TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUYING A WAKEBOARD:
As summer approaches, it is easy to imagine the wind in your hair as you ride the wake of a speedboat.
Watersports are a fun and thrilling way to spend your time during the summer, and wakeboarding is one of the coolest watersports around. Just as snowboarding revolutionized skiing, wakeboards have revolutionized waterskiing.
Whether you are a longtime wakeboarder or a novice, we can help you lock down the basics of what you need to know to choose the best boat wakeboard for your level of experience.
Let’s Talk About Wakeboarding
The origins of Wakeboarding can be traced back to the mid-sixties when surfers tried the daredevil idea of being dragged behind powerboats when the sea was not producing large enough waves. The sport soon took off as people realized that they didn’t have to wait for perfect surfing conditions to experience amazing waves.
In the mid-eighties, a company called Skurfer in Australia began producing the first true surfboard/wakeboards hybrids. Skurfer produced the first dedicated wakeboard in the early nineties, and since then, wakeboarding has increased in popularity. As the year’s roll by, wakeboarding has challenged waterskiing as the number one surface water sport, and we can see why.
How to Choose the Best Boat Wakeboard
As you may know, there are many factors that determine which wakeboard is right for you: size, weight, material, and shape. There are other factors to consider, such as the type of wakeboarding you intend to do, and whether it has fins or channels on the base for stability.
We have created a guide on these features to help steer you toward the best boat wakeboard for you.
Construction Material
Most wakeboards are constructed from either solid wood or a polymer foam core wrapped in fiberglass.
The foam varieties are lightweight, cheaper and more durable, and better suited for beginners, children, and general wakeboarders.
However, wooden wakeboards, though more expensive, flex better and are often the choice of professionals.
Size and Length
Whether a child or an adult, your weight determines the size of the wakeboard you should choose. This is incredibly important, and you must get the right board for your weight. Size your wakeboard correctly if you want to avoid accidents or damage to your board. Here are the size variations based on the weight of the rider and the length of the board:
100 lbs. = 130 cm
90-150 lbs. = 130-134 cm
130-180 lbs. = 135-139 cm
170-250 lbs. = 140-144 cm
200-275 lbs. = 144 cm
The Flex Factor
Each wakeboard has a certain amount of flex. The way the board bends under pressure and how it flexes really determines —the way the board bends under pressure—and how it flexes determines the quality of the ride. There’s no right and wrong when it comes to flex, only what feels best for you.
Wooden boards are better at flexing, and thus they are the choice of many professionals for their ability to perform complicated maneuvers.
Flex factor preference is something you will learn via experience, so beginners may take some time to find out what works best for them.
Molded Fins
Some wakeboards have molded fins, and others have fins that can be bolted to the base of the board.
The fin gives greater stability, especially when skimming the surface of the water. A wakeboard without fins is looser and can move more freely in the water, thus making them ideal for performing tricks.
Wakeboards with fins and channels are ideal for cutting through the wake of a boat. If you are primarily interested in boat wakeboarding, this may be the best option for you. However, you should be aware that the deeper and longer the fin, the harder it is to break the board free of the surface to perform tricks. If you are looking for a board that lets you sail above the water, fins, and channels may not be the best option.
We typically see this type of board being used by beginners, as the increased stability and predictability of the way the board handles make it easier to maneuver.
Advanced wakeboards typically offer the option of removable fins so that the rider can change the way the board behaves in the water. If you are inclined to attempt jumps and tricks, this is the perfect option for you.
Rocker Shape
Rocker refers to the shape of the board.
There are currently three types of rocker:
3-Stage: This is where the board is shaped with raised lips at the front and rear, but the base is flat. It’s designed to give you height when you hit the wake. This type of rocker shape causes the board to feel less stable and causes the board to plow through a wake rather than cutting and riding it. Also, landings are more intense, leaving the board feeling sluggish.
Continuous: This type of wakeboard is one continuous smooth curved shape. These boards are faster, more agile, and great for increasing height when hitting the wake. The smoothness of this ride allows you to hook up turns more efficiently, and you can generate a lot more speed.
Hybrid: This style of board borrows something from both of the previous styles. It has the profile of the 3-stage but the curves of the continuous rocker. It means that you get the added agility without the bumpy landings that can be rough on your knees.
Other Wakeboard Features to Consider
Concaves: These are dents on the base of the board that reduces drag, increase lift, and act as accelerators. The board also sits higher on the water.
Channels: These are similar to fins in the sense that they break surface tension before the rest of the board hits the water.
V-Shaped Spine: Spines help to soften the landing and allow more motion from side to side in the water.
Grind Base: For the more advanced wakeboarder, the grind base is designed to increase durability and enhance the board’s ability to withstand damage as you slide over metal, PVC, and docks. We do not recommend this for beginners.
What Speed Should You Pull a Wakeboard?
The speed that you tow a wakeboard depends on the ability of the rider and the space you have available.
10 MPH: This is the speed at which a decent wake starts to form. This is a good speed, which is perfect if you have a trainer board or are towing young children.
21 MPH: At speeds of less than 21 MPH, the wake can still be a bit weak and the rider’s board can get swallowed by the white water, impeding their ability to perform well. These conditions can hamper your ability to turn sharply or gain lift.
25 MPH: At this speed, the wake is firmer, giving wakeboarders the ability to perform more significant tricks and turns. Most professional wakeboarders like to go at this faster speed.
Boats for Wakeboarding:
Basic Wakeboard Care and Maintenance
Once you’ve found the best boat wakeboard, you want to protect your investment. Here are some tips to make it last for many years to come:
Keep your wakeboard out of the sun for prolonged periods. UV light damages boards, so keep it in a protective bag when not in use.
Always rinse the board with fresh water to remove any salt residue. Salt can be corrosive, and it can damage the surface of your board and severely affect its handling and performance.
Keep your bindings clean and free of wax and oil.
Check all the fins are tight and in place. If these are loose, it can cause injury.
Inspect your bindings before every ride.
Always store your wakeboard in a cool, dark place. This spot is also preferably off the ground to avoid damp and cold weather damage. A board rack is a worthwhile investment.
