Wakeboarding is a challenging thing to learn. However, it’s considerably easier when you have the right wakeboard size. If you want to try your hand at wakeboarding or wonder if your current wakeboard fits you the way it should, this wakeboard size chart will help.
Wakeboard size is almost always chosen based on rider weight, but there are a few other details that you need to account for in this decision.
Wakeboard Size Chart Overview
With the right wakeboard size, you’ll be able to board at peak performance (and safety). So if you have your sights set on becoming an expert wakeboarder (or just want to avoid a nasty accident), board size isn’t something you want to overlook.
Whether you’re hopping on a board for the first time or ready to perform wakeboard tricks, here are a few of the most important things to remember.
- The rider’s weight primarily determines the proper wakeboard size
- Longer boards offer more stability for beginners
- Smaller boards with less weight are good for advanced riders looking to do tricks.
- Kids wakeboards are designed for young riders and create a balance between size and control.
Here are the factors to consider when choosing a wakeboard length/size.
Factor #1: Rider Weight
The right wakeboard length is crucial to achieving that smooth ride you’re after. The tricky thing here is determining the right length when sharing a board with several people. In our wakeboard chart, you’ll see that we provided a range for board length to ensure it works for all riders in your group.
A pro tip here is to always size up based on the heaviest rider. A lighter rider can make a longer board work, but the same cannot be said for the heavier rider with a shorter board.
If you are serious about wakeboarding, test out a few different board lengths. When it comes to control, there is a big difference between a 150 cm board and a 135 cm board.
| Rider Weight (lbs) | Board Length (cm) |
| Less than 100 | 130-134 |
| 100-150 | 135-139 |
| 150-180 | 140-144 |
| 180-250 | 145-149 |
| 250+ | 150+ |
Factor #2: Experience Level
If you’re just dipping your toes into the wakeboarding world, the longer board is your best bet. Longer boards help you achieve softer landings and grant you more forgiveness when it comes to balance.
As your wakeboarding experience increases and you get better with maneuvering, you can switch to a slightly smaller board. Note: The smaller board is easier to use when doing flips, spins, and tricks.
As you slowly progress, you’ll notice that the wakeboard rocker—the curve of the board—starts to matter more. Beginners and intermediates use a continuous rocker wakeboard or a three-stage rocker. When landing or gliding with these types of boards, it feels more like a gentle wave.
The aggressive rocker is less forgiving for the more advanced rider but provides the difference necessary to perform tricks with the right timing and precision.
| Experience Level | Recommended Board Length (cm) |
| Beginners | 135-145 |
| Intermediate | 130-140 |
| Advanced | 125-135 |
| Kids’ Wakeboards | 120-134 |
Factor #3: Riding Style
Your riding style is like your wakeboarding signature; it’s unique to you. If you always ride one way, it can influence your choice between a longer or shorter wakeboard.
If your goal is to make sharp turns and flips, a shorter board is better. However, be prepared for a bumpy landing. For an experienced rider, the bumpy landing is all part of the fun of the ride.
On the flip side, if you’re more of a cable park rider working with rails and ramps, you’ll want a board without fins. You will notice that cable park riding allows for a slightly larger wakeboard than performance boat wakeboarding; however, you still want to err on the shorter end with both riding styles.
Wakeboarders looking for versatility tend to stay around that 140 cm mark.
| Riding Style | Board Length (cm) |
| Boat Wakeboarding | 130-140 |
| Cable Park Riding | 135-145 |
| Hybrid (Both Styles) | 133-143 |
Board Length Considerations for Multiple Riders
Having a board that’s a one-size-fits-all solution is a bit difficult. The trick is to find a wakeboard size that fits the heaviest rider in your group. This way, everyone gets to ride high and dry. Remember: riders of a certain weight will have trouble staying afloat if the board is too small.
If you are concerned about the shorter riders using this bigger board, don’t be. Although you may not have as much maneuverability to perform tricks and spins, the board is still usable. Lighter riders can stand closer to the center of the board and still maneuver just fine.
