Buying the Right Wakeboard
Your wake boat is a blast, but if you want to make the most of it, you need some way to ride the wake it creates. There are plenty of water sports that you can get into to do so, but none are easier to start and share than wakeboarding. We here at Roger’s Performance Marine want to help you enjoy your days on the water, so we’ve put together some tips for getting the right wakeboard for your needs. To learn more, or to see the wake boats and accessories we have for sale, contact our stores in Centerville and Hurricane, Utah, today!
The Basics
It helps to know a bit about the sport before you buy equipment for it. Wakeboarding is similar to snowboarding, but the biggest operational difference is that you’re strapped to a boat for your ride.
Half the fun of the sport is jumps and tricks, but make sure you get used to staying upright and steady in the wake first. Even that can be a blast!
Wakeboard Anatomy
You’ll also need to know the basic parts of a wakeboard and what they do. There are three terms to know above all others: the flex, the rocker, and the fins. The flex refers to how flexible the wakeboard is, which impacts how it skids across the water. More experienced wakeboarders might prefer a stiffer board, but newcomers will find flexible boards easier.
The rocker refers to the curve of the board. The higher the rocker is, the easier it becomes to perform jumps—and to land them. Higher rockers are also more stable in general, but a lower rocker provides less drag.
Finally, fins are an optional part of the board and come with their own pros and cons. Many models have fins built-in, but they can also be added as an aftermarket upgrade. Fins make it easier to control where you are in the water, which is a big bonus for newcomers.
Board Types
Finally, there are three types of boards on the market: boat boards, wake park boards, and hybrid boards. Boat boards are sturdier and have less flex, but tend to have built-in fins. They’re designed to provide maximum control, no matter the speed. Wake park boards are the opposite, designed to work best at lower speeds but perfect for stunts and high maneuverability.
For a nice balance, hybrid boards are great for beginners who still need time to get comfortable with the sport. They hit the midway point on every front and are better equipped for more types of riding.
Ready to hit the wake? Contact us at Roger’s Performance Marine for more information, or to see the wake boats and wake boat accessories we have available. We proudly serve Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah—let us serve you today!