How to Choose a Wakeboard

Wakeboard Size Chart

The most important part of choosing the right wakeboard is selecting the proper length based on your weight. Below is a generic wakeboard size chart to give you an idea of how long your board should be.

Always reference a wakeboard’s brand or product-specific size chart before making a purchase.

Wakeboard Length

Now that you have an understanding of the wakeboard length, it’s important to recognize the pros and cons that can come with longer and shorter boards.

Longer Wakeboards

Pros:

• Best for: Beginners

• Requires less energy to push through the water

• Offers a faster ride

• Provides softer landings

Cons:

• Slower edge-to-edge response

• Harder to complete tricks

Shorter Wakeboards

Pros:

• Best for: Experienced riders

• Less swing weight makes it easier to complete tricks

• Faster edge-to-edge response

Cons:

• Slower ride

• Requires more energy to push through the water

• Harder landings that may cause the nose of the board to dig in

Wakeboard Materials & Construction

Wakeboards typically consist of a foam core wrapped in layers of fiberglass and sealed with resin for durability and flexibility. Manufacturers can customize elements such as side walls and base shapes to enhance performance.

Side Walls

Side walls, made of urethane, run along the entire exterior edge of the board, and they significantly affect durability and performance. Different side walls cater to various riding styles:

• Sharp Edge: Ideal for aggressive riding, allowing deeper cuts into the water and higher speeds.

• Round Edge: Ideal for laid-back riders who focus on surface tricks and prefer better sliding onto the surface.

• Variable Edge: Combines the benefits of both sharp and round edges.

Base Shapes

Wakeboards can be completely smooth on the bottom, or they can include features like channels to change the ride.

• Featureless: Have no molded channels. The ride is affected by the overall shape of the board, rocker, and the fins.

• Channeled: Channels on the board work as long, extruded fins that help to break surface tension upon landing. They help to direct the water flow under the board for an overall smoother ride.

• V-Shape: Similar to channeled, V-shaped spines soften the landings and make it easier to roll from one edge of the board to another.

Wakeboard Rocker

The wakeboard rocker refers to the curve or bend profile of the board. There are three main types to consider:

Continuous Rocker

• Smooth, fluid curved shape

• Provides a smoother, faster ride with softer landings and easy carving

• Commonly preferred by beginners and cable park riders

3-Stage Rocker

• Features three separate planes on the bottom of the board

• Plows through the water

• Provides more pop (height) when hitting the wake

• Ideal for aggressive riding and extra pop off the wake

Hybrid Rocker

• A blend of the first two types

• Smoother curve in the middle and more cut-out tip and tail

• Offers a consistent feel with the pop off the wake of the 3-stage profile

• Great for both riding in the park and behind the boat

Wakeboard Accessories

When buying a new wakeboard, you need to make sure you have the proper accessories. Finding the right rope, boots and bindings, and life jacket is important to maximizing your experience on the water.

By considering these features, you can confidently choose the wakeboard that best suits your style and riding level. Get ready to hit the water and enjoy the thrill of wakeboarding!

Have questions regarding choosing the right wakeboard for you? Contact your nearest SCHEELS store to speak with a Wakeboarding Expert.