With so many choices available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose your first wakeboard. Luckily, whichever you are on the beginner spectrum, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re only just dipping your toes into the world of wake or have been trying more advanced tricks, we’ve got you covered. Your quest on finding the best wakeboard for beginners ends here. Let us help you with everything you need to know about wakeboarding!
How to Choose the Best Wakeboard for Beginners
First things first, let’s get you informed on how to find the right wakeboard for you. You may choose a wakeboard purely on the style of a pro rider’s name attached to the board. While these types of wakeboards are attractive to the eye, they may not be the best for you. There’s a higher possibility that you end up with the ones that aren’t suitable for your skills or type of riding.
So what are the things to consider before choosing a beginner’s wakeboard? These three features may help you find the right ones.
Size
To decide which board is the most suitable for you, you can start by measuring the size. This highly depends on your weight and riding style. Since wakeboards are not cheap, it’s common for riders to share their boards. And if you happen to do this with your pals, the best way to pick the right size is to base your selection on one who rides most often or the heaviest rider. Know that shorter wakeboards are slower and take more energy to push through the water. While longer boards are usually easier to ride and learn on.
Flex & Rocker
Just like snowboards, wakeboard’s flex and rocker play a significant role in each of the designs. In the world of the wake “flex” is commonly used to describe wake-park boards. But note that any wakeboard has some degree of flex. Flex itself is referring to a board’s flexibility. Most wakeboards are designed with enough flex in specific areas to provide different riding experiences. That said, your flex (or stiffness) preference can be very subjective.
Rocker refers to the curve profile of the board. If you prefer softer landings and a more abrupt pop of the wake, go for boards with more rockers. Boards with less rocker provide less drag, glide better on the water, and carry more momentum while landing.
Arena
Ask yourself this question: where are you going to sport this board? Different arena demands may provide different performances. For instance, if you only ride behind boats, you’re going to need a wakeboard that gives sufficient “pop” off the wake. They’re typically designed with sharper edges which allow them to approach the wake with more momentum and speed.
We’ve seen the surge of wake parks in the past couple of years. If you’re on this pool, you’ll need a wakeboard with a softer flex, more forgiving rails, as well as a durable base. Since the pull-in cable riding is consistently 4mph slower than riding behind the boat, we recommend you to size up a little bit. Recently, brands have also been keeping up with manufacturing hybrid wakeboards for beginners which thrive equally fantastic in both arenas.
What size of wakeboard do I need?
Wakeboards’ sizes generally range between 130cm to 144cm. If your body weight is under 100lbs, you can opt for wakeboards under 130cm in length. While anyone who weighs above 200lbs should go for boards above 144cm. For more accurate sizing, check this table below:
| Rider Weight (lbs) | Wakeboard Length (cm) |
| < 100 | <130 |
| 90-150 | 130-134 |
| 130-180 | 135-139 |
| 170-250 | 140-144 |
| 200+ | > 144 |
Is wakeboarding hard to learn?
Wakeboarding is relatively easy to learn. Especially if you’re experienced with other board sports before. Progress in learning how to do wakeboarding highly depends on your confidence and experience. Before you can pop ollies and carving up a watery storm, managing your balance is already an addicting experience on its own.
How dangerous is wakeboarding?
Incidents during wakeboarding can be very harmful considering the most common injuries occur to the head, followed by arms, back and trunk, and finally the legs. Lacerations to the head and neck as well as concussions commonly occur in wakeboarding incidents. While abrasions, sprains, and strains occur to the arms, back, and legs.
Obrien 135 System Wakeboard
13
For what it’s worth, Obrien 135 System Wakeboards offers everything you need in the best wakeboard for beginners. It provides great stability, edge hold, and most importantly, it doesn’t break your bank! For only 200 USD (or less) it makes a great wakeboard for kids, too, price-wise. You’ll also receive the bindings upon purchase.
This board is not only suitable for beginners, but it’s also a great choice for any recreational rider. But if you’re looking for something with more features, flex, lightness, and versatility, this may not be the right choice for you.
Specification
- Size: 140cm (US Men’s 11-14 bindings)
- Rider’s weight: 140-230lb
Pros:
- Bindings included
- Suitable for kids
- Provides great stability
- Four molded-in fins
Cons:
- Very quick to grow out of once you start getting better and want something more challenging
RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard
12
Chances are, the earlier you start, the more time you have to better your skills. This also applies to wakeboarding. No wonder parents are sometimes looking for wakeboards to help their kids get on their own feet (pun intended). And so many people are satisfied with what RAVE Sports Impack Wakeboard brings.
Not only it’s suitable for kids, but this wakeboard is also suitable for anyone at all levels. Some customers have complained about how the board is flimsy and unreliable. But some customers also mentioned how the board lasts with them for over three seasons.
