Wakeboards come in a variety of sizes, and it is important that you have a board that is large enough for you. Manufacturers will give you size charts to get a sense of what length is good for you, but here is some advice to help you fine tune sizing.
First of all, if you are sharing a board, it is important to buy a board to fit the biggest rider in the group. Riding on a board that is too small is an exercise in frustration for a wakeboarder, while a smaller rider can generally enjoy a ride on a bigger board.
In general, shorter boards are easier to spin and maneuver in the air. However, they are slower and take more energy to push through the water (the more surface area the board has on the water, the faster it will move across the surface). The decreased surface area makes landings harder and the nose may tend to dig in.
Longer wakeboards are typically easier to ride and learn on, and they have a solid feel that will really boost you off the wake. They sit on top of the water nicely and move quickly through the water. The increased surface area of a longer wakeboard will also offer softer landings. Their weight can make tricks a bit tougher, however.
Choosing a wakeboard is a personal preference and should be fun. The more boards you have an opportunity to try the better. Get on a friend’s board if you can, and keep in touch with us at Sun Sports. We offer several opportunities for you to try out manufacturers’ products every year. We typically have pro riders at the store two or three times each summer, and would love to have you join us. It’s a great opportunity for you to network with riders and to get some tips from the pros.
Try a few different shapes and check out the latest graphics. At Sun Sports+, we are always happy to answer questions anytime, so stop by and let us help you find the right board!