected from being jammed and broken by your Wakeskate. Specific Wakeskate shoes feature high traction soles, quick drying materials and special drainage channels so they don’t became soggy and weighed down like your everyday sneakers do in the water. You need to wear shoes on grip tape Wakeskates unless your feet are tougher than nails.