First called skiboarding, wakeboarding began in the late 1980s. Unlike surfing that needs a breaking wave to generate movement, wakeboarding is more akin to water skiing. A rider is pulled, usually by a specifically-rigged power boat, and uses speed and the wake created by the boat to perform a series of tricks, flips and other maneuvers. Because a rider is pulled, wakeboarding is popular throughout the United States on various lakes and rivers, in addition to ocean coastlines.
Wakeboards are floating devices that can be easily modified to match the rider's skill level and desired style. Its three main features are the deck, the foot bindings and the underside fins. Bindings and fins are adjustable to best fit the rider. Like a snowboard, wakeboards are designed to allow either foot to be placed forward through the course of a ride. Many riders will set their dominant foot forward as they learn to master the sport, but soon modify the binding placement. The length and size of the fins is also a consideration in buying a new wakeboard. For example, longer fins give more stability while gaining speed for aerial tricks, but may inhibit a rider's ability to complete certain water surface tricks.
What to Look for
The biggest issue in selecting a new wakeboard is tailoring your board to the type of ride you are looking for. Boards vary in terms of width, length, deck design, bottom design, and fin design. All five factors directly affect the way the wakeboard cuts through the water. A wide, longer board will sit higher on the water, thus will be slower and harder to get real air off the wake. A shorter, narrower board will achieve the opposite effect.
The design of the board's deck and underside will also affect the ride. The contour of the deck, or rocker, can be flat or molded like a skateboard to allow for maneuverability and turns. Its underside may be rounded out for buoyancy or may be cut with channels to allow for increased water flow and aerodynamic control.
There are many manufacturers of wakeboards including Hyperlite, CWB, Liquidforce, O'Brien and Ronix. The more design features a board has, the more expensive. When buying a new board, expect to pay $200 to $500.
Common Pitfalls
If you are new to the sport and know a lake or river where it is popular, look into renting a basic board from a local pro shop to help you get started. Because, price increases with board length and fin design, finding the right board is crucial. Clearly as your skills advance, so will the size and features of your board. Don't buy a big board designed for big air if you are still trying to successfully get over the wake. One of the best product features of most wakeboards is they can be modified to meet your ride as your skills improve.
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