Longer vs. Shorter Boards
Choosing between a longer and a shorter wakeboard can be difficult. If it’s not in the budget to purchase one of each, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Longer boards are your cruisers—steady, stable, and perfect for those just starting out. As mentioned, a longer board is also a better fit if you need a board that can accommodate multiple riders. The Hyperlite Murray Pro comes in lengths up to 150 cm making it a very stable board regardless of the rider’s weight.
Shorter boards, on the other hand, are quick and nimble. They allow for rapid maneuvers but demand a bit more from their riders. Some shorter boards, like the Liquid Force Fury Wakeboard, can also be good options for younger riders who are smaller in size but adept at wakeboarding.
Kids Wakeboards: Sizing and Features
Kids need wakeboards just right for their size, and there’s a whole lineup of sizes specifically tailored for them. We’re talking about wakeboards that come in sizes like 120cm and 125cm, designed to match their smaller statues.
One of the most well-known kids’ wakeboards is the Jr. Impact Wakeboard from Rave Sports. These 124cm boards are engineered with features that help kids build their skills. For example, the shape of the bindings on these boards gives them the stability and control they need to progress and, most importantly, have fun wakeboarding.
Size Recommendations for Young Riders
When it’s time to pick out a wakeboard for the youngsters, weight considerations should be top of mind. Just like for adults, the size chart for kids’ wakeboards is based on the rider’s weight. Manufacturers have done their homework, providing recommendations to ensure your young rider has the right board to help them find success on the water.
| Rider Weight (lbs) | Board Length (cm) |
| 60-80 | 124-134 |
| 80-100 | 130-138 |
| 100-125 | 135-142 |
Key Features for Learning
Kids’ wakeboards also come with additional features to make it easier to learn to wakeboard. They have reduced widths for easier handling and asymmetrical designs for more effective edge control.
With features like open wakeboard bindings and a comfortable wakeboard boot, these boards can grow with your child.
Since wakeboarding requires an initial investment, you’ll want to pick a board your kids can grow into.
Wakeboarding Tips for Beginners
Now that you have the wakeboard size figured out, here are some beginner wakeboarding tips to help you get started. Also, if you have a little extra money in the budget and a jet ski could be a better fit, here is a complete guide on how to ride a jet ski.
To hit the water, gear up by following these steps:
- Secure your bindings and start on the swim step.
- With your board facing the water, slip into the bindings and tighten them up.
- Ease into the waves with the wakeboard handle ready.
- Keep the rope short for that helpful upward pull.
- Pull the handle to your hip as the boat accelerates, and keep the arms bent.
Summary
Now it’s time to buy a wakeboard and start enjoying being out on the water. One thing that many wakeboarders forget to consider is where they are going to store their wakeboard. If your garage is already filled with your other watersports toys, consider Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace where you’ll find storage options for any and all of your watersports gear, jet skis, or boats. The best part about Neighbor is that the pricing is typically 50% lower than traditional storage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beginners and Advanced Riders Use the Same Wakeboard?
Beginners and advanced riders tend to prefer different wakeboard sizes and rockers for stability and maneuverability. It’s best for each skill level to choose a board that suits their needs.
What Are the Differences Between Boat Wakeboarding and Cable Park Wakeboarding Boards?
Boat wakeboarding boards are shorter for better control and aerial maneuvers, while cable park wakeboards lack fins for easier spins and are made with durable materials to withstand hitting obstacles. Choose the right board based on your preferred style of wakeboarding.
How Do I Know What Size Wakeboard I Need?
To choose the best wakeboard for you, select one based on your weight.
Can a Wakeboard Be Too Big?
A wakeboard can be too big, and because of that, it becomes difficult to control and perform tricks. In addition, larger wakeboards often have slower response times.
How Do I Choose My First Wakeboard?
For your first wakeboard, it’s typically best to choose a longer and wider board. It will be more stable and help you until you get more confident.
What Is the Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Wakeboards?
Men and women can use the same wakeboard. However, one of the differences you see is that women’s boards are lighter and shorter with slightly more flexibility.
The post How to Choose a Wakeboard? Wakeboard Size Chart and Guide appeared first on Neighbor Blog.