Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you need the best wakeboard to keep you efficient and safe on the water. With the right gear, a beginner can learn basic to advanced wakeboarding skills. We have selected five of the top wakeboards in the market.
The Top 5 Best Wakeboards
Most wakeboards can also be used for other sports like snowboarding, windsurfing, and ocean paddling. Find the best board that will match your needs from our five top products.
RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Wakeboard with Charger Boots by RAVE Sports
Description:
- With continuous rockers to keep it stable and easy to move.
- Made from the best quality materials that are strong but lightweight.
- With impact-resistant, reinforced edges to improve durability.
- Removable fins and adjustable boots.
Features
- Dimensions: 48 x 15 x .5 inches, 11.7 pounds
- User Weight: <125 pounds
- Board Sizes: 122 cm for beginners
- Material: foam core
- Special Features: continuous rockers, reinforced side rails, removable fins, adjustable boots
- Accessories: boots with lace-up bindings
The RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard comes with handy and very durable charger boots. Unlike other board that does not come with boots, you’ll get good value for your money as your purchase comes with boots with lace-up bindings. This design makes it easier to slide in and lock up. You’re ready to go in just a few minutes!
This board has a continuous rocker which enhances stability, predictability, and ease of use. You’ll land softer and safer with his wakeboard. This is made from the best quality materials including a foam core. Because of its core and construction, it is flexible, lightweight, and will last longer than a wooden board.
This Impact Wakeboard also has improved edges or side rails that continue along the edges. This improves the stability of the board and further protects the core. It comes with two removable fins that make it easier for it to move. You can also remove the fins to ride fin-less which is best for mastering board control in deep waters.
The boots are adjustable and the bindings are attached to the wakeboard with easy to adjust mounting screws. You can readily adjust the board’s forward foot which is perfect for beginners and those who are more at ease with skiing than wakeboarding or snowboarding.
Pros
- This is a good board for beginners as it’s predictable and forgiving.
- It is easy to control and will help you land safely.
- Made from high-quality materials, so it’s durable.
- Removable fins to practice a fin-less ride.
- Comes with adjustable boots, good value for your money.
Cons
- Available in only one size and design.
- Very heavy for a beginner.
Hyperlite Motive Wakeboard
Star Rating: 3.8 out of 5
Best One-Size-Fits-All Wakeboard from Hyperlite
Description:
- This is a one-size-fits-all wakeboard.
- With molded fins that improve stability.
- With a 6-degree edge for faster progression and safer falls.
- With a BIO 3 Core light but durable core.
Features
- Board Sizes: size 7 to 13 for men and 8 to 15 for women
- Material: BIO 3 CORE, Hyperlite’s special formula
- Special Features: with molded fins, continuous rocker, forgiving edges
- Accessories: none
The Hyperlite Motive Wakeboard is designed to work with male and female riders. It has molded fins that make the board more stable to help enhance your confidence as you learn the sport. This features a continuous rocker which promotes a softer, more mellow experience with a smoother ride when you’re just off the wake. This is also great for children and those who are just beginning to learn the sport.
The Motive Wakeboard comes with a 6-degree edge that will protect you against high-impact falls. Under the hood is the manufacturer’s own blend of wakeboard core: the BIO 3 CORE which is known as the best in the market. BIO 3 is lighter and is more durable than traditional foam cores.
This wakeboard is a one-size-fits-all board but it’s available in 134 and 140 cm lengths. It has a stunning red, black and white design that adds to its appeal.
Pros
- A one-size-fits-all board made for men and women.
- Comes with molded fins to make the board stable.
- Gives you the feel of a free ride.
- Makes falls safer with its forgiving design.
- With a more durable core, better and stronger than other foam cores.
Cons
- One-size-fits-all boards are not good for taller and wider people.
- Molded fins are not for people who want to go fin-less
Airhead Radical Wakeboard
Star Rating: 3.6 out of 5
Best Wakeboard for Beginners and Experts from Airhead
Description:
- With a radical, fun design.
- Basic wakeboard for beginners and experts.
- Very sturdy, will last a long time.
Features
- Dimensions: 10.15 x 147.32 x 45.72 cm , 6 pounds
- Material: foam
- Special Features: with a basic style, cool radial design
- Accessories: none
The Airhead Radical Wakeboard is a colorful retro board that has a basic wakeboard design. It has rounded edges which makes it faster and safer in the water. It is made for beginners as well as for experts with no fins included.
This board comes in two retro designs with a foam core that makes it easier to maneuver and forgiving. This board is tough and will last for as long as you want to play in the water. It can also double as a snowboard but it needs bindings before use.
Pros
- Has a basic design and shape.
- With cool retro design and colors.
- Rounded edges help you move smoothly and safely in the water
Cons
- Does not come with fins and bindings.
- You still need to buy these components which will cost you more.
