As any water sports enthusiast can tell you, summers are made for days out on the boat. If you’ve been looking to take your riding to the next level behind the boat this year, quality wakeboards for sale near me and beyond should be on your radar.
But with so many options for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and the new trend of wake foiling out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s compare emerging wake foiling and classic wakesurfing on the important factors – equipment, technique, learning curve, workout, and overall experience.
Read on to discover if trendy new wake foiling or timeless wakesurfing better matches your athletic skills and summer fun interests.
Equipment
The first area where wakesurfing and wake foiling differ substantially is the gear you need to get riding.
- Wakesurfing utilizes a wakesurf board – a small, squash-tail board with foot straps – along with a standard wakesurf rope. Most riders can get started with a beginner package including board, rope, and handle for $300-800.
- Wake foiling requires a wakefoil – a surfboard/hydrofoil hybrid – with boots and bindings for your feet attached to the board. You’ll also need a special 75-85 foot “foil rope” to provide ample power and torque. A complete beginner wakefoil setup runs $2000-4000+.
So when it comes to equipment, wake foiling carries a much higher upfront investment. But the unparalleled riding experience available once you progress may make it worthwhile for some athletes.
Technique
In terms of technique, wakesurfing is more akin to traditional surfing, while wake foiling introduces entirely new dynamics.
- Wakesurfing has a moderate learning curve, as you need to learn proper board control, edging, and rope techniques to ride the curl of the boat’s wake. Athleticism helps, but with practice most riders can advance to carves, small airs, and tricks.
- Wake foiling has a very steep learning curve, requiring balance and finesse to properly manipulate the hydrofoil under your board to achieve lift. The sensing of subtle board movements and distribution of body weight takes athleticism and coordination. Progressing to transitions, turns, and tricks requires mastery.
So if you’re looking to quickly get up and riding for fun, wakesurfing may be the easier path. But dedicated athletes seeking a challenge and feelings of flight will likely be drawn to wake foiling.
Workout
You may be wondering – how do these sports compare when it comes to physical exertion?
| Wakesurfing | Wake Foiling | |
| Cardio | Moderate | Intense |
| Balance & Coordination | Moderate | Extreme |
| Core & Leg Strength | Moderate | Extreme |
As evidenced by the table, wake foiling provides a vastly more intense full-body workout. The constant tension against the foil and balance required works your core and legs to utter exhaustion.
So if your goal is water cross-training, wake foiling can’t be beat.
Overall Experience
At the end of the day, which of these emerging sports promises the most fun and excitement this summer?
- Wakesurfing provides a classic surf feeling – that addictive push of accelerating down the curl of the swelling wake behind the boat. Carving side to side proves thrilling enough for most.
- Wake foiling offers a surreal sensation of near weightlessness, minus the momentum changes and wipeouts. Riders describe an otherworldly mix of surfing, flying, and floating as you slice through the water well above the wake.
So while wakesurfing imparts a timeless surf vibe, wake foiling seemingly defies gravity for a one-of-a-kind riding experience. That uniqueness comes at a premium price, however – wake foiling costs substantially more in gear and time invested to learn.
Make Waves This Summer!
Whether you have your sights set on wakesurfing, wake foiling, or just perfecting your skills behind the boat – make this summer all about water sports fun with friends and family. And with quality boards, foils, and ropes now available for under $200, it’s never been more affordable to get out there and ride.
So what are you waiting for? Tell us below – are you team wakesurf or team wake foil this year? We can’t wait to see you shredding it up on the water!
