Things to consider before buying your first wakeboard

Wakeboarding can be a very fun sport but if you are just starting to get into it you will need to choose a board. Picking the right board is dependent on the skill level and style of boarding that you want to learn. Using these few pointers you will be able to choose the appropriate board for you.

The shape of the board is very important especially if you are just starting out. Most beginners prefer to get a board that has squared off edges because they allow more control and stability while a rounded board will make air tricks easier and help you to gain faster speeds. You will notice that some boards have two tips while others will only have one. Most wakeboarders prefer to get the twin tipped boards because they make landing air tricks easier because you can land in either direction while the single tipped boards are made for single direction boarding.

Wakeboards have an average length of 120-150 centimeters and a width between 38 and 44 centimeters. As a beginner you are going to want to get a longer boards because they make stability and control easier as well as making turning and starting easier. Shorter boards are good for experienced, small and lighter boarders.

As a beginner you will hear about a the rocker of the board. This refers to the curve of the board, higher rockers means that the bottom of the board is going to be more rounded making jumps and landings easier. A low rocker means that the board is more flat making acceleration and controlling the board easier.

Like on a surfboard your wakeboard will have fins that help to steer the board. The fins can be small and tin or large and wide. You choose the fins depending on the water you are going to be wakeboarding in, the smaller and thinner ones work well in calm, smooth water conditions while larger and thicker fins help to maintain control in rougher water.

Holding you to the board are the bindings and boots. Checking the bindings is very important because if they're not done properly can cause injury. Before you put the bindings on you want to make sure that you get them wet and when you lace them up you don't want them to be too tight. If they'er too tight the board may not release your feet should you fall which can lead to broken leg, ankle or knee.

The more you know before you go out boarding on your own the safe you will be. It is also recommeded that you take a lesson or two and go with friends who are experienced.