Like wakeboarding and water skiing, wakeskating is performed behind a boat. The main difference between wakeboarding and wakeskating is that on a wakeskate there are no bindings - creating a whole new list of challenges.   

        There are two types of wakeskates - wood-based or composite material based. Wood gives a better feel, but the composite boards are slightly lighter. The surface of the board is can also come in two varieties - grip tape or foam. Foam is a better choice for beginners, as it reduces the likelihood of serious scrapes. Wakeskates are also smaller than wakeboards. There exists a line of shoes designed specifically for wakeskating. They are similar to skateboard shoes, but are designed in such a way as to not retain water.

        Wakeskating has increased in popularity over the past few years to the point that it now has its own competitions on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. It has a much more limited user base, however, because the sport is more difficult to learn, in even a wake-to-wake jump is difficult for many intermediate wakeboarders.

        Some of the most popular names in the sport include Thomas Horrell, Brian Grubb and Scott Byerly.