A day on the water is good for the mind, body, and soul. Wakeboarding is an invigorating activity that comes with tons of benefits like clearing your mind, having fun, and getting a great full-body workout. If you’re considering picking up the water sport, we applaud you. It’s no easy feat.
Thankfully, choosing the right board can help get you off to a great start—and that’s exactly what we’ll help you do here. Of course, if you need any product advice along the way, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop in at our store.
Read on to learn what to consider when shopping for your first wakeboard.
Ability Level
The interesting thing about picking the right ability level board is that beginners don’t need to avoid “advanced” boards completely. The main difference between beginner, intermediate, and advanced boards is the board shape, not the size—and in the case of choosing the best board for you, size is important.
With that in mind, typically, going for the right type of board for your ability level is a good idea, as it allows you to figure out your riding style. We’ll go over the differences in board types categorized by ability below to give you an idea of their differences.
Beginner Wakeboards
Beginner boards are designed for, well, beginners. They’re for anyone who’s just starting out, as they typically have continuous rockers that provide a smooth, predictable ride. Beginner boards also have a smooth curve from tip to tail which keeps speed consistent and delivers a fluid feel. These features often make learning easier.
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Intermediate Wakeboards
For those feeling fairly confident, choosing an intermediate wakeboard can help your skills progress. Understanding the unique features of the wakeboards in this category is important, and we’ll go over different features to consider a little further down in this blog.
For now, you should know that intermediate boards typically have 3-stage or hybrid rockers, which offer a great balance between speed and pop off on the wake. These types of boards have thinner, sharped edges for improved carving too.
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Advanced Wakeboards
Advanced or expert wakeboards can be very difficult to maneuver and aren’t usually a great option for someone who’s just starting out. Their rockers aren’t as kind as those on other wakeboard types, and though they’re lightweight, they can be quite stiff which calls for serious precision from the rider.
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Wakeboard Base Features
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your first wakeboard, so we’re glad you’re here. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of wakeboard base features so you know what each part of the board means for your ride.
- Concaves: Intentional dents on the bottom of your wakeboard. They create lift and reduce suction so your board will cruise along the top of the water.
- Channels: Grooves located on the bottom of your board. They break tension on the surface of the water so the wakeboard hits is more graceful.
- V-Shape Spines: Helping you roll from edge to edge, v-shape spines help soften your landing too.
- Base Material: Check what material your wakeboard is made from, especially if you are using sliders.
- Featureless: Wakeboards that do not have channels or molded-in fins are labeled as “featureless”. This means the wakeboard’s shape will be responsible for performance.
Wakeboard Length
Wakeboard length influences board performance and riding feel. The length of wakeboard you choose should reflect your riding style. For example, freestyle riders may opt for shorter boards to assist with tricks and aerial maneuvers. Here’s what you should know about each:
Shorter Wakeboards
The more surface area a board has, the faster it will move across the water. Shorter wakeboards are more agile and easy to maneuver. They’re great for doing tricks and jumps. While they’re slower, they’re easier to push through the water.
Typically, shorter wakeboards are chosen by advanced riders who want to perform:
- Tricks & spins
- Aerial maneuvers
- Freestyle wakeboarding
Longer Wakeboards
Longer wakeboards are typically chosen by beginners. With a wider surface area, they’re stable and easier to ride. Longer boards are heavier though, but you’ll get more control than with a short wakeboard—so they’re ideal for learning tricks on. Long wakeboards are a good choice if you:
- Prioritize stability
- Want to learn the basics
- Seek smoother landings
- Are a taller or larger-framed rider
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Wakeboard Rocker
The rocker on a wakeboard is the curve of the board from tip to tail. It essentially determines how the board performs on the water, making it one of its most important features. From handling and speed to pop and lift and landings, the type of rocker your board has will influence the overall ride feel and experience.
Continuous Rocker Wakeboards
These types of rockers have a smooth, uninterrupted curve from tip to tail. You’ll experience a fast, smooth ride since they have less drag. Known for their predictability, continuous rockers are easy to control and great for carving.
3-Stage Rocker Wakeboards
With three distinct flat planes, you’ll notice an angular, segmented look along the board’s profile. 3-stage rockers provide serious pop off the wake, great for riders who want to perform high jumps and tricks. Keep in mind that these types have more drag and result in slower speeds.
Hybrid Rocker Wakeboards
Also called a blended rocker, hybrid designs combine elements of the continuous and 3-stage rocks. They usually have smoother curves, giving you a balance between speed and pop.
Camber Rocker Wakeboards
Pretty new in wakeboard design, the camber rocker has a dip in the center of the board instead of a continuous curve. It lets you ride more centered than other types of rockers, which can increase your board’s push off the water, offering a different kind of lift and feel during tricks.
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Wakeboard Core Construction
Choosing the right core is critical for matching your wakeboard to your riding style since it affects everything from how the board handles impacts to its overall durability. Different types of wakeboard cores include:
- Foam core: These come in polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PCV). PU cores are the most common and are durable, stable, and heavier. PVC cores are lighter and found in boards designed for performance.
- Wood core: Including full wood and hybrid cores, the former is loved for its flexible feel and excellent response. The latter can be combined with foam to provide a flexible, durable experience.
- Honeycomb core: Design for high performance, these lightweight boards are strong and popular among competitive riders.
Wakeboard Edges
The edge of a wakeboard is like the edge of a knife. It can be sharp and slice through the water, or rounded and smooth on the water. We’ll explain the differences next.
Sharp Edges
Sharp edges deliver aggressive results, including improved acceleration and speed. However, with great speed comes great risk, and sharp-edged boards are more likely to “bite” into the water, catching an edge that can send you tumbling into the water.
Rounded or Variable Edges
Offering a progressive feel that’s sharper and thinner at the tips for quick slicing turns, and thicker and rounder in the middle for stability and forgiveness during tricks. Rounder or variable edges provide a buttery feel, excellent grip, and great tracking during sharp turns.
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Wakeboard Fins
Wakeboard fins are often compared to claws, as they provide grip. The effect on your ride depends on the number of fins, their size, and their placement on your wakeboard.
- Fin placement & size: Deeper fins provide more stability for riders, but they reduce your ability to do tricks. Beginners often start with longer fins.
- Removable fins: These types of fins can be unscrewed and give you the option to change up the feel of your ride.
- Molded-in fins: Fiber-glassed to the wakeboard, molded-in fins can’t be removed. These types of fins are more durable.
Find the Right Wakeboard for You
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your first wakeboard, but with the right guidance, you’ll be on the water in no time. Check out our selection of high-quality wakeboards for beginners, and if you need any more help, get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Buckeye Surf.
FAQ
What are the benefits of wakeboarding?
Wakeboarding comes with tons of benefits including providing a full-body workout, improving coordination and balance, and supporting cardiovascular health and mental health. It’s also a great way to connect with nature, get some fresh air outdoors, and add some fun and excitement to your life.
What is the best wakeboard style for beginners?
The best wakeboard for beginners is one that’s stable, easy to use, and forgiving. This type of board will help new riders develop basic skills and confidence. Features such as a continuous rocker, larger size, and softer edges are ideal.