5 Tips for buying the right wakeboard
Here’s 5 things to be mindful of when contemplating that purchase of a new wakeboard. The following suggestions will help narrow down the seemingly endless options of boards available these days to ensure you grab the right one.
1. Size is key.
Be sure to check the length of the board is appropriate (see size chart below). Correct sizing is crucially important to get the most out of the wake board, a board that is too short will be unstable and hard learn on, a board that is too long will make it harder to initiate turns and be less responsive for advanced riders. However, if you’re after a board that a range of people can have fun on it’s safer to go longer as this provides more stability due to the increased surface area on the water, which is ideal for beginners. A longer board will also glide through unsettled, rougher water a lot smoother than a shorter board.
| Rider Weight (kg) | Board Length (cm) |
| 11 – 31 | 111 -118 |
| 18 – 38 | 118 – 130 |
| 29 – 50 | 124 – 134 |
| 31 – 59 | 130 – 138 |
| 45 – 77 | 134 – 142 |
| 68 – 102 | 138 – 146 |
| 77 – 113+ | 142 – 146 |
2. Compatible bindings:
Bindings are vital it’s the connector between you and your board. The key with bindings is comfort. Find a binding that feels good with your foot in there. You want a snug fit but you still want the blood to circulate so it’s important not to get to the uncomfortable point. Beginners can use adjustable bindings this will allow friends and family with a range of feet to have fun on the board and give it a go. But if you’re a rider that wants to progress within the freestyle side of wakeboarding in wake or park it’s critical to get the support from a fitted pair.
3. Insight into the construction and different materials used:
Traditionally wakeboards were built from fiberglass wrapped around a foam or wood core. Boards made with foam are cheaper, lighter and often more durable, whereas boards manufactured from wood flex and pop better. Alloy and graphite both help lighten the board and add stiffness for pop.
4. Rocker with wakeboards:
Rocker defines the profile of the board between the tip and tail. Boards are designed differently to shape the performance of the board on the water.
3 Stage Rocker – A 3 stage rocker is flat in the middle section and then kinks for both an angled tip and tail. (Think dinner plate flat in the middle, angled edges) How will it ride? The unconventional shape of the board creates more friction, which sacrifices a bit of speed but allows for explosive pop.Ideal for: Experienced wake boarders wanting a playful board that will easily allow for wake to wake pop.
Continuous Rocker – One simple uninterrupted curve from the tip through to tail. How will it ride? A smooth ride that is very predictable and consistent. Ideal for: beginners wanting to progress on a fun stable board or someone who enjoys a lot of speed.
Mellow 3 Stage or Hybrid Continuous Rocker –  come from the main forms of rockers and tend to cater to a wide range of riders and don’t have any prominent performance features.
5. The deal with fins:
Fins will provide you with stability, allow you to steer around incoming buoy’s and carve both sides of the wake with more control than riding finless. Although riding finless is done regularly by advance riders who rely solely on their edges to maneuver around. The depth, width and length of the fins vary. Beginner boards will have larger fins, which is the opposite to advance boards, which usually run smaller fins. Boards with detachable fins are a good choice as it allows you to chop and change as you progress your riding.
Have fun out there!
AUTHOR
Alex Murray
Marketing - Torpedo7
