Board Size(s)?

jhillard · Newbie Joined: 06 Sep 2012 Posts: 8 City: Falls Church

Looking for advice on board sizing for me and my son...

I am just over 6'3", 210, almost 50. A beginner, and probably will stay that way. I can go in and out of the wake, would like to start jumping, but doubt I will ever get further than going wake to wake with my knees. Currently I have a Gator 135cm board. No problems getting up, even without a tower (I am working on another boat, but that's another issue).

Would a longer board let the boat go slower while boarding? Would it feel more stable?

My son is 16, 6'0", 150lb. His board is a Gator 132cm. I swear he pops up before the boat is even moving, that's not a problem. Behind a real wakeboard boat he can jump wake to wake on pretty much any board he uses (he used a 140 behind a friend's Malibu). He could be at the Intermediate level next summer.

His feet are outgrowning the bindings on the 132. I could give him my 135, or should he get a bigger board? Is there a better board type for him that would give him more room for improvement?

Any thoughts/opinions would be appreciated. Trying to get set to hit the water as early as possible next summer!

-jhillard-

ediotism · Outlaw Joined: 14 Sep 2011 Posts: 124

the height has very little to do with wakeboarding. the weight determines the board size you need, it determines the weight to surface area ratio

modern wakeboards of the same length are very similar in width, so we often simplify by looking at the length only. commonly for somebody your weight (210lbs), you'd enjoy riding a board from 140cm onwards up to 146cm. everything else being the same, the bigger board gives you more 'float', so it sits higher in the water as you ride, has less resistance and is more stable. for somebody like you who's looking to just enjoy easy riding (a lot of respect for you by the way, still being out there and active), a bigger board is better. i'd recommend looking for 145 or above.

the advantage of a shorter board is that it spins faster in the air (like comparing spinningg a long stick to a short one), and you can cut your edge harder since it sits lower in the water. however these should not be an issue for you, so there's no downside to going for a board on the large side.

oh i forgot, YES you'll be able to ride at a slower speed with a bigger board, so it's less taxing on the body and less chance of serious crashes.

as for your son, chances are he's quite likely to grow even stronger and heavier. he'll have no problem with a 140-144cm board although a 138cm is plenty sufficient. for him i think it depends more on his preference. Since you already have a 135 avilable and you have friends with a 140, let him ride both and decide if he wants something in between the two sizes or if 140 is just right.

may i suggest that you get a nice personal life vest while you're at it? having one that fits nicely makes a lot of difference if you plan to go ride a lot.

i hope this helps, i'm sure the others will shine better light on the subject Surprised

justin h. · Outlaw Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 117 City: Katy

In my opinion, height does play a role, but no where near as important as weight.

I am 5-9 160. By most equations I could ride a 142 or a 138. There are many things I like about a bigger board, but to really command one well on the water and in the air I need a >26" stance and that puts a lot of strain on my knees, back and hips. My solution is that I tend to ride fuller shapes (more surface area) in about a 138 or so. I currently ride a 138 One.

That said, at 6ft you and your son will do well on a 140+. You should consider a wide 140+ based on your weight. My dad is about 5-11 210 and he rides as 144 Parks.

GnarShredd · Posted: Oct 23, 2012 2:07 pm Post subject:

justin h. · Outlaw Joined: 07 Nov 2003 Posts: 117 City: Katy

It has to do with leverage. If you are 6-2, you can rock a 28" stance and therefore command a larger board. If you are 5-7 with a 28" stance you are asking for trouble (knees, ankles, back).

It is not science, but it should be considered. Considering weight alone, his son could theoretically ride something as small as a 132 without too much trouble, but a 6ft guy on a 132 is silly at any weight. Take advantage of a wider stance and a bigger board if you are able.

A bigger board will provide more pop and forgiveness, but if you can't swing it in the air, what is that worth?? In short, Because he is so tall and so light, he should consider a board at the top end of the spectrum, not the bottom or even the middle.

Skier's Edge · Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 16 City: Indianapolis

id agree with what has already been said. Yes you can both go on the same board (preferably around a 145cm) but I think he would be better on something a few cm smaller than that, probably around a 140cm.

With the bigger board it will be easier for you to do pretty much everything including learning and you will be able to go a little slower.

If your son is really serious about getting more into wakeboarding I would suggest getting a higher end board, they are just so much more playful and fun to ride compared to the lower end boards.

emily_boarder · Newbie Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Posts: 1

Hi guys, first time posting, just a little confused about board sizes, just started learning at a lake near my house, but ive really taken to it and would love to start going more, unfortunately they only have a few hire boards, and I thought it was a bit weird seeing as theres so many of us go (who are all different weights/heights) so id love to get my own board eventually! need to start saving!
I am 5'7'', 140 lb, female

Any advice would be awesome Very Happy

whitnes10 · Newbie Joined: 12 Aug 2012 Posts: 37 City: Halifax

I'm looking into getting a new board as well! I'm looking at the 2012 LF Harley. Wondering what size would be better either the 139 or the 143 (I'm currently riding an older O'Brien 137).

I'm 6'0 and weight about 190lbs. Looking for a board that will give me better pop and speed into the wake, since my wake size is very small.

PARTSPHIL · Newbie Joined: 22 Jun 2012 Posts: 14 City: Mexia

To the OP.......
I am just over 6'1", 230, exactly 50. A beginner, and probably will stay that way. I can go in and out of the wake, would like to start jumping, but doubt I will ever get further than going wake to wake with my knees.

I have changed a few of the figures, but you sound very much like me! I currently ride a Ronix Vault 144. It is a very stable board and myself, and both of my boys learned on it. One of them is 6'3" 300 lbs and the other is 6' 185 lbs. The 144 length has worked well for all of us.