Have you ever experienced the thrill of wakeboarding? I’ll tell you what, there is nothing else like it! Many reading this will agree that the wakeboarding is a super exciting sport that everyone has to try at least once. The trick is just holding on long enough to get up on your feet. Once you figure that you, adrenalin rushes through you as you glide behind a boat at high speeds.
If you want to purchase your first wakeboard or you’re looking to upgrade your current wakeboard, you’re in the right spot. In this article I’ll walk you through some of the best options available right now. Get ready for boating season now so that when summer comes all you need to do is head to the lake and have some fun!
What to Look for in A Wakeboard
To start with, let’s discuss a few important features to look for when shopping for a wakeboard. Consider the answers to the following questions to determine the best wakeboard for your crew this season.
What is your skill level?
Beginner boards are designed to be more stable. Advanced boards, on the other hand, will go much faster. Make sure you understand the skill level of the board you select. If multiple people will use it, I suggest considering the skills of the person who will ride it the most. Another option is to acquire two boards to accommodate the different abilities of your riders.
What size is best for you?
Compare your weight and height to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure you get the proper length. Remember that in general, shorter boards are slower, less stable, and prone to sink but are easier to do tricks on. Longer boards are great to learn on since they are easier to control and land.
What are the fins like?
The fins will direct and stabilize the board but they come in many shapes and sizes. Deep, long fins make for a more stabled ride but also make it difficult to do tricks. Some fins are shallower or can be removed altogether so there is less traction and it is easier to do tricks.
Top Wakeboards for Fun at the Lake
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
Hyperlite Rusty Pro | |
Hyperlite Vapor Destroyer | |
Hyperlite State 2.0 | |
Zup You Got This 2.0 | |
Hyperlite Motive | |
Hyperlite Mystique | |
Hyperlite Agent | |
O'Brien System | |
Full Throttle Aqua Extreme | |
Rave Sports Impact |
Hyperlite Rusty Pro
Let’s start with the Hyperlite Rusty Pro. It may have the highest price tag on our list, but believe me when I say it is worth every dollar! It is well built so you can count on it to be durable and resistant to delamination.
More experienced riders love that it is responsive and light enough to add a kick. And you’ve got to appreciate open toes bindings if you plan on multiple people using this board.
Intended skill level: Intermediate
Dimensions: 140, 143, or 146cm long
Weight limit: 170 lbs
Fins: Shorter .7″ beam fins
Hyperlite Vapor Destroyer
You’ve got to appreciate the versatility of the Hyperlite Vapor Destroyer. It will fit shoe sizes ranging from 8-14 and also ability levels ranging from beginner to expert. Like other boards we’ve reviewed here, this board by Hyperlite features a three stage rocker so you can execute some sweet tricks on it.
While Hyperlite makes quite a few quality boards, the Vapor Destroyer is one of their best products because of the way it combines stability with explosive pop! If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this wakeboard!
Intended skill level: Beginner to Expert
Dimensions: 135, 139, or 143 cm
Weight limit: 180 lbs
Fins: removable
Hyperlite State 2.0
Here’s what makes the Hyperlite State 2.0 so special: it is made of layered glass so it will perform well year after year. Many wakeboards are made of woven glass fibers which eventually separate but you won’t have that problem with this board.
Also, the molded in fins create less drag so it’s easier to do tricks off the wake. You really can’t go wrong with this option; it’s a fantastic board that you won’t regret buying!
Intended skill level: All abilities
Dimensions: 130, 135, or 140 cm
Weight limit: 160+ lbs
Fins: molded in
Zup You Got This 2.0
This fun, brightly colored wakeboard comes with a rubber, easy-to-grip handle and is versatile enough to be used as a knee board or boogie board as well. Ambitious riders will be able to carve and spin while beginning riders will feel comfortable cruising on this board. In other words, this is going to be your best purchase of the year because of all the fun it will deliver!
Intended skill level: Beginner and Intermediate
Dimensions: 57″ x 25″
Weight limit: 350 lbs
Hyperlite Motive
The Hyperlite Motive is the complete package for wakeboard enthusiasts! It comes with OSFA bindings and open-toed boots compatible with a wide range of foot sizes.
You will love the way this board feels on the water and may use words like smooth, mellow, and forgiving to describe the experience. This is the perfect choice for beginners and experienced wakeboarders alike!
Intended skill level: Beginner and Intermediate
Dimensions: 134 or 140 cm
Weight limit: 170 lbs
Fins: 2 molded and 1 removable
Hyperlite Mystique
Shout out to my fellow female wakeboarders out there: this is the board for you! Specifically designed for women, the bestselling Hyperlite Mystique is thinner and lighter than alternatives.
It was recently released in 2021 with all sorts of upgrades such as an extra sturdy binding system. Women who are experienced wakeboarders will especially appreciate all the nuances of this board. Best of all, the Mystique comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty!
Intended skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Dimensions: 135 cm
Weight limit: 160+ lbs
Fins: removable
Hyperlite Agent
Dimensions: 134, 138, or 142cm long
Weight limit: 180 lbs
Fins: removable
O’Brien System
Is your child just wanting to get into wakeboarding but you don’t want to spend too much? If so, you should check out the O’Brien System. It is made for riders 60-140 lbs and has bindings that will fit sizes 2-5 in Mens. Thanks to a continuous rocker the board will feel stable and reliable. I guarantee you’ll be happy you purchased this board!
Intended skill level: Beginner
Dimensions: 124 or 140 cm
Weight limit: 140+ lbs
Fins: mounted flank fins
Full Throttle Aqua Extreme
One of our most economical boards is the Full Throttle Aqua Extreme wakeboard. It will do exactly what you’d expect and won’t be too hard for beginners to get up on. Considering how light weight and high quality it is, this is really an excellent value for the money!
Intended skill level: Beginner
Dimensions: 55.1″ x 21.6″
Weight limit: 155 lbs
Rave Sports Impact
Brand new to 2021, the Rave Sports Impact is sure to be a favorite among your kids on the boat this summer. This is ideal for kids who are just learning to wakeboard because it is small and forgiving while also easy to control and built for stability. Plus the foam core makes it extra buoyant and durable.
As your kids get older you can even adjust the stance to accommodate their improving skills on the wakeboard. This may be cheaper than other boards here, but it would be ideal for a family with young ones wanting to learn to wakeboard.
Intended skill level: Beginner
Dimensions: 48″ x 15″
Weight limit: 125 lbs
Fins: removable
FAQs
What is the difference between a wakeboard and a kneeboard?
Wakeboards are built differently than kneeboards since you stand rather than kneel on a wakeboard. While kneeboards are long, flat, and thick, wakeboards are short and curved upward. This makes kneeboarding easier for beginners to learn since the body is closer to the water. However, wakeboarders can generally execute more complex tricks since they are on their feet.
Is wakeboarding safe?
How old should someone be to wakeboard?
Determining how old someone should be when they start wakeboarding depends on their interest and strength. Avoid forcing someone to try wakeboarding if they don’t want to do it. Also consider their general fitness and coordination abilities. Children may feel comfortable wakeboarding as young as preschool and as old as high school.
