What size wakeboard should I buy? Is a common question in the Pro Shop
But there is more to consider when buying a wakeboard than just the way it looks. Of course you want a board that looks good, but much like a car, looks aren’t everything. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari without an engine, so why would you buy a wakeboard that doesn’t fit your needs?
The first, and probably most important, thing to consider is the size of the board. A board that is too small will lead to you sinking whilst riding; however a board that is too big can be difficult to maneuver, and weigh the rider down.
Wakeboard Size Guide
| Length (cm) | Weight (stone) |
| <130 | 7 |
| 130 – 134 | 7 – 10.5 |
| 135 – 139 | 9 – 13 |
| 140 – 144 | 12 – 18 |
| >144 | 14 – 19.5 |
If you are sharing the wakeboard, then pick the dimensions that suit the heaviest user. It is easier for a smaller rider to cope with a large board, than a larger rider to deal with a smaller board.
Shorter Wakeboards:
Easier to spin and maneuver in the air
Harder landings
Require more energy to cut through the water
Longer Wakeboards:
Easier to ride on
Rider has more control
Heavier, so hard to maneuver in the air
Good for learning tricks for the first time
Offer softer landings
When considering a weight that overlaps a category, it will depend what ‘type’ of rider you are.
A beginner/intermediate rider should use a larger board, as they are unlikely to need to maneuver it too much, and the large surface are will result in a more comfortable ride.
Intermediate/advanced riders should look at slightly shorter boards, this will allow them to maneuver the board easier in the air, than a longer board, but still provide a large enough surface area to stick the landing.
Advanced/expert riders should consider a shorter wakeboard as they are light and by that stage they will be adept at landing a trick.
Wakebaord Rocker
The type of rocker may also influence your decision. There are two main types of rocker, the continuous rocker, and the 3-stage rocker. Continuous rockers allow a rider to travel across the wake further and faster. These boards are ideal to help improve your skills on the water.
The 3-stage rocker, on the other hand, will help a rider improve their skills in the air. The shape of the board allows the rider to jump higher. This comes at a cost; the board is not as fast across the water.
To find out more, why not read our post about wakeboard rocker!
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