Best Wakeboard for Beginners

So you’ve decided to get into wakeboarding! This hobby is one that is life-changing for many people. It’s fun, it provides great exercise, and it gets you out on the water. Maybe you’ve been thinking about buying your own wakeboard lately but aren’t sure where to start. Perhaps you’ve been doing some research and coming up empty handed.

Whatever the reason, we’re glad you’re here. We can help you out with choosing a great wakeboard for beginner. We will go over the most important facets of wakeboards and help you decide which one is right for you. So dive right in with us!

The Hyperlite Destroyer is new for 2019. It features an exclusive design made for Wiredsport with a Wiredsport graphic. This brand has built a solid reputation for constructing wakeboards that are durable, reliable, and easy to use, which makes it a great option for beginners.

The Destroyer is one size fits most. It comes in three options for riders 110 pounds and up. You can find this board sold with an Agent binding package, which fits shoe sizes 7 to 14.

It has a three-stage rocker design, which helps with the pop coming off a wave. It has removable fins, which allows you to customize the control. It also features step-down edges for speed control.

It is a lightweight board with several design features that help lighten it up. The M6 hardware helps keep the board thin and reduces weight. The Bio2 core also helps with overall weight.

This board also has layered glass lamination. However, it isn’t the traditional type that will separate over time and with use. This construction adds durability so you don’t get that wear.

Pros:

• The Destroyer can fit riders well over 200 pounds.
• You can get a binding package added on that has a good size range.
• The various features help create a user-friendly board that works well for beginners.
• The board gets excellent reviews from customers.

Cons:

• The three-stage rocker can slow you down and lead to harder landings.

Number two on our list of best wakeboard for beginners is the System by O’Brien. This particular version is 135 cm. long and offers a weight range between 100 and 180 lbs. It has a stance width of between 21 and 25, which is fairly average and will work well for most.

The System comes with bindings, which will fit men’s shoe sizes between seven and twelve. These come with a quick lace system which will allow you to get out onto the water faster and without difficulty. It also features a flexible outer material that makes the bindings comfortable to wear.

This wakeboard is ideal for beginners, as well as those advancing into intermediate territory. One of the features that stands out on this particular wakeboard is the continuous rocker, rather than a more common three-stage. With a continuous rocker, you get a smooth release off of the wake. It’s also faster and will provide softer landings.

Unfortunately, all positives come with negatives, as well. The negative with a continuous rocker is that you may get less explosive and impressive pops into the air off of a wake than you might with other rocker styles.

Pros:

• Continuous rocker is easier to use for beginners as it provides a smooth release and soft landing
• The weight range is perfect for most wakeboarders and will likely fit your needs
• Bindings come included, so there is no need to buy your own
• Channeled base helps direct flow of water and protect from impact
• Price is very affordable, especially considering the included bindings

Cons:

• The lack of different lengths means that if this isn’t right for you, you may be hard pressed to find others
• Large center fin may be too long for those working past intermediate wakeboarding

The Lyric wakeboard by Rave is another great option for beginners looking to get involved in the sport. This particular product is made for riders over 125 lbs. It is 141 cm. long and made from a carbon fiber reinforcement with a laminate core.

The lyrics features a three-stage rocker for high air, as well as an edge that is rounded in the center and sharp on the tail and top. This allows the best of both worlds, as you can cut hard during tricks, but also features some forgiveness that your knees will appreciate.

The great thing about the Lyric is that it functions well as a beginner board, but can also quickly adapt and be useful for a more experienced wakeboarder. This means not having to upgrade or buy another board once your skill level has increased and you’re wakeboarding on a daily basis.

Lycra lined Advantage boots are included when purchasing this particular wakeboard, which can offer a custom fit for most shoe sizes. You can utilize the multi-point adjustment center to make the fit a bit looser or tighter, depending on preference and need.

Pros:

• Board is perfect for advanced wakeboarders, as well as beginners, making it a great investment
• Three stage progressive rocker allows for great height and air for tricks
• Optimal for those between 125 to 200 lbs., making it a great all-around board
• Aesthetics are great with black, red and gray graphics that stand out

Cons:

• May be a bit heavy for riders who prefer a lightweight option on the water
• Laces on bindings are a bit fragile and may require replacing at some point

Ronix One ATR is another of the best options for beginners to wakeboarding. This wakeboard is a bit more expensive than the above options, but also offers a number of features that make that price worthwhile.

For one thing, this wakeboard comes in different lengths, which makes is an excellent choice for any wakeboarder. The 134 cm. version is for riders with a weight of up to 165 lbs., the 138 cm. is for a weight of up to 180 lbs., the 142 cm. version is for those 170 lbs. or more, and the 146 cm. board is for those who are 175 lbs. or heavier.

The channels on the One ATR are deep, adding traction in the water. Added speed walls make it nimble, as well as more durable. In addition, a simple bottom shape leads to a natural forward momentum that makes riding a breeze for a beginner.

Four detachable ramp fins are incorporated into the design of this wakeboard, which leads to a predictable time on the water. This and the other mentioned features make this likely the quickest wakeboard on the list so if you want to fly through the water, this might be an excellent choice for you.

Pros:

• Beautiful board with multi-colored graphics to stand out on the water
• This board is fast and will shoot you into the air during tricks
• Multiple lengths and weight requirements means most will find a board perfect for them

Cons:

• Might be a bit expensive if you won’t use all the bells and whistles included
• Does not include bindings, so you will need to purchase those separately

The Ronix Vault is the final option on our list and has the most features, coming with or without bindings so you can make that decision on your own. The wakeboard has multiple lengths from 134 to 144 cm. This means that anyone is going to find a board for their weight range and stance, without any problems.

Those looking for a great pop off on the wake are going to love the Vault. It has a three-stage rocker with a higher degree that will emphasize jumps. No matter the size of the wake, you’re going to get a solid kick off of it that will be fun to wakeboard on.

The base on this wakeboard is standard, which is ideal for beginners. It allows the board to function entirely by shape, fins and rocker type. The Vault has two fins which are also more than enough to get the job done for beginners or even intermediate wakeboarders.

The rails on the Vault features a thinner and sharper toe side and a fuller and more vertical heel side. The sharp rail is going to provide an edge for those who have an aggressive style, as they grip the wake allow quick reactions. However, the fuller rail allows for a margin of error that is helpful when learning.

Pros:

• Comes with or without bindings, making it an excellent choice for any rider
• Will allow great air through the use of the high degree three-stage rocker
• Rails give both reaction time, error control and quick speed at the same time

Cons: 

• More expensive than some options, which may make it out of budget depending on finances
• Standard base is less optimized, and you may grow out of it over time

There you have it, the best wakeboard for beginners. Make sure you check out the best jet ski cooler racks as well.