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Summers spent on the water combine fresh air and sunshine with exercise, adventure and above all, fun!
There are countless boating activities to brighten up your summer days, from banana boats to water skiing, but if you want to get a real adrenaline rush that looks tough at the same time, wakeboarding is definitely the sport for you!
A combination of water skiing and snowboarding, this summer favorite can be done with or without the use of a boat.
My absolute favorite Wakeboard for beginners is this Jobe Vanity. It has a solid core, which gives it no flex but a lot of response and is therefore very suitable to start as a wakeboarder.
DownTown also has a good video explaining it:
Finding the best wakeboards can be tricky, especially with such a wide variety on the market. That's why it's important to do your research and make sure you get a quality wakeboard.
Let's take a quick look at the top picks first, then I'll dive deeper into each of these options:
| Model | Images |
|---|---|
| Best wakeboard for beginners: Jobe Vanity | 
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| Best wakeboard for big air tricks: Hyperlite hashtag | 
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| Best price/quality ratio: Talamex Stars 139 Wakeboard Set | 
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| Most durable wakeboard: Hyperlite Motive | 
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| Best wakeboard for advanced users: DUP Kudeta 145 | 
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| Best park wakeboard: O'Brien Indie | 
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| Best wakeboard for kids: CWB Surge 125cm | 
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| Best wakeboard for amateurs: Hydroslide Helix | 
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| Best large surface wakeboard: Sling Shot Nomad | 
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| Best wakeboard for little tricks: Hyperlite State 2.0 | 
|
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 How to Choose a Wakeboard – Buying Guide
- 2 Best wakeboards reviewed
- 2.1 Best wakeboard for beginners: Jobe Vanity
- 2.2 Best wakeboard for big air tricks: Hyperlite Hashtag
- 2.3 Best price/quality ratio: Talamex Stars 139 Wakeboard Set
- 2.4 Most Durable Wakeboard: Hyperlite Motive
- 2.5 Best Advanced Wakeboard: DUP Kudeta 145
- 2.6 Best Park Wakeboard: O'Brien Indie
- 2.7 Best wakeboard for kids: CWB Surge 125cm
- 2.8 Best Wakeboard for Amateurs: Hydroslide Helix
- 2.9 Best Large Area Wakeboard: Slingshot Nomad
- 2.10 Best wakeboard for small tricks: Hyperlite State 2.0
- 3 Frequently asked questions about wakeboards
- 4 Conclusion
How to Choose a Wakeboard – Buying Guide
Finding the best wakeboard can be tricky, and if there is a "best" wakeboard out there, it may not necessarily be right for your specific needs.
That's why getting a basic understanding of what to look for in a wakeboard pays off endlessly. When looking for your next wakeboard, keep these few key features in mind.
Size
The length of your wakeboard is based on your weight and skills. Size is measured in centimeters and ranges from about 130 to over 144. Although this is the standard measurement methods there are a few more factors that can play a role in determining which size to buy.
Smaller shelves
Once you have become more comfortable on the wakeboard, you will start to develop your preferences when it comes to the size that best suits you. A shorter plank will glide more slowly over the water than its larger counterpart.
While they may not slide that fast, they are experts at doing flips and tricks. Easy to maneuver, these boards require a lot more skill to land your board successfully.
Larger shelves
Larger boards are easier to operate and are therefore mostly used for beginners. The larger surface area allows them to gain extra speed in the water and to drive faster.
The large design loses speed when in the air on jumps and tricks because the size offers a lot of resistance. Larger boards are clearly heavier and more cumbersome when you try to perform tricks with them.
Style
Wakeboards fit into two categories: park and boat. This refers to what you will be using the wakeboard for. While you can technically use a park board behind a boat and vice versa, you will clearly see that each board has a specific intended use.
Park planks
Specifically designed to handle the force of rails and ramps, park planks will look and feel different from boat planks. The base of these wakeboards will be smooth and reinforced.
Edges will be more precise and you can take corners sharper because park wakeboards tend to be on the smaller side. These boards are thin and have a high flex rating. This allows them to be thrown into turns and jump higher despite there being no wake.
boat boards
Because boat boards can use the wake surf created by the boat, they will have significantly less flex than park boards. This makes for smoother and easier landings.
Their bases also look different. Since you won't be doing rails or jumps, these boards don't need that reinforcement on the park board.
Hybrid boards
The newest category of wakeboards is a mix between park and boat. With these wakeboards you can change your style if you want to. This is perfect if you like both aspects, but only have the budget for one board (or don't feel like carrying multiple boards with you at a time).
Their flex is right in the middle, giving just enough flex to take sharp corners and pop with or without wake. Flex is also specially designed. The tips will be softer while the center of the board will be firm.
Since hybrid wakeboards are grind rails and hit kickers, their bases are reinforced just enough to improve durability.
