How To Choose the Best Wakeboards for Beginners
Everything you need to consider before you make your new wakeboard purchase
As a beginner at wakeboarding, you may be a little overwhelmed at all of the options available to you when it comes to buying your own wakeboard. There are so many sizes and features available, so choosing a beginner wakeboard can cause some anxiety. How do you find the best wakeboards for beginners if you don’t know much about them?
This article is here to help! We’ve listed all of the elements and features to look for in a beginner wakeboard, as well as a few of the best beginner wakeboards. If you need help choosing your very first wakeboard, read on to learn how!
5 Things to consider when buying the best beginner's wakeboard
When it comes to buying the best wakeboards for beginners, there are several factors you’ll need to consider before you make a purchase. Determine which of the options best suits your needs and specifications, and find a wakeboard that best suits you.
1. Price
One of your first considerations is going to be price. You have to be able to afford whichever wakeboard you have chosen. Come up with a budget, and look for wakeboards that fall within that budget. A good starting price is between $200-$400. Anything over will generally be more for intermediate or advanced riders. Wakeboard packages are a good way to start because they include the bindings with the wakeboard.
2. Length
| Weight | Wakeboard Size |
|---|---|
Under 100 pounds | 130 centimeters |
90-150 pounds | 130-134 centimeters |
130-180 pounds | 135-139 centimeters |
170-250 pounds | 140-144 centimeters |
Over 250 pounds | Longer than 144 centimeters |
If you fall within a range, you can choose any size within that range, although it’s important to note that there are pros and cons. A wakeboard on the bottom end of your range will be slower and harder to push through water, and landings will be rougher. On the other hand, smaller boards are easier to manipulate in the air, making jumps and spins easier. Smaller boards are best for more experienced wakeboarders.
A longer board is easier to ride and control, and it’s also faster in the water. It’s harder to do tricks, though. Overall, a longer board is probably going to be one of the best wakeboards for beginners.
3. Rocker and riding style
The “rocker” is the amount of curve a wakeboard has from its tail to its nose, and different wakeboards have different amounts of rocking. There are several different types of rockers, and each will be best suited to different levels of experience.
Continuous Rocker
Continuous rockers have a smooth, curved, and continuous rocker that provides a fast and smooth ride. These boards are very consistent and reliable and are easier to handle, making them one of the best beginner wakeboards.
3-Stage Rocker
Hybrid Rocker
Hybrid rockers come in a variety of designs and are often given different terms to describe them – progressive, aggressive, subtle, abrupt, blended. Basically, they are a combination of the continuous and 3-stage rocker, giving the best of both and are quite suitable for beginner wakeboarders.
4. Base shape
Finding the best wakeboards for beginners will also have to do with the base shape of your wakeboard. There are several features to the wakeboard base:
- Concaves: little indentations on the bottom of the board that help it jump higher and glide more smoothly
- Channels: tiny fins on the bottom of your board that help lessen the impact of hitting the water
- Featureless: a board without any fins or channels, leaving all the work to the rider
Grind base: used for boards that will encounter metal and other rough surfaces at wakeboard parks
5. Edges and fins
Wakeboards have sharp edges in various degrees. The sharper the edge, the faster your wakeboard can go, but it’s also easier to crash and wipe out. Rounder edges make your wakeboard go slower, but are smoother and easier to land and control, and good for doing tricks.
Fins help to make your board more stable, and they come in various lengths. Longer fins will increase the board’s grip on the water, but make it harder to get the board in the air and do tricks. Longer fins are best for beginners, and once you get more advanced you can opt for shorter fins.
Fins come in two types: screw-in and molded. Screw-in fins can be detached and replaced. Molded fins are generally more durable, but you can’t take them off. The best option for beginners would be screw-in fins.
Find a great beginners wakeboard for kids, women or men.
Our Top 3 Recommended wakeboards for beginners
1. Ronix Vault Wakeboard
One of the best wakeboards for beginners is the Ronix Vault. This wakeboard is excellent for beginners because it grows and progresses with you. It has features that beginner and advanced riders alike can appreciate.
This wakeboard has a mellow, continuous rocker; a longer fin on the toe-side and a shorter fin on the heel-side. The bottom of the board is very durable and easy to maintain. The price is great for beginners as well, and can often be purchased as a package with the bindings included.
2. O’Brien System Wakeboard
The O’Brien System wakeboard is a great beginner wakeboard for it’s great performance at a low price. It’s very consistent, easy to control, and gives a smooth pop off of the wake. All of these features make the board great for beginner wakeboarders. The board starts at $199.
3. Hyperlite State/Eden 2.0 Wakeboard
Have fun with your new wakeboard
