Whether you are a seasoned wakeboarder with years of expertise or a novice trying to master this amazing water sport, selecting the appropriate wakeboard is critical to your success. Making a decision can be difficult with such a diverse range of designs, sizes, and materials used in modern boards. But don’t worry, we did the research so you didn’t have to!
Boats or park benches?
Wakeboard on a Boat
Wakeboard Park
The most prevalent type of wakeboard is the boat wakeboard, which is designed to be pulled by a boat. Park wakeboards, on the other hand, are intended for use at cable parks. The main distinction between these board variants is their base. Park boards are stronger and so can sustain greater punishment from riding rails and kickers. While boat boards can be utilised in cable parks, contact with rails will cause significant wear and tear (particularly to the fins).
Choosing a Size
Getting the perfect size for your height and weight is critical when selecting your board. Choose a board that is too huge, and it becomes unwieldy and difficult to manoeuvre. If the board is too small, it will not be able to support your weight and will not glide properly over the water. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts, so double-check these measurements before purchase.
Choosing the Best Length
When it comes to length, having varied length boards has advantages, so choose wisely. Shorter boards are easier to spin in the air, but they are usually reserved for more experienced riders because they are difficult to land. Longer boards, on the other hand, are easier to control, build speed, and land due to their higher surface area, making them perfect for learning the fundamentals.
The Value of Width
Narrower boards provide more stability when cutting through the water, making them an excellent choice for novices or people who prefer to surf rather than attempt tricks. Wider boards help you to burst off the water much more easily, giving you additional air-trick options.
Options for Children
A few elements should be considered when choosing a board for youngsters. First and foremost, it must be light. When selecting a child’s board, the main difference is that it should not be too heavy for them to carry or lift out of the water. Length and width are also important considerations, and should correspond to their height and weight. Second, as with adult boards, choose wakeboards that are appropriate for your child’s degree of experience. There are almost as many alternatives for degrees of expertise in children’s boards, and it is critical to make the appropriate pick.
Wakeboarding Supplies
Aside from a wetsuit, you’ll need two primary items of supplementary equipment. The first, wakeboard helmets, are an important piece of safety equipment for boarders of all levels of skill. Wakeboard helmets are specifically built for watersports and are highly recommended; do not attempt to use other types of helmets (e.g. cycling helmets) since they will not provide the same level of safety. Wakeboarding boots, also known as bindings, secure you to the board. If you want to stay secure to your board, the most important consideration when choosing a pair is that they are comfortable and fit well.
Test it out!
Finally, the best tip we can provide you is to try before you buy. We may advise and detail the many options, but it is up to you to try out boards that sound attractive and decide on the best fit for you.