Controllability
There are many features that you should pay attention to before purchasing the best wakeboard. All these aspects affect how your wakeboard will ride through the water.
Base
This is one of the most important parts of the board.
The bottom of a wakeboard can be smooth, channeled, v-spine, or concave.
- Smooth bottom plates give the rider full control. They can spin and pop to their heart's content.
- A channeled bottom gives the rider a smoother landing. The grooves direct the water and can break the water on landing, making it much easier on your body.
- A V-shaped base is usually found on three-stage boards. It allows the rider to carve more easily and land the toughest tricks with ease.
- Hollow planks have circular indentations built into their bases. This reduces the suction of water, meaning the board will ride higher and allow the rider to pop more easily.
Rocker
This part of the board describes the shape of the wakeboard. All wakeboards have a curvature in their shape. The amount of bow can help or hinder certain aspects of your style.
There are two main types of rockers: Continuous and Three-stage and recently progressive has been added.
continuous rocker
If you like to stay on the water and enjoy carving with the occasional big air jump, a continuous rocker will be your thing. If this suits you, your board will have a large – continuous – curve, hence the name. These wakeboards are quick and easy to handle.
Three stage rocker
Three-stage rockers look a little different. They have a head shape with a more pronounced bend. Known for getting big air, these boards are also harder to handle.
Their shape makes them more difficult to control because they don't have distinct edges to cut through the water. Landings are harder and harder on your body. It also takes a little longer to get up to speed after landing.
Flex
Like skateboards or snowboards do wakeboards have flex. This describes the amount of bend a board has. Flex can help you jump out of the wake and propel you even higher into the air. It also aids in carving. Again, as you become more comfortable on the water, you develop a preference for what feels best.
Fins
Like surfboards and paddleboards, wakeboards use fins to keep them in a straight line. The number of fins on the bottom of the board affects the rideability of the board. Typically, the preferred type of fin depends on skill level and intended use.
Size of the fin
The bigger the fins, the less you are able to do tricks. Boards with these huge fins are usually designed for people who are learning to wakeboard or just want to go fast. They keep you focused where you want to go, don't let you spin and are more stable.
More experienced wakeboarders will want boards without fins or one with fins around the perimeter of the wakeboard. This gives them the ability to spin in and out of their jumps.
Detachable vs Fixed
Some boards may have fins that can be removed while others have fins that cannot. Removable fins can be attached with screws and channels.
Most wakeboards have two sets of fins. The inner ones are usually detachable, while the outer fins are attached. This gives the rider the most control over the wakeboard and the freedom to choose how his board rides.
Maintenance
If your board has removable fins, it's important to maintain them properly. Before each ride, check that all screws are tight. Keep in mind that the fins and screws do not float, so be careful when adjusting.
If you damage your fins, you need to be able to sand and fill them. It should be clear that the detachable fins can be replaced if you damage or lose them.
Best wakeboards reviewed
To help you get the most out of your summer, we've put together a list of the top ten wakeboards on the market so you can find the best wakeboard for your needs!
Best wakeboard for beginners: Jobe Vanity
It's easy to see why this lightweight and high-quality wakeboard tops our list and is the best wakeboard on the market.
The Vanity wakeboard is designed for all levels of wakeboarders from beginners to advanced, but is preferred for beginners as experienced wakeboarders may want to choose a wakeboard that is tailored to their personal style.
If you don't have that much classes but want to buy your own board, then it is an excellent choice.
The Vanity is more of a beginner wakeboard that is very well balanced as you start to figure out your preferences.
Stability and edge control are increased through multiple defined channels running from tip to nose, making the Vanity a great wakeboard when learning to keep your balance.
A laminated glass top plate and two cast-in fins with a continuous rocker provide a softer turn and effortless lift, while the reinforced ABS fin block adds strength and secures the fin attachment.
This awesome wakeboard comes in a sleek black, blue and gray graphic finish and has cool boots to keep you looking cool and cool as you board the river or race through the harbor. Whatever your plans this year, this is the best wake board out there for beginners and will definitely make your summer a whole lot more fun!
What makes this Wakeboard stand out:
- Multiple defined channels run from tip to nose
- Layered glass top plate
- 2 cast-in fins
- Continuous rocker
- Sleek graphic finish
- Lace-ups and bindings included
- Spring core technology
- Reinforced ABS fin block
Check the most current prices and availability here
Also read: these are the best wetsuits out there with all the latest technology (YES, technology!)
Best wakeboard for big air tricks: Hyperlite Hashtag
Hyperlite's Hashtag wakeboard is designed to test the limits of all wakeboarders, from beginner to advanced. With trendy, urban-style green and red graphics, this board will keep you looking your best for tricks and stunts in the water.
