Chloe Many Wakesurfing on MasterCraft Boats with an Advanced Phase 5 Matrix

At Lakeside Watersports, we’ve taught hundreds of people to wakesurf every summer, and we’ve tested countless boards along the way. Based on years of experience, we’ve narrowed it down to the three best wakesurf boards for riders at every stage of their progression. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to master advanced tricks, these boards will take your riding to the next level.

This guide isn’t sponsored—it’s purely based on what works, backed by real-world practice. Here’s our take on the top wakesurf boards, from beginner to advanced.

1. Hyperlite Broadcast: The Best Beginner Wakesurf Board

The Hyperlite Broadcast is hands down the best board for beginners, and here’s why:

• Full Pad Coverage: The entire board is covered with a pad, making it much easier for beginners to figure out proper foot placement. This feature is invaluable when you’re learning the basics.

• Forgiving Edges: The Broadcast features rounded edges, which make it far more forgiving when you’re just getting up or accidentally edging too aggressively.

• Universal Size: Like ocean surfing, the bigger the board, the easier it is to catch a wave. The Broadcast’s design makes it perfect for teaching people of all sizes and skill levels.

• Customizable Fin Setup: It comes with three fins, offering more stability for beginners. As you progress, you can remove the outer fins, leaving just the center one for a looser, more maneuverable ride.

Lakeside Watersports Opinion:

This is the ultimate board to get started. It’s stable, forgiving, and versatile enough to help riders master the fundamentals like carving and even start attempting a 360. If you’re teaching family or friends, this is the board you want on the boat.

2. Phase 5 Prop: The Perfect Intermediate Board

The Phase 5 Prop is the ideal board for transitioning into a more skim-style approach to wakesurfing. Skim-style is arguably the most popular style in wakesurfing because it allows for more technical tricks.

• Larger Pad: Like the Broadcast, the Prop features a larger pad for easier foot placement, but it’s designed for a more advanced rider.

• Sharper Edges: Unlike the Broadcast, the Prop has sharper edges, giving it a more aggressive edge control. This means it’s more playful and responsive, making it easier to initiate spins and other tricks.

• 2-Inch Fin: The Prop comes with a 2-inch fin, which provides excellent traction. As you gain confidence, you can remove the fin entirely for an even more dynamic ride.

Lakeside Watersports Opinion:

This is the board where progression really takes off. It’s perfect for learning the 360 and offers a balance of stability and playfulness. Once you’re comfortable, riding it finless opens up a whole new world of tricks and fun.

3. Phase 5 Matrix: The Ultimate Advanced Wakesurf Board

For those looking to push their skills to the limit, the Phase 5 Matrix is the board to get. It’s one of the lightest, most aggressive boards on the market, designed for advanced tricks and high-performance riding.

• Lightweight Build: The Matrix is incredibly light, making it easy to pop off the wake for tricks.

• Sharp Edges: The sharp edges allow for quick and precise movements, ideal for spins, shuv-its, and other technical tricks.

• Finless Design: While it comes with a small fin, this board is built to be ridden finless. Its design offers maximum control and speed without the drag of a fin.

• Wave Compatibility: Because it’s so fast and nimble, it can ride even smaller waves, which is a huge plus for varying lake conditions.

Lakeside Watersports Opinion:

The Matrix is for riders who want to elevate their game. It’s fast, nimble, and built for progression into advanced tricks like shuv-its, big spins, and more. If you’re ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a wakesurf board, this is your go-to.

Why These Boards Are All You Need

At Lakeside Watersports, we’ve tested dozens of boards, and these three stand out as the ultimate progression path in wakesurfing. They’re the only boards you’ll need to go from beginner to advanced, and each is designed to help you master a specific stage of riding.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably just trying to sell you a board. We’re here to give you real advice based on years of experience. Whether you’re teaching someone to wakesurf for the first time or perfecting your own tricks, these boards will help you progress faster and enjoy the sport more.