Wakeboard Buying Guide
The most important question to ask yourself when buying a new wakeboard is... what skill level am I riding at? Usually there are three answers to this question: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. How you classify yourself will determine the overall shape of the board, the fin set-up on the board, and hull design of the board.
Shape
Continuous Rocker
Blended Three-Stage Rocker
Three-Stage Rocker
Fins
Sizing
See Also
Shape
The shape of a board all starts with the rocker or edge of the board:
Continuous Rocker
A continuous rocker is just as it sounds; it’s a continuous curve from one tip of the board to another. Most beginner boards have the continuous rocker because it’s very smooth. If you want to pop off the wake, it is fairly controllable and comfortable.Blended Three-Stage Rocker
Other intermediate level boards will commonly use a blend of these two rocker shapes to give that rider more pop than a continuous rocker. This type will not throw you straight into the air like an aggressive three-stage rocker will.Three-Stage Rocker
A three-stage rocker has a flat spot in the middle of the board and is kinked up on the tip and tail of the board. This is designed to give the rider more pop off the wake and is used in building more advanced level boards.
Fins
Fins help stabilize the wakeboard, and improve tracking. A large deeper fin will create a more stable ride that is less prone to quick turns; while a shorter fin will conversely allow for a looser riding board better suited to advanced riders looking to do spin tricks.
Sizing
As a general rule, a larger board is going to be easier to get up on, and better for beginners. A smaller board is going to be harder to get up on, but be more responsive for performing tricks and jumping the wake. If you are buying a wakeboard for multiple riders, you will want to buy for the largest rider.
The following chart is a general guideline as every board will have its own specific size to weight ratio:
Rider Weight
Board Length
Up to 100 lbs
100 - 120 cm
100 to 140 lbs
120 - 130 cm
140 to 160 lbs
130 - 135 cm
160 lbs and Up
135 - 150 cm
*if you are between sizes, go larger.
See Also:
Wakeboard Boot Buying Guide
Wake Skate Buying Guide
Wake Surfer Buying Guide
Wakeboard Rope Buying Guide
Wakeboard Lessons
