Wakeboards

Defining a Wakeboard

Wakeboards are purpose-designed boards utilised in wakeboarding. Often crafted from fibreglass, they encompass a core made of wood, foam, or aluminium. Wakeboards are available in various designs, shapes, and lengths to suit different riding styles and wakeboarding experiences.

While wakeboards share some characteristics with kiteboards, they are not interchangeable. The primary distinction lies in the rocker line. Wakeboards feature a significantly greater rocker, facilitating tricks like ollies, while the flatter profile of kiteboards is ideal for gliding over water. Additionally, wakeboards are equipped with boot-style bindings, whereas kiteboards, except for wakestyle kiteboards, traditionally utilise straps or a strapless system.

Key Features of a Wakeboard

The principal features of wakeboards include their length, rocker, and base. Wakeboards typically measure between 130 cm and 150 cm, and the suitable length is determined by the rider’s weight and preferred riding style.

Wakeboards have distinct rockers, often incorporating a continuous rocker, 3-stage rocker, or hybrid rocker, although some newer models adopt a camber rocker reminiscent of skis.

Regarding base configurations, featureless wakeboards lack fixed fins or channels on their underside. Some boards are equipped with channels or V-spines to guide water flow and cushion landings. Wakeboards tailored for wake parks usually have a sintered base for enhanced durability and resilience.

Selecting the Appropriate Wakeboard

When selecting the right size wakeboard, consider a few key aspects alongside your intended use. Generally, a heavier individual requires a longer wakeboard to evenly distribute weight and ensure buoyancy. For individuals under 150 lbs (68 kg), choose a board around 137 cm or shorter. If your weight exceeds this, opt for a board of 138 cm or more. Typically, a larger board provides greater stability on the water and makes performing large tricks like flips easier, but spins may become slower and more challenging. Consequently, we recommend beginners consider slightly larger boards.

Your chosen wakeboarding style also plays a role. For cable park enthusiasts, a board with a wooden core is advisable, whereas boat wakeboarding is more suited to boards with a polyurethane core construction.

For further details on selecting a wakeboard, refer to our Buying a Wakeboard Guide.