What you need to know before buying a Wakeboard

When choosing a wakeboard you will need to know basics pointers and how to determine which wakeboard is for you? Usually Beginners select a board from the printed design. WRONG!! When you choose a wakeboard you need to understand what is your skill level and riding style and most important how long you will be able to practice and/or ride.

The Board Shack is stressing on this last point because it is a milestone when buying and investing your money on a wakeboard.

Pro boards are a little bit less stable at first, they are lighter and don't have central fins, but on the long run you will be able to get much sharper edges and literally fly much higher that you could with a beginner board. More advanced riders prefer a board with rounded edges because air tricks are easier to land. Rounded edges allow less of a chance of catching an edge when landing. They also help the board gain faster speed (allowing for nice lift off the wakes when jumping).

Width and Length

The wakeboard length averages between 48 to 60 Inches. Width is usually between 13-17 Inches. Longer boards are more stable and easier to ride. They offer more stability when starting and turning. Usually longer boards can hold larger people, whereas shorter boards may only be able to hold smaller/lighter riders. As a pointer if you are 5'11" 190lbs, don't get anything shorter than 140cm (55 inches)

The Rocker

Rocker is how the board curves/angles at its ends. A higher rocker is more rounded bottom and allows easier landings with jumping. Lower rocker is a flatter bottom and allows the rider to accelerate better and gain easier control over the board. Gradual rocker curve is known as continuous rocker. Progressive rockers have a gradual curve along the center and then become more angled under the feet.

Fins

Fins are tracking and turning devices located on the bottom of the wakeboard. Fins help steer the board. In smooth water conditions smaller and thinner fins work well. In rougher water conditions a larger, wider fin helps steer the board when it bounces on the water. Wider fins displace more water and create a suction effect with the board to the water, which helps the board connect to the water.

WakeBoard Bindings

Always wet your bindings before entering them!! You want your wakeboard bindings to be snug but not so tight that they are painful. If the boot is too tight you run the risk of breaking an ankle, leg, or knee because the board may not properly release from your foot upon falling. Many bindings offer a lace up feature that allow tightening of the boot once your feet are in the boot. The best way to lube up is with Lava Lube it will do the job PERFECTLY!