Which one is right for you?
Here are some tips to help you choose the right wakeboard, because having the right piece of gear under you can make all the difference.
The best wakeboard is the one that works right for you. With so many options available to you when picking a new wakeboard, where do you even begin? Well we've got your back! Here are some tips on finding the best wakeboard for you.
1 - Choose the skill level #skills
Boards generally fall into three skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Beginner boards are a little slower and more forgiving, which will make the learning curve easier, where as advanced boards tend to feel more fast and loose.
2 - Choose the size #sizedoesmatter
You need the right size board for your weight and height based on the manufacturer. Too small, and the board will sink, causing the boat to pull you at faster speeds, too big, and the board will be cumbersome and hard to spin and pop off the wake. If in doubt, choose the longer board; the shorter the board, the less stability in starts and turns.
3 - Choose the material #thisorthat
Most wakeboards are built from fiberglass wrapped around either a foam core or a wood core. Boards made with foam are cheaper, lighter and more durable, whereas boards manufactured from wood flex better.
4 - Choose the size #singleortwin
If you always ride with the same foot forward, then you’ll probably want a singletip board. This design has a narrower front and a square back. On the other hand, if you’re a snowboarder or skateboarder, where you sometimes switch forward feet, you may prefer a twin-tip board, which is round on both ends.
5 - Choose the rocker #offourrocker
“Rocker” describes the amount of bend you see in a wakeboard’s profile. Boards with more rocker have softer landings and more abrupt pop off the wake, while boards with less rocker have less drag, carry more momentum upon landing, and glide better across the water.
6 - Choose the fin #finningit
Fins are what keep your board going in the direction you want and prevent it from rotating freely on the water. They can be either molded directly into the base or bolted on a wakeboard; some boards offer a combination of the two. We recommend you try different removable fins till you find the configuration you're most comfortable with.
7 - Choose the Shape #getinshape
Wider boards will have more pop off the wake for bigger air tricks, but may not carve as easily while on the water. On the contrary, a board that’s narrower will carve nicely on the surface of the water, but it won’t pop off the wake as readily for extra air time. Your board’s edges are also an important factor. On beginner boards, edges are squared off to aid in tracking, while more advanced boards have edges rounded to make landing tricks a little easier, since there’s less chance of catching an edge.
8 - Choose your bindings #makeitcount
Don’t Skimp On Bindings. Your bindings make you a part of the board and can decrease the chance of injury. We suggest trying on several brands and make most of your decision based on comfort. You want your bindings to be snug but not uncomfortable. Beginners can use adjustable bindings, but as you move to bigger air, you’ll want to have your own fitted pair for maximum protection.
