Getting Started

When choosing a wakeskate, there are a few factors you will need to consider. We will attempt to inform you on the different options available, and how they will affect your riding. From flat decks, to compression molded with kick tails, to A-symmetrical, there is definitely a wakeskate that will fit your specific style of riding. If you still have questions after reading through this guide, feel free to give us a call at 02827668999 and we will help you out

Wood Wakeskates (flat and concave)

Flat

Flat decks have been tested and proven and are great for your first wakeskate. They have rounded edges which will be forgiving for beginners, but they also have many of the characteristics of the concave wood decks. Tons of snap and pop which comes from the wood giving more of a skateboard feel. The flat wakeskates are great for learning the basics and taking your riding to the next level. At about £100, you can’t go wrong.

Concave

The wood concave is the truest “skateboard” of all the wakeskates. Once again, the wood decks have rounded edges which will be forgiving for sliding the wake and all of your lip tricks like shuvits on and off the wake. The difference between these and the flat decks are raised kicktails and raised sides. The raised kicktails will react quicker on your ollies, creating more pop (height). The raised sides will respond quicker for your heel and toe side edge. What it boils down to is that these boards will feel much more responsive all around. For you skaters, this will be the perfect wakeskate.

Compression Molded Wakeskates

These wakeskates usually have sharp edges like a wakeboard, so they tend to produce better acceleration and are quite a bit faster then a wakeskate with rounded edges. For wake to wake tricks, this will be an advantage. All compression molded wakeskates have concave tops, so once again, they will respond quickly. They are also a little lighter than most wood decks.

Grip Tape and Foam Decks
Riders who have a skateboard background will feel right at home on Griptape. It has tons of traction and holds up well. However, just like a skateboard, it’s not as forgiving on the shins. Foam has a different texture to it, but is still very grippy. It’s softer and the people who don’t like wearing shoes will enjoy it much more than griptape.

Wakeskate Size
Generally speaking, the size of your wakeskate is a personal preference. If you want to do more wake to wake type tricks, go with a bigger wakeskate. They have more surface area, which in return will create more pop off the wake and give softer landings. For more skate type tricks choose a smaller wakeskate. The shorter decks will react quicker, not have so much swing weight, and feel more like a skateboard than a wakeboard. Mid range is usually about 42 in. or 107 cm. and you can shoot up or down from there. The size is not always directly related to the weight of the rider like wakeboards are, so you should find the size that fits your style the best.

Wakeskate Strength

Wood is going to be stiffer than compression molded, which will give the wakeskate more snap and will feel livelier on the water. The downfall is it probably won’t last quite as long as the compression molded wakeskates. Compression molded decks aren’t as stiff but at the same time, like your wakeboard, if you take care of it, will have a long life span.

A-symmetrical Skates
These concave wood decks were derived from skateboard decks. They have a wider nose than the tail. These wakeskates were built for skaters. They come with dual fins for the front (for nose slides, blunt slides) and the smaller width in the tail will be great when regular riding (for shuvits, kick flips, etc.)


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