Wakeskates

Looking for that perfect wakeskate to take your summer sessions to the next level? You’re in the right place. At Shuswap Ski & Board, we live and breathe lake life, and we’ve stocked a killer line up of grip tape decks for that true skate feel as well as foam top boards that are easy on bare feet to cover every rider in Canada.

---

Think of wakeskating as skateboarding… on water. No bindings, no limits. Just pure freedom and control as you carve, pop, and slide behind the boat or at the cable park. It’s one of the most creative ways to ride, and it’s growing fast across Canada’s lakes and winchable rivers. The best part? You don’t need a huge wake or tonnes of gear, just a solid board, a good non stretch wake rope, and maybe some shoes if you like grip tape decks!

Wakeskate Sizing Guide: Unlike wakeboards, wakeskates are much shorter. Sizing is based on a combination of your weight and your riding style.

By Rider Weight:

Board Size	Rider Weight (lbs)	Best For...
39" - 40"	70 - 140 lbs	Kids, lighter riders, or technical pros who want fast flip tricks.
41" - 42"	140 - 190 lbs	This is the universal size for most adult men and women.
43" - 44"	180 - 230 lbs	Larger riders or those who want more surface area for stability and softer landings. Easier to land when jumping the wake
45"+	220+ lbs	Great for learning if you find smaller boards too "twitchy." Bigger boards are easier to land on when jumping the wake

By Riding Style:

• Technical / Skate Style: Choose a shorter board (e.g., 39" or 40"). It spins faster for shuv-its and kickflips but is less forgiving on landings.

• Cruising / Wake Style: Choose a longer board (e.g., 42" or 44"). The extra surface area creates more speed and provides a stable platform for jumping wake-to-wake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to wear shoes while wakeskating?

A: It depends on the board surface!

• Grip Tape Decks (Like the Liquid Force TAO): YES. These feel like a skateboard on the top deck. The rough surface will shred your bare feet instantly. You need wakeskate shoes (which drain water and don't get heavy) or an old pair of runners you don't mind ruining. Andrew likes to wear an old pair of Vans. Something thin and canvas that doesn’t feel heavy when wet.  I also suggest laces so you can tie them up snug and not go swimming after your shoe if you take a spill.

• Foam Top / EVA Decks (Like the LF Obscura or some Ronix models): NO. You can ride these barefoot. The soft foam provides traction without abrasion. These are perfect for beginners or family use where sharing the board is common.

Q: What is the difference between the Liquid Force TAO and the Obscura/Focus?

A: It mostly comes down to construction and durability.

• The TAO (Daniel Grant Pro Model) is a high-performance hybrid. It usually features a wood core protected by Liquid Force’s "Liquid Rail" sidewalls and a sintered grind base. It is built to hit docks, winches, and rails without falling apart.

• The Obscura/Focus series are traditional wood skates. They offer that classic "snappy" wood feel and are amazing for learning boat riding, but they aren't designed to take the same abuse as the TAO. Remember, wood on water… your board will only last so many summers!

Q: Can I use my wakeboard rope?

A: Yes! We highly recommend a Non-Stretch (Spectra/Dyneema) Rope. Because wakeskating requires line tension, a stretchy ski rope will act like a rubber band and you will be pulled away from the board during wake jumps

Q: Is wakeskating harder than wakeboarding?

A: It has a steeper learning curve because you aren't strapped in. However, the falls are often easier (you just swim away from the board rather than catching an edge). Once you learn to get up, the freedom of movement is unmatched!

Q: Should I use my fins or ride finless on my skate?

A: With Fins: Easier for beginners. Fins provide traction and keep the board tracking straight while you learn to edge. Finless: For advanced riders. Removing the fins allows you to "release" the board for surface spins (shuv-its) and board slides. All the boards will come with removable fins so you can progress at your own pace.