Wakeboard Buying Guide

Back in the 1980s, some snowboarders and skiers got tired of sitting out the summer and came up with a new idea, ultimately called wakeboarding. It takes its name from the wake of the tow boat; cutting across the wake gives the wakeboarder "pop," the height a wakeboarder gets above the water. Combining waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing, this new water sport made a fast rise as a way to mix fitness and fun. Today, the sport includes millions of wakeboarders, amateur and professional.

Wakeboard buying tips

The right wake board for you depends on several factors, principally the rider's size and skill. The more advanced the rider, the more individual the choice, so these guidelines concern the basic wakeboard user.

• Single tip: More point in the front than the back, for those who want a water ski or snow ski feel and speed across the water.
• Double tip: Pointed front and back, for those who want a more skateboard or snowboard feel to perform bigger stunts.

Other wake board designs factors include:

Rocker
The "rocker" is the bend of the wakeboard. Every wake board has one or two curves which affect the board's capabilities:

• Continuous rocker: A smooth curve along the entire length of the wakeboard allows the water to flow smoothly under the board, giving it more speed, but less pop.
• Three-stage rocker: Like a skateboard, the wake board has a slight lip at the front and back with a flat midsection. These curves aren't as noticeable as skateboard curves, but they push more water ahead of the board. This slows the wakeboard ride a little but adds more pop to perform bigger stunts.

Riders must also consider the amount of rocker (the depth of the curve), generally 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches). More rocker (a deeper curve) allows the wakeboard to swivel more, meaning sharper turns like a snowboard. Higher rocker also softens the impact after jumps. For edgier wake boarders, lower rocker boards are easier to control, meaning more aggressive turns and better acceleration. Many find lower rocker less work for the rider, allowing longer rides with less fatigue. Beginners often find a board with lower rocker a little unstable, but the out-of-control feeling is generally brief and beginners usually get their sea legs quickly, moving more easily from jump landing back into acceleration without bailing.

Length, width and weight

Proper length is based on the rider's weight, height is not a consideration:

Weight (lbs)	Length (cm)	(Approx. in.)
Up to 85	119	46.75
Up to 105	121	47.5
Up to 130	130-131	51.5
Up to 160	132-133	52.25
Up to 180	134-135	53.2
Up to 200	136-139	54.75
Above 200	140	55.1

These numbers are recommended for beginners. When in doubt, step up a size, rather than down, and you'll get a better ride. Experienced riders sometimes use shorter, narrower or lighter board to give them extra pop for tricks, but they sacrifice stability. If you're looking for versatility, the 136cm wakeboard is a good "family" board, meaning it's a good fit for most adults and older children.

Widths vary little, generally from 39 to 43 cm (15.3 inches to 17 inches) at the widest point. Boards with narrower tips and tails sit lower in the water and have a quicker edge-to-edge slide. Wider tips and tails provide smoother transition edge-to-edge. Obviously, the lighter wake board is easier to move around, but wakeboards don't vary much in weight from maker to maker. Mostly, weight is determined by wakeboard length and isn't considered much of a performance factor.

Rails

The "rail" or edge of the wakeboard can be rounded or fairly square. Sharp (rounded) rails are faster, give more pop and allow better control when leaning into turns, but are less forgiving of mistakes (more wipeouts). More square rails are for the beginner: better speed and more balance.

Wakeboard components

Fins

Like surfboards, wake boards use fins for stability. Fins create drag, pulling the wakeboard tail down into the water to prevent "squirreling" or swiveling under the rider. Larger fins mean more stability in rough water, while smaller fins give more maneuverability on calmer days. Since fins are easy to switch out, wake boarders may want several sets to match several conditions. A few fin styles:

• Canted: These fins sit at an angle; they aren't noticeably different when riding flat, but give superior performance when leaning into a turn.
• Long-base: Increased surface area means a better release and a more snowboard feel.
• Molded: Actual channels designed into the board itself.
• Ramp: Overall, best style, as it most user-friendly and works best with most riding styles.

Boots and bindings

Unlike skis and snowboards, wake board boots and bindings are usually built as a single assembly. Boots and bindings keep the board and the rider hooked together, so properly fitting boots are vital. The feet, in large measure, control wakeboard movement; loose boots decrease control. Since wakeboarding isn't a normal activity for human ankles, they need support and loose boots don't provide proper support. Advance riders know exactly what they need and want, and may customize their binding components; beginners or those who want to share boots, should consider adjustables.

Wakeboard terminology

• Goofy foot: Riding the wakeboard with the right foot forward.
• Regular foot: Riding the wakeboard with your left foot forward.
• Glass: Smooth, calm water.
• Washy wake: An extra turbulent wake.
• Grab: Holding the wakeboard with your hand while riding.
• Bone out: Straightening the legs fully while riding.
• Flip: Spinning the wakeboard and rider end over end, like a gymnast going head over heels.
• Roll: Spin the wake board and rider side over side; since the feet point perpendicular to the line of travel, this is also called toe-side over heel-side or heel-side over toe-side, depending on direction. Looks a bit like a cartwheel.
• "You bailed": You fell off your wakeboard.
• Butt check: Sloppy landing, where your backside drags along the water.
• Case: Landing directly on top of the boat's wake.
• Digger, faceplant, wipeout, stack: Bad fall.

Wakeboard safety tips

Learn to swim -- it's a water sport, meaning everybody will get wet sooner or later (or both); be ready.

Have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person riding, in the boat or on the board.

Helmets should be mandatory -- water isn't soft when you hit it going 20 miles per hour; a good helmet will help you avoid a concussion.

Do not overload your boat or wakeboard.

Keep an eye on the wakeboarding conditions: weather, water depth, traffic.

Put up a boat flag signaling others you have a wakeboard rider in the water.

After you fall off your wakeboard, hold your board up as high as possible; this signals your location to your boat, and other drivers that someone is in the water.