Selecting the Right Wakeboard for You
Why is it so important to select the right "size" of a wakeboard?
When you start out any sport, the first question you ask yourself is, " what size of equipment should I buy?" Whether you're looking to buy a new wakeboard or just hire a board at a local club, it's important to choose the right size of board for yourself. If The board is too big or too small, it can make it very difficult for you to maneuver around with a wakeboard, making it a lot less fun. You want to have control over the wakeboard, instead of letting it control you. The heavier your body is, the greater surface area you will need to keep yourself for on top of the water. Hence, choosing the right size for you is extremely important!
General Sizing:
The size of the wakeboard depends on 2 things, the rider's weight and riding style.
Wakeboard Length:
Every specific wakeboard has a specific guideline for size, based on the weight of the rider. In case of multiple riders, the wakeboard is chosen based on the weight of the rider who rides the most frequently or the one that is the heaviest.
Wakeboard Sizing Chart:
Weight - Length
< 100 lbs - 130 cm or less
90-150 lbs - 130-134 cm
130-180 lbs - 135-139 cm
170-250 lbs - 140-144 cm
200-275+ lbs - 144 or more
However, some wakeboarders prefer to use shorter or longer wakeboards:
Shorter Wakeboard Utility:
Shorter boards allow you to move slowly and require more energy to push through the water. But, they are convenient to spin and maneuver, allowing the rider to flip in the air easily. However, the reduced surface area makes the landing difficult, which may cause your nose and face to dig into the water.
Longer Wakeboard Utility:
Longer wakeboards are easy to ride and learn on. They have a very solid ride, which will really boost off the wake. As longer wakeboards are heavier, you get more control for a smooth landing but they tend to be heavier in the air- making them difficult to learn new tricks on. Their larger surface area sits on the top of the water and allow you to move at a fast pace.
Other Factors That Influence Selecting the Right Size of Wakeboard:
Skill Level:
- Beginner/ Intermediate: If you have never ridden, ride occasionally or have just started attacking the wake, you fall into this category.Beginners prefer continuous or mellow 3-stage rockers.
- Intermediate/ Advanced: If you manage to cross the wake and clear it on both the sides, you fall into this category.A huge range of wakeboard options are available in this category, so select a wakeboard that has features that complement your riding style
- Advanced/ Expert: If you are spinning, flipping and attempting new tricks, you fall into this category. The wakeboards in this category are aggressive- continuous or 3-stage rockers.
In general, anyone can ride any wakeboard as long as it is the right size. Some shapes make it easier to learn, but "beginner" riders should not shy away from "advanced" board shape or vice versa.
Riding Style:
People who take up wake boarding are generally proficient in other sports such as water-skiing, skateboarding or snowboarding.
WakeBoards come in 2 types of models:
Single Tip: These have a tapered front and a squared rear. These can be ridden only in on direction- forward. Ideal for people who have a background in skiing/ surfing.
Twin Tip: They have both ends tapered. They are ideal for people with a background of snowboarding or skateboarding as the rider can change the direction at any time and perform tricks.
The Wakeboard's Rocker:
The rocker is the shape of the bottom of the board. The base shape is very important as it affects the way the wakeboard propels and how high it can raise/ "pop" the rider. There are 3 main types of rockers:
- Continuous Rocker: These wakeboards have a smooth curve without any edges. They allow a smoother yet faster ride, and can lift the rider over a long distance. However, they cannot raise/ pop the rider that high.This is best for riders who love carving.
- 3-Stage Rocker: These wakeboards have two breaks in their profile which creates 3 planes. The flat curve at the center permits great control - especially when sliding on the rails. When you with the wake, these boards respond with a greater pop. But the shape of the rocker doesn't allow you to cut through the water. They are slower, you must rely on edging the board as your fins become less effective. This wakeboard is best for riders who prefer a greater pop but a low, slippery ride.
Hybrid Rockers: These rockers are a combination of continuous and 3-stage rockers. With a smoother curve at the center, they give a more consistent ride while still giving a good pop to the rider.
Material:
Foam Boards: These are more flexible and ride lower in water, making the ride stable- making them suitable for rough conditions.
Honeycomb Fiber Boards: These are more rigid and difficult to control in bumpy conditions. But these are light in weight, faster and provide more pop.
Fins:
Wakeboards are available with and without fins The fins ensure that the board travels in the direction its facing, thus preventing it from spinning out of control. They are difficult to perform tricks, however, some advanced riders prefer fins in choppy waters. Wide fins are best for beginners while thinner fins are for advanced riders who can execute stunts while gaining stability from the fins.
Conclusion:
Wakeboarding combines the excitement and adventure of surfing, water-skiing and skateboarding - all into one amazing sport! Wake boarding is a lot of fun, but learning how to do it properly will take time and experience. However, by selecting the right gear, you will quickly learn how to maneuver your board and soon have the skill to control your direction to avoid wakes or cut through them to jump in the air!