Beginners looking to explore the world of wakeboarding will inevitably encounter the matter of their first wakeboard. Like with every other sport, you must pick the right gear. That is why finding we need to take a look at the best wakeboards for beginners.
Of course, finding the best beginner wakeboards is easier said than done. After all, there is a seemingly endless list of boards out there. It can be so easy for you to be overwhelmed and just pick a random one, just to get it over with. Needless to say, this is the worst thing you can do. After all, not all boards are made alike. Similarly, not all wakeboards are made for beginners.
With that in mind, we have come up with this handy guide for the best wakeboards for beginners. We did our research, listed down the boards that stood out, and left out the ones that didn’t. In addition to this, we also prepared an informative guide to the world of wakeboards and the things you need to consider when choosing one. So, be sure to keep reading.
Contents
The Best Wakeboards for Beginners
Listed here are a couple of the best beginner wakeboards available in the market today. All of these boards are designed to help you get your bearing as you learn the art of wakeboarding.
#1. O’Brien System Wakeboard w/Clutch Bindings Mens
First off, we have the O’Brien System Wakeboard w/Clutch Bindings. This wakeboard is the complete package, especially for those just starting out. It delivers impressive performance and stability, letting you learn the fundamentals with relative ease.
One of the things that stood out for us was the board’s design and construction. For instance, its continuous rocker ensures that that the board maintains an even curve and consistent rocker line from tip to tail. This makes everything incredibly easy to control. Even the newest users should have no trouble rolling up the wake.
In addition to this, its lightweight chassis lets your leg maintain a more natural alignment, effectively preventing the onset of fatigue as you ride the board. This design choice helps take off the stress and reduce impact on your knees and ankles – letting you ride more comfortably for longer periods of time.
It is also worth noting that its highly adjustable clutch binding, coupled with the dual-zone laces, provides a nice and snug fit that is also incredibly secure. Despite these security features, the binding’s open toe design makes getting in and out of the bindings incredibly easy.
#2. Hyperlite New 2020 Wakeboard Agent Agent Bindings Fits Most Shoe Sizes
The latest board from Hyperlite is designed to give you the optimal pop off the wake due to its 3-stage rocker design. Overall, riding this board is an experience not to be missed as it gives you unparalleled stability and responsiveness.
This board is perfect for beginners who are learning the ropes as it gives you every feature you will ever need. For instance, you are given complete control through the board’s four removable fins allow. At the same time, you are given the ideal speed with the board’s step down edges. Plus, its use of the 3-stage rocker makes flying off the wake that much easier.
In addition to those features, we also immediately noticed the upgrades that came with this newest iteration from Hyperlite. For instance, it sports a thinner and more lightweight design. Needless to say, this gives you more power under your feet. It revamped binding also gives you all the security you need as you ride. It even has a padded footbed that gives riders additional comfort.
As its name suggests, this board is designed for accessibility as well as it fits all shoe sizes ranging from 8 to 14.
#3. RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard with Charger Boots
The RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard is perfectly designed for the beginner looking to hone their skills. If you want your wakeboarding skills to progress, then you definitely need to give this one a try. Its continuous rockers give you a forgiving experience. The board is incredibly easy-to-control, stable, and predictable. You can rest easy knowing that your landings will always be on the softer side.
Built from flexible and lightweight materials, this board is extremely robust and easy to use. It sports a foam core that gives you all the buoyancy you need. At the same time, it comes equipped with reinforced edges that provide your rails with impeccable resistance to Impact, giving your board an extra level of safety and durability.
It also gives you all the control you need. For instance, you have the option to remove its fins. If you feel confident enough, removing these fins will help you master edge control and use the rail. In addition to this, its high-quality adjustable boots feature lace-up bindings.
As a beginner’s wakeboard, the board is easy enough to use. At the same time, it also challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and go beyond the basics.
#4. Hyperlite State 2.0 Wakeboard w/Black Remix Boots
Another entry from Hyperlite, the State 2.0 Wakeboard w/Black Remix Boots is another noteworthy contender to the title of best wakeboard for beginners. It is an excellent board for newcomers to practice their skills on. With enough time on this board, you should have no trouble advancing to the next level.
Its design is one of the things that make this perfect for newbies. For instance, it features an asymmetrical bottom as well as longer fins and channels. This gives you additional grip when cutting especially on your weak side. It may seem like an innocuous design choice but it is something that can help you progress and learn faster.