Connelly Wakeboard
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
Best Updated Wakeboard Design from Connelly
Description:
- Wakeboard is made for beginners and experts.
- With molded fins, two skater fins for added stability.
- With a cool design
Features
- Dimensions: 61 x 24 x 12.52 inches, 20.25 pounds
- Material: foam
- Special Features: full-spine design, four molded fins, and skater fins, colorful design
- Accessories: none
The Connelly Wakeboard is made from the toughest but lightest foam core. You’ll have a stable, easy ride that’s perfect for beginner wakeboarders. The board comes with a full spine plus four base-molded fins. These fins are bolted safely on the board making it great for beginners and intermediate users. You’ll get a deep-center fin plus one long find for easy tracking.
The edge is smooth for fast and easy carving. The board is consistent with a 3-stage rocker for the easy popping of the wake. Finally, it has a cool and modern design, perfect for people who want to stand out in the surf. It can be used as a snowboard or for other water sport like paddleboard and water skiing.
Pros
- Offers a stable and safer ride.
- With a durable spine and well-designed molded fins.
- Best for beginners and experienced users.
- With a cool and modern design.
Cons
- Complaints that the board is slow.
- You can’t remove the fins to go fin-less.
- Available only in one size.
Absolute Outdoor Wakeboard
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Extreme Wakeboard Kit by Absolute Outdoor
Description:
- Wakeboard with lace-up boots
- With a cool design.
- With a basic shape, perfect for beginners and experts alike
Features
- Dimensions: 26.67 x 49.53 x 150.268 cm, 8.006 kg
- Material: foam
- Special Features: with lace-up boots, basic board shape
- Accessories: none
The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme from Absolute Outdoor gives you more value for your money as it comes with adjustable lace-up boots. This is made from very durable materials, strong core, and has a smooth and flawless surface. The edges are rounded to allow you to cut through the water without any hesitation.
This wakeboard has basic dimensions that will match beginner and expert riders. It is light and therefore easier to move and maneuver in the water and in snow. Also, the bindings are adjustable and the boots will fit any size of feet. This wakeboard has a striking design and color, perfect for the aggressive rider.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable lace-up boot.
- Offers better value for your money.
- Just the right size and shape for beginners and experts
- Has a smooth surface, curved edges, and an overall aggressive design.
Cons
- Available only in one size.
- Does not come with fins
How To Buy The Best Wakeboard
Wakeboarding is an extreme sport that many people enjoy. A part of fully enjoying this sport is using only the right wakeboard. And although it seems too easy to just pick any board, you need to consider the many factors when choosing the correct wakeboard. Here are pointers to consider when you shop.
Your skill level
Wakeboards are classified into three levels depending on the skill of the user: basic boards, intermediate boards, and advanced or expert wakeboards. These boards differ in the type of material, fins, rocker, and overall size and shape. If you’re still learning the ropes, it’s best to use beginner boards or basic boards. Only when you’re able to perform stunts and difficult maneuvers should you switch to a tournament-class wakeboard.
Beginner boards are also cheaper compared to advanced boards and are designed to be very forgiving. You’ll be able to learn better, at your own pace when you use a beginner wakeboard. Advanced wakeboards are made from aggressive components and are designed to be fast and furious. Meanwhile, intermediate boards are older models of advanced boards made for everyday basic use.
The type of material
Almost all top-quality wakeboards have a foam core wrapped with fiberglass. Foam boards are better, more durable, and lighter; just the best kind for beginner users. Meanwhile, wakeboards made from wood are more flexible and thus, are great for tricks and difficult maneuvers.
Foam boards are considered to be more durable and will stand up to common abuse of this sport. The new material for wakeboards is graphite and this makes lighter boards that have stiff and very strong frames. With a light board, you’ll be more in control of the air
Your riding style
Every rider has his own style. If you’re used to skiing and moving with the same foot extended forward then a single-tip board is for you. A single-tip has a narrow front plus a square back. Meanwhile, if you are an avid skateboarder or snowboarder then you ride while switching feet. You will work best with a twin-tip wakeboard as this comes with rounded edges on each side.
The wakeboard rocker
The rocker is the degree of bending in a board’s profile. Rockers can be continuous or a three-stage rocker. The first type has predictable movements because of its smooth curve from the tip to its tail. A board with a continuous rocker is faster and has consistent movements.
The three-stage rocker hash two bends like a skateboard deck. This offers enhanced lift from the wake. To select the right rocker, take note that a board with a lower rocker has a flatter bottom with improved control when you’re moving straight. A higher rocker is perfect for landing the best jumps.
About the fins
The fins help you stay in control. The fins also prevent the board from rotating on its own while on the water. Boards come in different fins for deep water and shallow water. There are also fat fins and thin fins and some are removable while others are molded-in fins.