Specification
- Size: 122cm
- Rider’s weight: less than 125lb
Pros:
- Suitable for kids
- Also suitable for all levels
- Easy to learn on
- Decent price
Cons:
- Not very durable
Hyperlite New 2021
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Thankfully, there are plenty of choices for good-quality wakeboards for beginners. And some of the best packages already include bindings and boots. So you won’t have to spend more time finding them. This is also the case for Hyperlite New 2021, a wakeboard of quality with a decent price. The board is suitable for both adults and kids alike. Making it the best wakeboard for beginners of all ages.
People are praising its sturdiness and how the board is very forgiving during lands. Its lightweight profile makes it super fun to ride. You’ll no doubt have so much fun on your first trials!
Specification
- Size: 134, 138, and 142cm
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- Includes bindings
- Sturdy and well-made
- Easily adjustable foot placement
- Lightweight
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Full Throttle Aqua Extreme Wakeboard Kit
10
Understandably, some people don’t want to go overboard with their first wakeboard. So most of you will look for something less high-end that will accommodate your trials. The Full Throttle Aqua Extreme Wakeboard Kit should be one of your top choices. It makes the best wakeboard for beginners for a couple of good reasons. And one of them being the decent price tag.
The first thing that you’ll notice is its lightweight profile. Making it easy to learn and lean on. This is a recommended choice for beginners and any casual riders out there.
Specification
- Size: 140cm
- Rider’s weight: 140-230lb
Pros:
- Lightweight
- The boots come pre-assembled
- Suitable for kids
- Boots are suitable for all shoe size
Cons:
- Issues on the bindings; not so reliable
Liquid Force Angel SE
9
To put it simply, Liquid Force Angel SE is a joy to learn on. It makes it easy for beginners to control their movement and balance as they progress. While it can be challenging to find the perfect boots for your board, it’s not the case with Force Angel. You won’t have to find separate boots and bindings as they’re already included in the purchase. Definitely another great plus point.
For decades the Liquid Force Trip, its older brother, has been teaching first-time wakeboarders. The Liquid Force Angel was made specifically for women riders and provides the exact smooth freeride feel. No doubt it’s the best wakeboard for beginners.
Specification
- Size: 134cm (US Women’s 6-10 bindings)
- Rider’s weight: 80-150lb
Pros:
- Purchase includes bindings
- Continuous rocker
- Removable center fin
- EVA footbed
Cons:
- Only recommended for kids and women
Hyperlite Eden 2.0
8
Wakeboards for beginners isn’t just a term for a cheap knock-off of the performance-oriented board. The advancement in wakeboard manufacturers has been satisfying because these boards have tons of trickle-down tech from their advanced counterparts. The Hyperlite Eden 2.0 is the correct epitome of that. Thanks to its asymmetrical profile, you can have more control, stability, and traction over the board. This is something particularly beneficial for beginners as you need to get used to maneuvering your body while you’re in action.
Designed with a continuous rocker line, you’ll have more predictability while riding. It’s not going to be too difficult for you to land or too aggressive when you’re cutting into the water. But you can also really get it hard on the edge as you progress. All in all, it makes the best wakeboard for beginners.
Specification
- Size: 130cm
- Rider’s weight: Up to 155lb
Pros:
- Asymmetrical profile, providing better confidence on toeside
- Continuous, 3-stage rocker
- Molded-in toeside footbed risers
- Very durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- May not be challenging for pro riders
Connelly Pure 2021
7
You know what people say, the first step is always the hardest. Funnily enough, such sentiment doesn’t apply to the Connelly Pure 2021. It makes one of the best wakeboards for beginners because of its specific design alone. And everyone, from first-timers to pro riders, has vouched for it.
The shape is tried and tested friendly design. Very forgiving for newcomers and accommodating as you grow better. Thanks to the 3-stage rocker, it’s the perfect blend of pop and predictability as you learn wake jumps. Anytime you’re ready, you can take it to the next level!
Specification
- Size: 130, 134, and 141cm
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- User-friendly design
- A perfect blend for pop and predictability
- Quad fins tip and tail
Cons:
- Bindings are sold separately
Ronix Krush Women Wakeboard
6
Unlike surfboarding or other boardsports, there’s a unique experience to wakeboarding. Rider’s shoulder and hips aren’t always parallel during toeside edging. Your body can feel a bit crossed up which results in an awkward feeling at the beginning. The good news is, everyone at the Ronix R&D team is taking this specific issue into account. This is when they gave birth to Ronix Krush.
What gets your attention the first time is probably its killer graphic. Take a closer look and you’ll notice how it’s designed with thinner edges. Taking the asymmetrical features from its brother, Ronix Vault, the thinner and sharper edge on the toeside allows for maximum confidence building. The fuller vertical heelside is responsible for a more stable posture when you’re digging in on your heels.