In addition to this, Hyperlite went out of the way to ensure that this board is as tough as it can be. Instead of traditional woven glass fibers, this board is made from layered glass. At the same time, its top and bottom glass is integrated into one. Both of these make for an extremely durable board that can stand the test of time.
#5. CWB Connelly Charger Kids Wakeboard 119cm, with Optima Boot XS
Finally, we have the CWB Connelly Charger Kids Wakeboard 119cm, with Optima Boot. As the adage goes: you want to start them young. The Charger wakeboard is specifically designed to help with that goal. It is a beginner wakeboard that will help your kids learn the basics of wakeboarding. With enough use, it will help them become familiar with the fundamentals so that it becomes second nature.
It is incredibly easy to use. For instance, it has a 3-stage rocker that gives the board a subtle but significant a pop off the wake. Moreover, it gives your kids a safe and stable ride, effectively helping them build their skills and confidence. In addition to this, the board also has molded fins that let your kids adjust the way they want to ride. They can even opt to remove the fins should they wish to adjust the board’s tracking. At the same time, the rails along its base provide your kid with an increased grip as the board edges.
Types of wakeboards
If you are just starting out, you may not realize that there are different types of wakeboards available in the market today. Needless to say, you should make it your priority to find the one that best fits you. That said, we are here to help. Presented below is a breakdown of the different wakeboards and their main features.
Wave Park Boards
First, you have the Wake Park Boards. These are the boards used to ride in wake parks. Because of this, they often come equipped with reinforced sidewalls to provide an extra layer of durability. They are specifically designed to absorb the stress of flat landings and kickers.
In addition to this, these wakeboards also have softer flex patterns to give its riders a more comfortable feel on the water. Typically, they have basic bases that feature removable fins. In some cases, the fins are removed entirely. Just remember that this provides you with less traction once you are in the water.
Boat Boards
The second type of wakeboard is known as boat boards. These are the boards you ride as you are towed by a boat, usually in the open sea. They usually feature a set of fins on its base. In addition to this, they typically use stiffer flex patterns that enable its rider to maximize the energy while you transition off the wake and boost off the lip.
As you would expect, these boards go through a lot of stress from regular use. That is why they also usually sport a heavy-duty design and durable construction in order to keep up with the inevitable wear and tear that comes with landing in the flats.
Hybrid Boards
Finally, we have the hybrid boards. This is the type of board that provides you with a middle ground from the two previous kinds of boards. This means that you can use these boards as a boat board and as a wake park board.
Hybrids are perfect if you do not want to spend double by purchasing two separate boards. They typically feature a sturdy design that lets you navigate either environment. While the flex falls somewhere in the middle, most of these boards provide you with enough traction and stability.
These are the different types of wakeboards. Make sure to remember their features and what sets them apart. Needless to say, you need to decide where you plan to use your board so you can pick the one that is best suited to that environment.
How to Choose the Best Beginner Wakeboards
One of the things that make a beginner’s wakeboard stand out is its use of the distinctive squared edge design.
This seemingly insignificant feature actually makes your ride that much easier. This is because it lets you get the most out of your board in terms of control and stability.
Of course, this is not to say that all wakeboards are made the same. You need to pick one that best suits you. To do this, you need to take the following into account:
- Length and Width – The board’s height and weight affect the way you ride. As a general rule, it is highly recommended that beginners start with bigger boards. After all, you want to start slow if you want to get the hang of things.
- Rocker – The board’s rocker refers to how much the wakeboard curves at its ends. It can range between rounded bottom boards to boards with a flat base. For beginners, it is recommended that you choose one with a continuous rocker curve for a smoother and more predictable ride.
- Fins – The fins are responsible for helping you steer the wakeboard. Remember that the deeper the fins, the more stable the board will be. Needless to say, beginners will want to make their board as stable as possible. However, as you progress and improve your skills, you can start working with shallower fins. Make sure to get a board with removable fins so you can start practicing.
- Edges – Another important factor to consider when choosing the best beginners’ wakeboard are the edges. You have the choice between sharp and rounded edges. While the former can provide you with great a lot of speed and acceleration, the latter is a bit easier to control which makes them perfect for surface tricks. Of course, you also have the option to go with variable edges that give you the best of both worlds.
- Bindings – These secure you to your board. As a rule, you want your board’s bindings to be comfortable and snug.
These are the things you need to consider when looking for the best beginner wakeboards.
The list we provided should help narrow down your search as all of them can easily claim the title of the best wakeboard for beginners. So, be sure to check them out.
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