What Size Wakeboard Do I Need?

Experience gliding through the water at great speeds and performing mid-air tricks on a wakeboard. Wakeboarding is a fun, adventurous water sport that involves riding a board over the water surface while being towed by a motorboat. If you want to attain optimum performance, choose a proper-fitting board that matches your ability level, riding style and body weight.

  1. Considerations

    • Wakeboards come in a variety of styles and sizes. When choosing a wakeboard, consider factors such as construction, size, dimensions, rocker shape and bindings. Size is an important factor because if the board is improperly fitted, your performance and learning curve will suffer. The size of your wakeboard should depend on your body weight and riding style.

    Weight

    • Refer to the specific sizing guideline of each wakeboard. Every wakeboard comes with a size chart that matches your body weight to the appropriate board length. If you are choosing a board for multiple users, base your selection on the weight of the heaviest rider. This is because riding is easier with larger boards than smaller ones. You can ride a range of wakeboard lengths depending on your body weight. For example, a weight range of 90 to 150 lbs. can ride a wakeboard length of 130 to 134 centimeters and a weight range of 130 to 180 lbs. can ride a wakeboard length of 135 to 139 centimeters.

    Longer Wakeboards

    • Choose a longer wakeboard in your size range if you prefer boards that offer more stability and easier riding. Longer boards are easier to ride and learn on, making them an appropriate choice for beginners. They offer a solid feel that boosts riders off the wake. They also weigh more, which offers more control, although the downside is that riders will need to work harder against the weight while up in the air. Another advantage is that longer boards offer more surface area, which results in softer landings.

    Shorter Wakeboards

    • Opting for a shorter wakeboard is a matter of preference and ability. Generally, shorter boards are slower and require more energy to push and glide through the water. This is because boards with greater surface area can move faster across the water surface. If you are more experienced and prefer a board to do spins and tricks with, a shorter board in your size range may fit you best. Shorter wakeboards are easier to maneuver and spin, especially when doing tricks up in the air or when flying across the wake. Note that the decreased surface area will make landings a lot more challenging.