Combining this wakeboard with the Destroyer binding - designed for comfort and quick response under pressure - ensures that this pack is optimized for superior performance and not to be missed!
It has a larger surface area than usual, thanks to a wider profile and blunt tip and tail shape. As a result, the Hashtag supports the biggest air tricks. A refined Airstick Core combined with High Density Flex Zones in the tip and tail provides the perfect blend of flex with minimal swing weight.
This is an advanced board.
Extra strength is added with the patented Tri-Ax glass. This glass has a configuration of fibers that run in three directions to allow for maximum durability while still allowing the board to bend.
Furthermore, it has the Abrupt Continuous Rocker that adds a little more kick to the speed that so many riders are looking for.
Best price/quality ratio: Talamex Stars 139 Wakeboard Set
The Talamex Wakeboard set is an ideal wakeboard for beginners, and when it comes to value, one of the best wakeboard sets on the market for the price.
While experienced and intermediate level riders may not find this board challenging enough, it is packed with features that will help beginners and intermediates learn and improve.
In addition, there are universal bindings on it so that it is an ideal board to use with friends so that everyone can quickly change and have a try.
Check prices and availability here
Most Durable Wakeboard: Hyperlite Motive
Durability and performance were the driving forces behind the new Hyperlite Motive Wakeboard, making it one of the best wakeboards for beginners!
With elasticated laces for an easy fit, a rear flex zone that provides extra cushion on the back of your leg and the supportive frequency binding that uses a single injected molded EVA material, this pack is optimized for comfort!
One size fits most bindings and fits most feet between 7 and 12, making it great for families to share!
This wakeboard is designed to be easy to learn. A 6 degree edge chamfer reduces the chance of catching edges and makes steering easier. Contoured fins help you stay stable and ride smooth, great when you find your balance!
A Continuous Rocker helps with smooth turns and keeps your pops soft when you decide to catch some air time!
What makes this Wakeboard stand out:
- Perfect for beginners
- V-tech tip and tail
- Smooth landings
- 3 Stage Rocker
- Comes with boots and bindings
- 3 clear graphics choices
- Removable center fin
Best Advanced Wakeboard: DUP Kudeta 145
The DUP Kudeta wakeboard is one of the best wakeboards for intermediate and advanced boarders. This board is very durable, made from 100% Paulonia Timber with carbon fiber reinforcement, so if you like hitting the waves hard and looking for a board that is durable then the Kudeta might be the best wake board for you!
Based on the ChilV form. The Kudeta features ultimate flex combined with DUP's signature durability. This board offers unique benefits for all levels of progression, whether you're doing a new trick or just starting to find your groove.
The ChilV has redefined some key features from the rest of the line, simple channel design, PU sidewalls and most of the flex in the line.
Most important features:
- 100% Paulonia wood core
- Flat line construction
- Dyna2 base
- Polyurethane sidewalls
- Fiberglass from Tri Axle of 600 grams
- Strategically profiled wooden core
- Dropped Edge Profile
- Flat hull
- 3 Stage Rocker
Best Park Wakeboard: O'Brien Indie
With a park-specific design built around a 100% wood core, the Indie delivers the optimal park riding experience with tons of flex on rails and snappy pop-off kickers. With its center tunnel running the length of the board, the Indie centers itself and locks onto rails with ease.
This significantly reduces the friction on the rails. To spice it up a bit, the Indie has a series of stepped channels that run along the rails, adding the perfect amount of traction on the water without sacrificing performance on obstacles.
Finished off with the patented ultra-durable Impact Base and DuraRail sidewalls, the Indie is sure to make your next trip to the wakeboard park your best.
Designed for minimum weight, maximum durability and an organic feel with a 100% Paulownia wood core. This will allow your board to last through seasons of shredding.
A modified Continuous Rocker with the tip and tail slightly raised has turned into a more custom designed Continuous Rocker. This keeps the board gliding quickly over the water with increased rocker height without increasing the belly of the board.
The result is more vertical pop than a Continuous Rocker with more predictability than a 3-Stage.
Best wakeboard for kids: CWB Surge 125cm
Another great wakeboard for beginners, and one of the best wakeboards for kids, the Surge is stable, easy to manage and lands softly, making it a perfect board to learn.
Continuous rockers allow the board to be easily operated and kept stable, while the two fins are removable, allowing students to master the control of the rail edge without them.
This board is extremely durable, with a foam core for extra buoyancy and protective reinforced edges. Adjustable laces and high quality boots are also included!
Check out the latest prices here
Best Wakeboard for Amateurs: Hydroslide Helix
This wakeboard is designed for mature riders with a little more skill in the water. This wakeboard comes with Brandon Bindings and gives you everything you need to get out and enjoy your day on the water.
