Wakeboards

What Is a Wakeboard?

Wakeboards are specialised boards crafted for use in wakeboarding. They are usually made with fibreglass encasing a core of wood, foam, or aluminium. Additionally, wakeboards are available in a variety of designs, shapes, and lengths to suit different riding techniques and types of wakeboarding.

Although wakeboards share some features with kiteboards, a kiteboard should not be used for wakeboarding. The most significant difference between these boards is the rocker line. Wakeboards have much more rocker, facilitating tricks such as ollies, while kiteboards have a flatter design, ideal for gliding on the water. Another distinction is that wakeboards are used with boot-style bindings, whereas kiteboards, apart from wakestyle kiteboards, predominantly use either straps or a strapless configuration.

Features of a Wakeboard

Key features of wakeboards include their length, rocker, and base. The length typically falls between 130 cm and 150 cm, and the ideal length is determined by the rider’s weight and riding style.

Wakeboards are known for their pronounced rockers, often featuring a continuous rocker, 3-stage rocker, or hybrid rocker. However, some newer models incorporate a camber rocker akin to skis.

Regarding their base shapes, featureless wakeboards lack permanent fins or channels underneath. Some boards incorporate channels or V-spines to aid in directing water flow and easing landings. Wakeboards designed for use in wake parks usually feature a sintered base for enhanced strength and durability.

How to Select a Wakeboard

Selecting the appropriately sized wakeboard relies on several practical considerations and your intended use. As a general rule, the heavier you are, the longer the wakeboard you should select to ensure even weight distribution and good buoyancy. If you weigh less than 150lbs (68 kg), opt for a board around 137 cm or smaller. Above this weight, choose a size of 138 cm or larger. Generally, a larger board offers greater stability on the water and simplifies performing large tricks like flips, though it may make spins slower and more challenging. Consequently, we recommend beginners start with a slightly larger board.

The style of wakeboarding you wish to pursue is another factor. For riding in cable parks, a board with a wooden core is preferable, while boat-specific boards typically have a polyurethane core construction.

Further details on selecting a wakeboard can be found in our Buying a Wakeboard Guide.