But if you didnt have the luxury ofsurfing big waves, you could still have fun wakeboarding.
But it can quickly become frustrating if you dont have the right gear.
Wakeboards come in many shapes, sizes, and quality, all of which can impact your experience.
If you are just getting started, you might not know where to start.
Grab some popcorn and pull up a chair!
Buying the Best Wakeboard: What to Consider
No one wakeboard is ideal for everyone.
to make it make the right choice, you should probably consider the following factors.
Skill Level
If you are a rookie, dont grab a pro-level wakeboard.
Manufacturers design their equipment to suit various skill levels.
A typical beginner wakeboard is long and comes with square rails to increase stability.
They are also heavier than other wakeboards.
You will need to upgrade to a performance board.
This key in goes in only one direction and will complement your natural riding style.
Twin-tip boards are more suited for performing stunts than single-tips.
Additionally, they can lead with either direction.
Board Length
The length of the wakeboard is arguably the most important factor to consider when buying.
This is because it determines the weight it can comfortably support.
Simply put, the heavier you are, the longer the board you require.
Fortunately, wakeboard shops have a chart that matches weight with length.
There are two main types of rockers: continuous and three-stage rockers.
Continuous rockers feature a bottom with a smooth curve.
This design allows you to enjoy a fast and smooth ride, as well as enhanced maneuverability.
They are perfect when riding in calmer waters.
Three-stage rockers, on the other hand, sport bottoms with three distinct breaks, resulting in three planes.
The center plane is flat to give you more control as you glide over the rails.
This results in a design that is well suited for making pop.
Three-stage rockers also tend to be more stable.
Nonetheless, their design makes them slower than continuous rockers since they disrupt water flow.
The most commonly used materials in the manufacture of wakeboards include honeycomb and foam board.
The latter is more appropriate for turbulent waters, thanks to its flexible nature.
Wakeboards made from foam board also tend to be more stable while allowing you to ride deeper.
Nonetheless, they are less flexible than foam boards and ill-suited for rougher waters.
Board Bindings
Bindings are the materials that hold you in place while you are on the board.
Bindings from different manufacturers can differ significantly in terms of fit, flexibility, and features.
For starters, check that that the board you are interested in has a snug fit.
This means that it should hold you firmly without being too tight.
Regardless of brand, however, bindings tend to be comfortable when fresh off the shelf.
Therefore, consider applying some lubricant before fitting.
Flexibility is also key when it comes to user experience.
Fast riders might prefer less flexible bindings, while stunt riders prefer bindings that are more flexible.
Nonetheless, despite the crucial role they play, not all wakeboards come with fins.
More experienced users will prefer boards with smaller and narrower fins since they are easier to perform stunts with.
The 8 Best Wakeboards On The Market
Are you ready to hit the water?
Gather a cheering squad because nobody claps for themselves.
If you are all set, here are 8 of the best wakeboards in the game today.
TheRonix Vaultis one of the few wakeboards in production today that can suit both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
The Vault comes with a 3-stage rocker, allowing you to achieve straight up, explosive pops.
In fact, its explosiveness is one of the biggest reasons behind this wakeboards immense popularity.
This allows you to ride faster without compromising on stability.
2.Liquid Force Shane Dose
Nothing is perfect.
You will also appreciate the break-in rocker design that allows you to be more aggressive in your riding.
When it comes to fins, the Shane Dose sports a slider quad fin design with a flattened top.
This design allows you to achieve the necessary bite for corners.
Whats more, the fins are removable in case you have no need for them.
The Shane Dose is designed for professionals and enthusiasts looking for a wakeboard with a novel design.
3.Slingshot Windsor
TheSlingshot Windsoris designed for people looking for a high-performance wakeboard ideal for tricks and stunts.
It also happens to be one of the most versatile boards today.
The board comes with a hybrid rocker.
It blends various attributes of a 3-stage and continuous rockers to give you the best of both worlds.
Therefore, this is the wakeboard for you if you have a problem choosing between these two rocker types.
Dont forget that it also comes with four 6-inch by 0.75-inch wake fins.
The Slingshot Windsor is the ultimate wakeboard for cable parks.
As it’s possible for you to imagine, it is not ideal for beginners.
It is designed to meet the standards of professionals and elite-level enthusiasts.
This board utilizes the 3-stage rocker design.
Therefore, it’s possible for you to be assured of an explosive pop off the wake.
And thats not all; it sports four ramp fins, as well as four free-agent fins.
This design effectively ensures that you and the board are almost one entity.
The best part is that they are all made from fiberglass.
The Ronix One I-Beam is incredibly aggressive and capable of achieving spectacular speeds.
This advanced wakeboard, therefore, should serve as a motivation for green riders to keep honing their skills.
In fact, the Machete is a blend of their professional boards.
So this is not your ordinary board.
It also features four removable P-Wing fins that are acclaimed for their sensational control.
They also help you achieve super high speeds thanks to the step-down edges.
While this wakeboards design is inspired by pro riders, it is still a good choice for intermediate riders.
Beginners, however, will have to work their way up to it.
This is one of the primary reasons for its surging popularity among enthusiasts.
This means that you’re free to make tight turns even at high speeds while on this board.
Regardless of your skill level, this board is worth checking out.
While it might not be particularly special for advanced riders, novice and intermediate riders should find it enthralling.
This Hyperlite wakeboard comes with a unique design.
In place of the standard continuous rocker is an abrupt continuous rocker design.
This design exaggerates the tip and tail slightly to create more pop without compromising speed.
You will also notice that it comes with defined channels running from the tip to the tail.
These will allow you to enjoy greater edge control, as well as better stability.
You also get two molded-in fins for easier cruising.
Nonetheless, it does not come with performance-enhancing features that advanced riders might be looking for.
Conclusion
Wakeboarding is an extremely fun water sport.
It is convenient for those who love surfing but do not have access to ocean beaches or nice waves.
Nonetheless, the quality of your experience will depend on the quality of your wakeboard.
If you are a beginner, we know how difficult it can be to make the correct choice.
We hope that this article will bring you closer to your ideal wakeboard.
If it helps, we recommend that you start with Hyperlite State 2.0.
It has a gradual learning curve, and you wont outgrow it quickly.
