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| Before You Buy A Wakeboard |
|
by
Julie Bostian
(http://waterski.about.com)
The
wakeboard you choose will most likely reflect your skill level and the
type/style of boarding you want to do. The different features of the
wakeboard determine how it will perform. Most wakeboard manufacturers
have printed information to help you determine which board is right for
you. But often it's just a small description. Use the topics below to
help you choose a wakeboard before purchase. |
| Level of Ability /
Riding Style Beginners prefer a board with squared edges. This allows more control and stability for someone who is not ready for big air tricks. More advanced riders prefer a board with rounded edges because air tricks are easier to land. Rounded edges allow less of a chance of catching an edge when landing. They also help the board gain faster speed (allowing for nice lift off the wakes when jumping). More On Level/Ability Boards come in single and twin tipped. Single tipped boards are pointed at one end and squared off at the other. These boards are best for one directional riding. Twin tipped boards are rounded at both ends, allowing for easy transition with switching directions and landing tricks. The majority of the boards manufactured today are twin tipped. Width and Length / Rocker The wakeboard length averages between 120-150 centimeters. Width is usually between 38-44 centimeters. Longer boards are better for beginners and offer more stability when starting and turning. If uncertain of who all may be riding your wakeboard it is better to get a longer one because longer boards can hold larger people, whereas shorter boards may only be able to hold smaller/lighter riders More On Width and Length / Rocker Rocker is how the board curves/angles at its ends. A higher rocker is more rounded bottom and allows easier landings with jumping. Lower rocker is a flatter bottom and allows the rider to accelerate better and gain easier control over the board. Gradual rocker curve is known as continuous rocker. Progressive rockers have a gradual curve along the center and then become more angled under the feet. Fins Fins are tracking and turning devices located on the bottom of the wakeboard. Fins help steer the board. In smooth water conditions smaller and thinner fins work well. In rougher water conditions a larger, wider fin helps steer the board when it bounces on the water. Wider fins displace more water and create a suction effect with the board to the water, which helps the board connect to the water. Bindings/Boots You want your wakeboard bindings to be snug but not so tight that they are painful. If the boot is too tight you run the risk of breaking an ankle, leg, or knee because the board may not properly release from your foot upon falling. Many bindings offer a lace up feature that allow tightening of the boot once your feet are in the boot. • Wakeboard Binding Set-Up • Wakeboard Binding Manufacturers • Binding Lubricants More On Bindings/Boots Generally bindings are made of a heavy foam material. Bindings generally have finger holes in the rear that allow for easy foot entrance. Always wet your bindings before entering them. If necessary use binding lubricant. Try Before You Buy The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to demo a wakeboard before the purchase. No matter how much research you've done it makes no difference if you are unhappy with how the wakeboard works with your style and skill level. Most pro shops will allow you to demo a board for a fee, however, many shops will remove the cost of the fee in the event you end up purchasing the board from them. |
(c) 2004 by Julie Bostian (http://waterski.about.com), licensed to About Inc. Used by permission of About Inc., which can be found on the Web at http://www.about.com. All rights reserved.
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