Wakeboard sizing guidelines

Wakeboard Length

The size wakeboard you ride will depend on your weight and riding style. Every specific wakeboard has specific sizing guidelines for rider weight. If there are multiple people using your wakeboard, base your selection on the weight of the rider who rides the most or the heaviest rider. Riders can become extremely frustrated with wakeboards that are not long enough to float them sufficiently. However, there is a range in the length wakeboard you can ride.  Here are some reasons why you may choose to go with a longer or shorter wakeboard.

Wakeboard Size Chart

Rider Weight (lbs)  Wakeboard Length (cm)
<100                <130
90-150              130-134
130-180             135-139
170-250             140-144
200-275+            >144

(OR THIS ONE)

Wakeboard Base Shapes & Materials

Concaves are basically special dents on the bottom of your wakeboard that create lift and act as suction-reducing accelerators so the board will sit higher in the water and cruise like a hovercraft. Cool.

Channels act like long, extruded fins on the bottom of the board and break surface tension before the rest of the wakeboard hits. Think swan dive vs. belly-flop.

V-shape or spines help soften landings and allow you to easily roll from edge to edge similar to the v hull shape of some boats. V-shapes are often added to wakeboards with 3-stage rockers to soften landings.

Featureless – Wakeboards without any molded-in fins or channels are considered featureless. A featureless bottom leaves the work and performance to the wakeboard’s shape alone; the overall shape, rocker and fin setup on your board will really affect the ride.

Base Material

You will want to consider base material if you will be using your wakeboard on sliders that may impact the base.

Grind Base

Grind bases were developed in response to the increasing popularity of rail riding. This style of riding requires a tough base with exceptional durability to withstand the wear and tear from sliding over PVC, metal or docks.

Wakeboard Edges

Sharpness – The sharper the edge or rail, the more aggressively the wakeboard will track, resulting in improved acceleration and overall speed.  The drawback of a sharp edge is that it is easier to catch an edge, resulting in a fly swatter-like effect with your face.  A sharp edge is less forgiving than its rounded counterpart.  Riders who enjoy surface tricks or riding sliders are advised to look for wakeboards with rounder or variable edges to give a buttery feel.  Riders who like an agressive, hard carving ride will feel at home on a sharper rail.  Grip it and rip it.

Variable edges give you a blend of feel and performance found in sharp versus round edged boards. Variable edged boards have different sharpnesses in the middle vs. the tip and tail of the board.  Variable edges are thicker and rounder (softer) in the middle of the wakeboard and grow progressively thinner (sharper) towards the tip and tail. The variable edge allows the wakeboard to maintain a high level of tracking/grip while edging while at the same time giving you a soft forgiving edge for butter slides or any surface tricks.  The variable edge, “soft to sharp” pattern, creates lift and pop toward center of board and the thinner edges toward the ends make the wakeboard faster and better suited for carving.

Wakeboard Fins

Fins are like claws that grip the water differently depending on the number, size and placement on the wakeboard.

Fin Placement and Size

Deeper or longer fins create a more stable ride and give you less ability to break the board free for surface tricks… actually, any tricks.  Beginning riders often benefit from longer, deeper fins when they start riding.  As you advance you may want to break the board loose with less effort by removing fins or selecting a board with less traction.  A higher quantity of fins or fins placed near the outside edges of the wakeboard will be more effective.

Removable vs. Molded-in

Removable fins can be unscrewed and removed from the wakeboard while molded-in fins are glassed into the wakeboard and do not come off. Many wakeboards have molded in fins toward the outside and removable fins closer to the center.  Molded in fins are more durable on sliders.  Removable fins give you more options to change the feel of your ride.

Fin Maintenance

Check fin screws regularly to make sure they are securely attached to your wakeboard. The fins and their screws do not float.  When you nick your removable fins don’t fret you can sand them out or purchase new fins.

Wakeboard Weight

How does weight affect performance?

Lightweight

Lightweight wakeboards are a joy to ride. With no extra weight holding you down, lightweight wakeboards make for super smooth riding and easy maneuvering.  Wake manufacturers are constantly developing new materials and technology to make lighter wakeboards. Upgrading to a super light board is like trading your Honda Civic for a Porsche, it is light, fun, fast, but with a higher price tag.

Blem Wakeboards

Blems are wakeboards that have minor manufacturer blemishes, which occur during production. Blems include any type of small cosmetic difference from a new board; for example, the graphics may not line up perfectly or a color might differ slightly so that it does not match rest of the standard issue wakeboards.  These blemishes do not affect the integrity or performance of the product. Blem wakeboards are still under the full manufacturer warranty. Blem wakeboards typically save you a few bucks and give you a “one-of-a-kind” prize.

Wakeboard Maintenance

Keep your wakeboard out of the sun for long periods of time.  Sun damages gear just like skin.
Rinse your gear with fresh water after use in salt water.

Protect your investment with a wakeboard bag for storing and transporting. Bags fend off bumps, scratches and long exposure to the sun as well as protect your boat.  Be sure to dry your wakeboard before leaving it in its bag for a long period of time.

Store your gear in a cool, dry location.