Wakeboarding is the result of the ingenuity of Tony Finn and Jimmy Redmon, who were looking for ways to introduce an alternative to surfing and waterskiing. Redline Designs, owned by Redmon, and then came up with the wakeboard, which is smaller compared to the surfboard. Unlike water skis, however, the new board had no foot straps.
However, in Australia, Jeff Darby was considered the father of modern wakeboarding, when he collaborated with his friends in the 1980s to make surfboards, which were then pulled by boats.
Wakeboarding is when surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding got together and had a child. You will step on a wide board, using rubber bindings to keep you from slipping. You will then be pulled by a speed boat, jet ski, or a mechanical contraption using pulleys to drag you at high speeds.
But how do you choose the right wakeboard for you?
To make it even easier, some suppliers like TrojanWSS will make a recommendation once you answer some simple questions. Typically, the wakeboard will depend on the user’s weight, unlike with snowboarding where the height would be the predetermining factor. After all, the board will take most of your weight and ensure that you stay afloat, regardless of whether you are simply riding the wave or doing some stunts.
However, the size will also depend on the manufacturer. As you might expect, they also offer different shapes and styles to make a mark in the industry and gain an edge over the competition.
Wakeboard Sizes and User’s Weight
As an example, if you are 100 pounds or less, you choose a wakeboard that is 130 centimetres long or less. If you weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, you choose a board that is 130-134 centimetres. long. If the rider is 170 to 250 Ibs (the average weight of an Australian adult male is 187 lbs.), they need to select a board that is 140-144 centimetres long.
Again, you can make your life easier by logging on to the website of the supplier, such as TrojanWSS, so they will give you the perfect board for you.
Should You Go for a Longer or Shorter Board?
Each option has its pros and cons. For example, if you just took up the sport, a longer board may benefit you because it is easier to ride. On the downside, it is also heavier, which means you need to be fit to maneuver against the waves and weight. Since it has a wider surface, it is also faster and more stable.
With the shorter board, your ride tends to become slower. The wakeboard also tends to expend more energy moving on the water’s surface. With that said, when you are trying to pull some air stunts, spins, and flips, the shorter board is the ideal option. Of course, it takes an enormous amount of effort to maintain your balance during landings as the tip tends to nosedive due to the narrow surface area. Then again, only experienced riders attempt to do some stunts anyway, so they know how to make their landings.
However, you can order from suppliers intermediate or beginner boards, which are designed to accelerate your learning. These are also meant for recreational riders, and they are more affordable.
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