Wakeboarding is one of the most exciting and adventurous water sports! While it is a lot of fun, one should remember that it is after all a ‘water’ sport and taking all the necessary precautions is mandatory. For instance, one cannot forget to wear a wakeboard life jacket. There are impact vests for women and men available in stores and online.
Apart from wearing a wakeboard life jacket or impact vest for women and men, carrying a perfect wakeboard is essential. There are some points that should not be forgotten when you head out to buy a wakeboard.
Here is a list of what you should take note of when purchasing a wakeboard. Read on
•What is your level?
Mostly, the wakeboards can be categorized under three heads, namely: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Depending on which level you are, your wakeboard tends to vary in their characteristics, for example their fins, rocker, materials and so on. It is easy!
Just remember that if you are a beginner, you obviously do not need a board that you could use in a tournament! You need a beginner board that would help you to learn easier. Advanced level boards have more aggressive designs and materials. An advanced rider generally chooses a board that has rounded edges as it helps to gain speed faster, and makes it very easy for them to land.
•Single tipped Vs twin tipped wakeboard!
The wakeboards are either single tipped or twin tipped. The former is squared off at one side and pointed on the other, and is perfect for the times you ride on one direction. The twin tipped boards have rounded ends on both sides, which help in smooth transition while you switch directions or during landing. Most of the wakeboards manufactured presently are twin tipped.
•The size as always matters.
The size of your wakeboard should be proportional to your height and weight. If the wakeboard is too small for you, the board will sink which will make the boat pull you hard at higher speeds and may lead you to lose control. On the other hand, if the wakeboard is too big, it will be hard for you to spin the board and maintain the wake. Manufacturers today have size charts for the proper wakeboards matching your height and length. Pick up the right size for yourself!
•It depends on your riding style.
Your riding style also is an important determinant while choosing a wakeboard. If you are a slalom skiing rider and have a tendency to ride keeping the same foot in front, then you mostly, need a board with a single tip. On the other hand, if you are a skateboarder or snowboarder, where you keep switching your forward feet, you need a twin-tip board that is rounded on both the sides.
•Know about the length and width/rocker.
How your wakeboard angles at its ends or curves is what one calls the rocker. Where a higher rocker allows easier landings, a lower rocker helps in easy control and accelerates better. An average wakeboard length is 120-150cms, and width ranges between 38-44cms. If you are a beginner, choose a longer board because it provides more stability when you start and turn.
•Try a demo.
No matter what features you are looking for, if you are unhappy with your board while wakeboard, nothing else would make sense. Ask for a demo before you actually buy one! Nothing could be better than this.
Apart from wearing a wakeboard life jacket or buying an impact vest for women and men, choosing the right wakeboard is very essential for venturing out for wakeboarding. Keep some tips in mind before you purchase a wakeboard.
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