Specification
- Size: 128, 134, 139cm
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- Thinner edges for maximum confidence building
- Fuller vertical heelside
- Includes molded-in twin-fin design
- Awesome graphic
Cons:
- Not a popular product, its quality hasn’t been tested by many buyers
Connelly Lotus 2021 Women’s Wakeboard
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There are many legit reasons as to why the Connelly Lotus 2021 Women’s Wakeboard is the best wakeboard for beginners. It comes in great shape for female riders who recently testing the waters. With long-base molded fins, this board provides amazing stability and traction. We have to say it’s one of the best in class too!
For a more locked-in feel on the water, you can easily remove the 1.7” center fins. Thanks to the subtle 3-rocker, you’ll have more fun wakeboarding through the high-speed glide without having to worry about unpredictable kick off the wake. The good thing about wakeboards for beginners is that they’re not exclusively made for anyone new to the sport. Many have gone through the brand’s countless hours of research and development to maximize progression for new riders.
Specification
- Size: 130 and 134cm
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- Terrific stability and traction
- Removable center fins
- Subtle 3-stage rocker, perfect for beginners
- Wide-body design
Cons:
- Recommended only for women
Mystique New Hyperlite 2021
4
Another wakeboard specifically designed for beginner ladies, Mystique New Hyperlite 2021 simply makes the best wakeboard for beginners. Wait until you find out how it’s a great choice for young riders who just start wakeboarding. Mystique offers many great features that will help the riders ride with ease and comfort.
This current version features a wide range of weight. With M6 hardware, four removable fins, and a subtle 3-stage rocker which is great for beginners. The nicest surprise is probably that with $350, your purchase already includes binding. Moreover, you’ll love how this wakeboard is lightweight yet offers a strong profile.
Specification
- Size: 135cm (US Women’s 6-11 bindings)
- Rider’s weight: over 100lb
Pros:
- Perfect for young riders
- Purchase includes bindings
- Lightweight yet strong
- Sufficient damage resisting base
Cons:
- Not suitable for people heavier than 130lb
Hyperlite State 2.0
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Coming from a high-end company, Hyperlite State 2.0 is not to be missed when we’re talking about wakeboards for beginners. The Hyperlite Eden’s twin similarly offers an asymmetrical profile. It also utilizes an abrupt continuous rocker, which makes it very much predictable. With its big center fins and forgiving edges, learning to wakeboard can never be easier.
Everyone at Hyperlite seems to be doing a good job in removing any obstacles for newcomers. They take the toughest part of learning wakeboard and accommodate learning toe-side edge. With a shorter toe-side edge and thin molded fins, these shapes make big difference. This definitely will help you master control in your early trials.
Specification
- Size: 130 and 135cm (US Men’s 4-8 and 7-10.5 bindings)
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- Continuous rocker
- Toe-side optimized edges
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Great design
Cons:
- Expensive among other wakeboards for beginners
Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard
2
The Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard is for any beginner who’s ready to step up the game a little. It’s praised across the board for its accommodating features, being the O.G. best wakeboard for beginners. Seriously though, it has been around since forever and it only gets better as time goes by.
This wakeboard features what’s called a D-I-S-C hull with edge channels that help soften the blow for heavier landings. Something any riders of all levels will definitely appreciate. The feature also offers faster board speed on the water. The longer molded fins keep the board under control and provide additional stability. The widened tip and tail allow for consistent, smooth pops.
Specification
- Size: 144cm (US Men’s 11-14 bindings)
- Rider’s weight: 170-250lb
Pros:
- Very durable
- D-I-S-C feature helps soften the blow on heavier landings
- Easy to control
- Removable center fin
Cons:
- A little too expensive for its class
Ronix Vault
1
It seems to be a common agreement among the boards that Ronix Vault is the best wakeboard for beginners. Ronix dug into the world of tech wakeboard to provide the Vault and did their homework to cover everything a beginner needs in learning how to wakeboard. It’s safe to say that once you get this, you get a solid foundation right from the get-go. Truly the board that you can learn on and keeps up with you as you progress.
The Ronix Vault comes with an asymmetrical design. With a thinner toeside edge compared to the heelside, This helps you gain the right balance since you’re not used to the crossed body experience while riding a wakeboard. Its slightly smoother and more shallow fin allows for a more forgiving turn. This is an all-around awesome wakeboard that you can have fun with.
Specification
- Size: 134, 139, and 144cm
- Rider’s weight: depending on the size
Pros:
- Big center fins
- Offers smooth, continuous rocker line
- Asymmetrical profile for a more friendly time learning
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- No cons found so far
