Summer is fast approaching and if you are a thrill seeker, then consider taking up wakeboarding. Wakeboarding is a fun water sport. If you have never owned a wakeboard before, it can be slightly daunting with the variety of wakeboards on the market. Whether you are a beginner or are an advanced wake boarder but have never owned a board, this guide will help you decide on what board will suit your technique and ability.

Length: The wakeboard length averages between 120-150 centimetres and it is very important to get the right sized board. The heavier the rider, the longer the board should be. If you find yourself having trouble controlling the board then it means that it is too big for you. At the opposite end of the scale, if the board is too small for you then you will sink into the water more. If you are buying a board for lots of people to use then it is better to get a longer one.

Width: The width is usually between 38-44 centimetres and it determines how quickly the board will turn. Narrows boards turn quicker in water and wide boards will give you more pop off the wake.

Rocker: The rocker is the shape of the bottom of the board. A higher rocker has a rounded bottom and is easier to land with jumps. The lower rocker has a flatter bottom and the rider can accelerate faster and gain easier control over the board. There are two types of rockers, the 3-stage rocker and the continuous rocker. A three stage rocker is angular and a continuous rocker is when the bend in the board does not change from the nose to the tail. The three stage is when the centre is flat but there is a change between the nose and tail. Continuous rockers tend to ride faster and the three stage rockers pop off the top of the wake harder and land softer. The rocker will depend on the person’s personal preference and experience.

Fins: Another major part of the wakeboard is the fins. The number and size of the fins will effect how hard it edges and how it acts in the water. Most modern board will have moulded in fins but there are also fins that can be screwed in. The centre fin is usually removable and as the riders ability increases then they can remove this fin. If the fins are small then your board will be looser in the water and will allow you to spin more on top of the water. Large fins are preferred by beginners as it will provide more stability but once again it all depends on your preference.

Riding style: A lot of your choice comes down to your riding style. Even professional wakeboarders will have different boards with different features to suit their specific style of riding. Make sure you think about your skill level and the type of boarding that you want to do. Beginners prefer a board with squared edges. This allows more control and stability for someone who is not ready for big air tricks. More advanced riders prefer a board with rounded edges because air tricks are easier to land. Rounded edges allow less of a chance of catching an edge when landing. They also help the board gain faster speed (allowing for nice lift off the wakes when jumping).

Price: Unfortunately, good wakeboards don’t come cheap. However if you do choose the right board then it will last you for many years to come. If you are on a budget and running low on cash, then you might want to look at a second hand wakeboard. Second hand wakeboards are also good to get a feel of what wakeboarding is like.

Conclusion: Wakeboarding is an extremely fun water sport that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. If you are planning on getting a wakeboard then these tips should help you choose the right one. If you have a local wakeboard shop in your area then go in store and get a feel of what you want and then start looking.

If you are looking for a wakeboard check out – Hyper Ride