A great option for intermediate and advanced riders alike, this board will make you look like a pro in the water. The board's easy-to-maneuver, forgiving design makes it easier than ever to show off to your friends.
A three-stage design gives you the control you need to handle this board with ease. Test your limits by practicing some new tricks and jumps with this board and get ready to be impressed by the expert grip on these bindings.
This is truly one of the best wakeboards out there!
What makes this Wakeboard stand out:
- Design in three stages
- Easy to operate
- Brandon bindings
Best Large Area Wakeboard: Slingshot Nomad
The Slingshot Nomad is a great wakeboard for riders of all levels, due to the larger surface area that provides more stability and allows you to ride at lower speeds.
Whether you're a pro or it's your first time on a board, you're sure to enjoy the smooth ride the Nomad offers!
What makes this Wakeboard stand out:
- A larger surface area provides stability
- Suitable for all levels
- Great for boats with smaller wakes
Best wakeboard for small tricks: Hyperlite State 2.0
The last entry in our list is one of the best wakeboards for learning new tricks! The rim on the rider's drag side is shorter but more effective for learning jumps, while the thinner profile incorporated fin reduces drag for better release.
The longer heel edge allows the rider to generate speed and stability, making this board a great combination of features specifically designed for performance.
What makes this Wakeboard stand out:
- Asymmetrical shape for better performance
- Cast fins
- Molded toe-side footbed
- Layered fiberglass for durability
Frequently asked questions about wakeboards
How do you get on a wakeboard?
Getting up on a wakeboard can be difficult to master. When you first start, expect to drop a few times before you get the hang of it.
You want to make sure that your bindings are comfortably fastened to your feet. Then the boat driver has to accelerate to about 30 km per hour. This is a comfortable speed to learn.
When you start, you have to sit with the board sticking straight out of the water. As the boat moves, the sign will begin to pull you out of the water. Then you need to move your feet so that your dominant is in front. From there, all you need to do is shift your weight between your heel and toe to maintain your balance.
What size Wakeboard do I need?
The size you should use will depend on both your body weight and your riding style, with weight being the primary focus. This is not always easy to do as many people buy a wakeboard that can be used by several people.
If this is the case for you, it is wise to go for the heaviest rider, for example the father in a family. This is because wakeboards become useless if they cannot support the rider's body weight.
Kids should obviously use the smallest board (under 130cm), while riders who weigh well over 90 pounds should go for a much larger board (140-144+cm).
Most people who are in the 70/80 kilo range should consider staying in the middle category between 135-140cm. Usually, the longer the wakeboard is, the easier it is to ride.
How do you jump with a wakeboard?
Once you're comfortable on a wakeboard, you'll probably want to push the boundaries of this sport and start performing a few tricks. If you have some confidence behind you and can easily turn your board, you are ready to start jumping in the air.
First you want to build up a lot of speed. You do this by maintaining a progressive edge. This means starting slow and building up as much speed as possible until you reach the lip of the wave and are thrown into the air.
Just before waking there will be a small dip. Use this time to stretch out and keep your legs straight. This allows you to use this as a starting point for generating more power. As soon as you take to the skies, you should immediately look for a landing spot to make sure your landing goes smoothly.
How to pull a wakeboard forward?
Pulling a wakeboard behind the boat makes it easy or difficult for the rider to get up. You should smoothly accelerate your boat to about 30 km per hour while keeping an eye on the driver. If they fall, slow down and stop the boat to make sure everything is okay.
How should you move a Wakeboard?
Moving a wakeboard is similar to snowboarding. You want to use the long edges of the board to carve in the water behind the boat. To get the board in the right position, you need to lean on your toes and heel.
If you're already snowboarding, you'll pick this up pretty quickly. But if you don't, you have to have a little faith that this will, in fact, lead you through the water.
How do you set up Wakeboard Bindings?
There are many different positions in which your wakeboard can be placed. When you start exercising, your feet will have a slight forward tilt. The back binding will be about 0 degrees, while your front foot will have an angle of about 15 to 27 degrees.
More advanced riders will have their back tire between 0 and 9 degrees and their front tire about 18 degrees. For experienced riders, their front bindings are set at 9 degrees and the back bindings 9 degrees in the opposite direction.
Conclusion
Wakeboarding is a fun summer pastime and a relative of snowboarding in the winter. Similar to the great conditions of a mountain full of fresh snow, wakeboarding delivers the perfect conditions every time.
A great activity for those thrill-seeking, water-loving individuals, it is sure to keep you fit while being a great athlete.
When perusing wakeboard reviews, be sure to look for key features like size, flex, and the shape of the board.
Because this is sure to become an addictive sport, we recommend that you choose the best wakeboard that can be seamlessly translated between a beginner and an intermediate wakeboard so that you don't want to buy a new one.
Also read: these are the best SUP and iSUP models you can buy
