Not all wakeboards are the same. Far from it. In fact, if you’re looking to buy a wakeboard, you should know that there are several different styles of boards and many details you should be aware of that make some boards great for some people and completely wrong for others. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a wakeboard.

  1. Choose the right size. You need a board that is right for someone of your size, so keep your height and weight in mind. If your board is too large, it will be hard to maneuver. A board that is too small will sink low in the water.
  2. Check the board’s specifications. Consider if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider, and get a board that is made for someone with your experience. Each board differs in its characteristics. For instance, a beginner could have a hard time on a hyper-responsive advanced board. Pick a board that is right for you.
  3. Factor in width. How wide or narrow your board should be will depend on the style of riding you do. Wide boards provide more pop off wakes, giving you more air. However, they don’t carve the water as nicely as narrower boards, which don’t pop as well.
  4. Think about material. Most wakeboards have either a foam or wood core. Foam core boards are usually cheaper and more durable, while wood core boards have better flex. If you’re a beginner, or you want a board you can use a lot, foam might be best. But if you’re worried about performance, you might want wood.
  5. Consider fins. Wakeboard fins come in various shapes and sizes. You’ll generally find longer fins on beginner boards and shorter ones on more advanced boards. While many wakeboards have molded fins, some are removable. If you’re a beginner, you might want removable so you can experiment with different fins.