What size wakeboard do I need? This is a common question we get asked here at The House. And rightfully so, because the last thing you want is to be stuck with the wrong size board.
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Weight
The weight of the rider is the single most important factor in selecting the proper wakeboard size. Other important factors include skill level, riding style and personal preference. For a beginner, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a wakeboard that is too large, rather than one that is too small.
50-130 lbs
If you weight between 50-130 lbs then you will need a wakeboard that is around 118-122 cm. Things to consider are your skill level, how often you will ride and what kind of riding you want to do most. If you are a beginner you will want to look for a wakeboard that is more forgiving, has a softer flex and is not too big. If you weight on the heavy side for this range then you might want to go with the 122 cm board, if you are on the lighter side then go with the 118 cm.
130-180 lbs
If you weight between 130 and 180 pounds, you will need a wakeboard that is approximately 54 inches long. This is based on the fact that wakeboards generally have a length that is five to six inches longer than the rider’s height. However, weight is also a factor, so if you are on the heavier side, you may need a slightly longer board.
180+ lbs
If you are a big guy, you will need a bigger wakeboard. Mostwakeboards for men start at 141 centimeters and go up to 159 centimeters. The general rule is that thewakeboard should come up to somewhere between your chin and nose. If you are over 180 pounds, youwill need a board that is 159 centimeters or longer.
Length
The length of the wakeboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tail. The length of the wakeboard will determine how easy it is to maneuver, how stable it is, and how fast it is. A wakeboard that is too long will be difficult to control, and a wakeboard that is too short will not provide enough stability.
Up to 51″
If you are just getting started, or are buying a wakeboard for a child, you will want to start with a board that is shorter than 51″. A shorter length is easier to control and spins more slowly when carving.
52″-54″
For beginner to intermediate wakeboarders, a board between 52 and 54 inches will provide a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
55″-59″
This size board is good for someone who:
-Weighs between 140-180 lbs. (64-82 kg)
-Is a beginner to intermediate rider
-Rides in mostly calm to small chop conditions
-Has a shoe size of 8-10
This size board will give you:
-A stable and predictable ride
-Easy turning ability
-Good speed
60″ and up
If you are a beginner, heavier person, or prefer a more stable ride we recommend a longer board. Usually, theweight capacity is given for each board size listed below. Anytime you exceed the weight capacity for a particular length it will not perform as intended. If you are an experienced rider and want to ride with more speed and do more advanced tricks, you may want to consider a shorter board. The smaller the board the easier it will be to do inverts, spins, and other grabs. Wakeskates are usually ridden shorter than their width.
-60″ and up: Best for beginners, heavy riders, or those who want a more stable ride.
-54″ – 58″: Nice all-around size for lighter riders who want to do some basic tricks.
-50″ and under: For advanced riders who want to ride with speed and do more technical tricks.
Width
The width of the wakeboard is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a wakeboard. The width of the wakeboard determines how stable the wakeboard is and how easy it is to maneuver. Wakeboards range in width from 34″ to 42″. The narrower the wakeboard, the easier it is to maneuver. The wider the wakeboard, the more stable it is.
Up to 16.5″
If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a wider board. A wider board is more stable and will give you more confidence as you’re starting out. A good rule of thumb is to get a board that is somewhere between your chin and nose in width. For example, if you are 6″ tall, you’ll want a board that is between 24″ and 26″ wide.
If you’re an experienced rider who wants to do some wakeboarding tricks, you may want to go with a narrower board. A narrower board will give you more control in the air and make it easier to do spins and other tricks. However, if you’re not careful, a narrow board can also be less stable and more difficult to ride.
16.5″-17.5″
The width of a wakeboard is measured in inches from tip to tip. The width of the board you need is primarily determined by your weight and riding style. Generally, the heavier and/or more aggressive you are, the wider your board should be. Conversely, the lighter and/or less aggressive you are, the narrower your board can be.
That said, there are some details worth considering…
If you’re a beginner or not very aggressive, you’ll want a narrower board in order to make it easier to get up on plane and keep your speed going when carving. A narrow board will also offer a more “locked-in” feel when edging into a turn.
If you’re heavier and/or more aggressive, you’ll want a wider board in order to give you more surface area on the water for stability at high speeds, especially when landing jumps. A wider board will also offer a more “loose” feel when carving turns, which can be beneficial for spin tricks.
All other things being equal (length, rocker profile, etc.), a narrower board will have less overall stability than a wider one but will edge into turns better while a wider board will be more stable but won’t edge as well.
17.5″ and up
17.5″ and up – For riders over 180 lbs. or for those who want more stability and a smoother ride in rough water, a board width of 17.5″ or more is recommended. Wider boards will also make landings easier on inverts and flips