If you’re buying a beginner board, these will have deeper fins while advanced boards come with shallow fins and have built-in or removable parts. The way fins work depends on the size of your board and the type of fin you want to use.
If your wakeboard has removable fins, try different kinds so you’ll know how these feel in the water. Only when you’ve tried different fin configurations will you be able to find exactly what you need.
Meanwhile, many riders simply go for molded fins or using boards with no fins. With a fin-less wakeboard, you’ll be forced to rely on the wakeboard’s rail to enhance control. This technique will surely pay off in the future as you’re able to keep your posture in different conditions.
The shape of the board
Wakeboards also come in different shapes; the wider the board, the more pop off it has for extravagant tricks. However, a wider board may not be able to move through the water. A narrow board will move easily and smoothly through the water but has poor pop off from the wake for aerial tricks.
The wakeboard’s edges should also be considered. Squared edges can help with tracking and are common in beginner wakeboards. Advanced boards have rounded edges to improve performance during tricks with fewer chances of getting an edge. There are more wakeboard shapes to consider but it’s best to stick with standard board shapes for improved control.
Bindings
Almost all wakeboard manufacturers design their boards with interchangeable bindings. It’s best to try different boards with varying bindings to get the best one that’s right for your needs. A beginner needs snug bindings that are comfortable to use. First-time wakeboarders should go for adjustable bindings but eventually, you would want a fitted pair instead.
Take time to try it out
Nowadays, buying stuff online seems natural, however, shopping online for a piece of sporting equipment like a wakeboard is a different thing. As much as possible, you must shop for your board personally.
You must take time to try a board out so it’s an advantage if you purchase your wakeboard from a local dealer or manufacturer that’s located near an area where you can try it out first. You should check the size, the bindings, the type of fins and the style; everything must suit you just like shopping for a pair of shoes.
The board has to be easy to maneuver depending on your skill level and needless to say, it should be of good quality. You can only test all these factors if you personally shop for your board.
Brand new or second-hand boards
Good quality wakeboards are expensive and if you’re still unsure if you’ll take this hobby seriously then it’s best to buy a second-hand board or better yet, borrow one instead. And just like buying a brand new board, you must personally purchase a second-hand board and check that it is in good condition and is a good fit before you pay for it.
On the other hand, a loaner board won’t cost you anything but may not fit well as it may not be the right one for your size, skill level, and style.
FAQS
These are the most frequently asked questions about buying a wakeboard.
What is the best wakeboard length to buy?
The best wakeboard length will depend on your weight. For riders less than 100 pounds, the length should be less than 130 cm. For riders 90 to 150 pounds, use boards with 130 to 134 cm length. Those with 130 to 180 pounds weight should use boards with 135 to 139 cm size. Riders with 170 to 250 pounds weight are perfect for 140 to 144 cm size of the board. Finally, heavy riders with 200 to 275+ weight should use a wakeboard with 144 cm or higher.
Why are most wakeboards very expensive?
Wakeboards are more expensive than a surfboard or a skimboard because it comes with high-end materials and components. Building a wakeboard is also more intricate as you need to include bindings, fins, and other parts which can dramatically increase the board’s price.
Is there a one-size-fits-all wakeboard?
Yes, there are ready-to-use wakeboards that claim to fit all sizes. But despite easing the selection and shopping for the right size wakeboard, this type of board may not work well in all scenarios. If you are larger or lighter, have a large built, or are a professional, you may need a wakeboard that closely matches your needs and skill level. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all wakeboard may not be a good idea.
Can you ride a wakeboard with no boots?
You must wear boots to wakeboard as it is an essential component of the sport. You must wear boots that are anchored to the board using bindings. If you don’t wear boots, or you prefer to go barefoot, the board won’t attach to your feet, you won’t maintain balance and be able to perform all kinds of tricks.
How heavy is a wakeboard?
A regular wakeboard can weigh up to 25 or more pounds. The weight varies depending on the material used to make the board and the weight of the bindings.
Which is harder to use, a snowboard or a wakeboard?
Snowboarding is similar to wakeboarding in many ways however, there are also some differences. Wakeboarding is easier to learn as this has fins. Wakeboard fins help keep the wakeboard stable and straight. In snowboarding, the board is very quick and is difficult to control as it does not come with fins to maneuver the board.
Conclusion
Two of the best wakeboards on our list are highly recommended by users as well as experts. The RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard and the Hyperlite Motive Wakeboard should be a part of your best list as well. The Rave Sports Impact Wakeboard is made from the toughest materials and is designed to provide the best and the safest ride for beginners and experts. The removable fins and the freeboots make this a great choice with more value for your money. Meanwhile, the Hyperlite Motive is a one-size-fits-all board but has a stronger core and reinforced design. You don’t have to go far looking for the best wakeboard as the RAVE Sports Impact and the Hyperlite Motive will surely help you learn better and safer.