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How do you choose a wakeboard? Good question, but first… are you sure you want a wakeboard? Hold on, before you get confused, I just mean do you know that you could ride a wakeskate instead? A wakeskate is pretty much the same as a wakeboard minus the bindings. If you’re all about doing skateboard tricks like shove-its and kickflips, you might want to check these out. Similarly did you know that many people like to wakesurf? These boards are designed to be ridden in the actual wake of a boat, and they are a serious option for those of us who spend too much time at the beach! If you’re shaking your head right now saying, “NO GIVE ME THE WAKEBOARD,” read on.
The shape and size of the board are the best place to start, the nity grity if you will. Understanding a little board design can give you’re riding a boost! The best approach to picking a board requires knowing what kind of riding you want to do. A big and wide board equates to easier take-offs and more stability, narrow and short will give you more responsiveness but less stability. Beginners get out your high-lighters! If you have a hard time getting started, err on the side of big and wide. If you’re out every day and killing it, trim that unwanted volume to make your board turn tighter, and respond better. Remember not to take it too far, you still want to be able to have fun when you’re tired or feeling lazy!
Having continuous rocker means that the bottom of the board is flatter, it allows for easier acceleration. A progressive or steeper rocker will be more forgiving in rough water, or on rough landings. Imagine a skateboarder rolling towards a rock. If the skateboarder lifts up the front wheels they can cruise over the rock, but if they do not see it, they will meet pavement. Rocker is what gives a wakeboard the “lift” to get over obstacles. Are you all about carving fast turns on glassy mornings? Try a flatter rocker. If your main objective in wakeboarding his to launch huge flips, you will benefit from a progressive rocker. Also remember that a little length can also help your landings.
Other bottom features include concave, channels and fins. Concave will affect how the board turns and how much it will lift out of the water at speed. Channels and fins both help the board turn and keep it going in the direction you want it to go. Larger fins are something to look for in a beginner board, as they will provide more directionality. For better turning results look for fins that won’t create a lot of drag. A board without fins will travel very fast, but it will also send you spinning out of control. Look for a balanced fin that can handle your turns.
As far as materials go, you won’t find too much variety these days. Most manufacturers have settled on using lightweight fiberglass and graphite to construct boards. These materials have a neutral buoyancy meaning it doesn’t float nor sink. Early wakeboards were built more like surfboards, but when you’ve got a boat pulling you, you don’t need the same kind of float that a surfboard has. In addition these materials are super durable, and can last a very long time depending on the type of care and how hard you ride.
Don’t forget that Nice Rack Wakeboard Wall Racks are the way to go when storing your board. You can keep your investment safe and looking pretty without breaking the bank.
Shakas,
Jason
