The Shred: It’s inexpensive, versatile, and has a variety of fin configuration options that change the feel of the board and the way it rides. It can support a wide variety of weight ranges and comes in two different sizes. It’s a great board for learning how to get up. Construction is compression-molded fiberglass and foam. The Wipeout: Even though it’s reasonably priced, it’s a plain-Jane board that can’t do what advanced models do. Price: $350; hyperlite.com Hyperlite
The Shred: This board is built like a true ocean surfboard with hand-shaped foam in an epoxy-resin shell. It’s more of a surf-style board with longer, deeper fins and can have multiple fin configurations with either two or four fins. It can handle a rider up to 250 pounds. This is a great choice for the soul surfer. The Wipeout: Because of its surf-style shape and construction, it’s not that durable. It gets dinged up easily, and it’s on the expensive side. Price: $799; inlandsurfer.com Inland Surfer
The Shred: It’s one of the most agile and responsive wakesurf boards. It spins easily and has a quick speed line on the wave. Because it’s significantly smaller than other boards for the same-size rider, the Danielo Hammerhead can accelerate more quickly. Constructed with Kevlar and carbon, it’s nearly half the size of the Blue Lake, so the price makes sense. The Wipeout: It’s super sensitive and would not be good for beginners. Price: $789; phase5boards.com Phase 5
The Shred: Also built with full Kevlar and carbon construction, the Phase 5 Wire is a quick, responsive surf-style board. It’s for riders looking for a board with serious drive and power. It’s one of the easiest boards to pop off the lip of the wake, but it’s also rider-friendly for how advanced it is. This board is more for carving tricks than skim-style tricks. The Wipeout: Well, it ain’t cheap, and beginners should stay away from this board. Price: $989; phase5boards.com Phase 5
