Skim or Surf? The Key Differences in Wakesurfing!

You're ready for your next wakesurf session, but one question remains: Skim or Surf-Style? Two different riding styles, two unique experiences – but which one suits you best? Whether you're into technical tricks or powerful turns, choosing the right board makes all the difference!

If you're wondering which style you'll enjoy more, here are the key differences – and why both have their own challenges and advantages.

1. The Biggest Difference: Board Shape & Construction

Your board is the heart of your style.

🔹 Skim-Style:

• Flatter, thinner & lighter
• Low rocker for a fast, direct response
• Usually only a small or no fin at all
• Perfect for spins, shuvits & technical tricks
  
  

🔹 Surf-Style:

• Thicker, more voluminous design for extra buoyancy
• Typically more rocker for smoother wave control
• At least two large fins for stability & power
• Ideal for powerful turns but also for tricks – with more challenge

2. The Ride Feel – Flow vs. Freestyle

Which feeling do you prefer?

💨 Skim-Style:

Feels almost like skateboarding on water – fast, loose, and highly responsive for tricks. Spins, shuvits, and airs are the main focus here.

🌊 Surf-Style:

Gives you the feeling of a real ocean wave ride, with deep carves and maximum flow. But: Even on a surf-style board, technical tricks are possible – they just require more strength and precision!

3. Tricks & Technique – What Do You Want to Learn?

Both styles allow for tons of tricks – here are just a few ideas, but the list is endless!

🌀 Skim-Style Tricks:

✔️ 180s, 360s & 540s

✔️ Board & lipslides on the wave

✔️ Shuvits & big spins (easier due to small fin)

✔️ Airs

✔️ Body varials

✔️ …and countless other freestyle tricks you can combine with creativity!

🏄 Surf-Style Tricks:

✔️ Airs – often higher than on skim boards due to large fins!

✔️ Power carves

✔️ Board & lipslides on the wave

✔️ Body varials

✔️ 360s, big spins & shuvits (harder due to larger fins, but possible!)

✔️ …and of course, many more tricks depending on your creativity and skill level!

📌 Conclusion: Yes, even on a surf-style board, 360s, big spins & shuvits are possible – they just require more control, a more precise technique, and often a more aggressive riding style to lift the fins out of the water.

4. Which Style is Right for You?

• Do you love freestyle, skate vibes & technical tricks? → Skim-style is for you!
• Do you want surfy turns, 360s & a real wave-riding feel? → Surf-style is perfect for you!

The Best Style is the One That Brings You the Most Fun!

Whether you love spins & shuvits or deep carves & airs – both wakesurfing styles have their own appeal. The best way to find out? Try both and see which one suits you best!

🚀 Need help finding the perfect board? Get in touch with us anytime – we’re happy to help! → getwake.ch