Wakeboarding
16th June 2016 | 0 comments
Whether you have been riding a wakeboard for some time or you are a complete newcomer to the sport, there are a few things you should always keep in mind when buying a new wakeboard. In our offer you can choose wakeboards from leading brands Hyperlite and Ronix.
The most important criteria when choosing a wakeboard are dimensions, preferred riding style and rocker. If you're a beginner, look for a board with more pronounced channels in the base, which are easier to control and more forgiving of mistakes. More expensive wakeboards, usually pro models, offer specific riding characteristics that experienced riders will use and appreciate.
Choose the Size of the Wakeboard According to your Weight
Your weight plays a major role here. According to a simple table, you can easily determine the correct size of the wakeboard. On our website you will always find these informations next to the product detail. Several lengths are usually suitable for each weight category.
Shorter wakeboards are more suitable for beginner riders. They are slower, but offer better handling in the air.
Longer wakeboards are more suitable for more advanced and experienced riders. They hold better on the surface, so they are faster, but they are harder to control when jumping.
Will you be Riding Behind the Boat or in a Cable Park?
We also choose the wakeboard according to where we mainly want to ride. In our offer, we divide wakeboards into boards intended for a cable park or behind the boat. From this, other parameters are derived, mainly the base used and the number and type of fins.
Choose a Board with a Durable Base for the cable park
If you're into cable park riding and jumping over obstacles, choose wakeboards with a durable base that will protect your board during frequent rails and kickers. Removable fins are also important for park boards, as they'll get in the way when you're on obstacles.
Video: Hyperlite Union
Choose a Wakeboard with Fins if u Plan to go Behind the Boat
When riding behind the boat, you can use any wakeboard, preferably with four removable fins, or with six, where four are firmly profiled (or molded-in) and two middle ones are removable. A larger number of fins improves the riding properties of the board, which is then faster, holds better when riding on the edge and does better withstand various tricks. However, if you are a complete beginner, feel free to purchase the board with two fins, which guarantee excellent stability. There are also riders who prefer to ride without fins, the so-called "finless" boards, but this requires higher level of skills and mastered technique, because the board glides very easily on the water and it is difficult to maintain direction.
Video: JD Webb - Hyperlite Relapse
The Rocker Determines the Riding Characteristics of the Board
Continuous Rocker - There are countless rockers. Each rocker is constructed according to the model's focus on riding style. Rocker is mainly used for park wakeboards.
Stage Rocker - This type of rocker is unique among wakeboards behind the boat. The classic rocker is complemented by a concave for a better slide on the wave and thus prevents the edge from being swallowed by water.
Rocker Late - The wakeboard remains straight between the bindings and the tip and tail rise only behind the binding. This rocker is suitable for both types of rides - universal.
Rocker Early - This rocker is used by the Ronix brand. This is a full-depth wakeboard rocker that makes it ideal for park riding.
Camber - Ronix has also come up with a revolutionary camber rocker design. The camber between the bindings is the opposite of the usual rockers on wakeboards, allowing the rider to achieve the correct stance/posture without transferring all the power to the back foot. These wakeboards are suitable for riding behind a boat.
Base Types
Wakeboards for the cable park have a sintered base that is resistant to obstacles and wakeboards for the boat have an extruded base.
Sintered Base - a durable base designed for the park for all types of obstacles.
Enduro Base - has a better glide for easier boat rides, but is not suitable for the park.
Edges
Monocoque - Reinforced fiberglass edge. This technology is mainly used by the Ronix brand, thanks to which the edge is very strong.
Krypto Cable - Sidewall ABS edge is very impact resistant. Used for cable park models.
What Are the Channels in the Base For?
The more channels & the deeper, the easier the ride in the curve or the lighter the impact. The disadvantage, however, is riding on rails. Wakeboard, which has no channel, is the maximum jibb for riding on obstacles. However, the disadvantage is more difficult edging or impacts from the rails.
Who Are the Fins For?
The fins replace the channels and are suitable for riding behind the boat. Wakeboards in the cable park have lower fins and most riders separate them straight away.
What Are the Differences in the Shapes of Wakeboards?
The shapes of the boards are different and each riders choice is individual. Wakeboards behind the boat have a more complicated cut-out of the tip and tail compared to the shapes intended for the cable park. On the contrary, they are usually simple. They are straight, made to the tip or have a specific shape designed for easier pop.