Board Size?

murph · Posted: Sep 14, 2003 11:54 pm Post subject: Board Size?

Can anyone let me know of their experiences with different board sizes? I got my first wakeboard about 2 years ago (Trip 128), I've had no problem learning how to ride and control the board but I'm still trying to get "good" air. I was just wondering if anyone has any info on how board size affects edge/pop/air.

I'm 85kg (190lb) only 5'6" though. I've read Liquid Force's specs and they would recomend a bigger board for my weight. I was just wondering if anyone could share their experiences with smaller vs larger board sizes. Unfortunately I got the board when I was new to the sport and was the previous season's model so it was going out cheap (nice graphics though!). I didn't do any research and wasn't even really aware at the time that there were different board sizes, not that the sales guy volunteered any info to me.

I don't really have the money to buy a new board but if there's the potential to make quite a difference then I might have to look into it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

strychnine · Posted: Sep 15, 2003 9:47 am Post subject:

well the board u have its unbelievably small for your size. I weigh less than you by 5 pounds and I have a 140. You'll be able to learn on that board but I doubt u'll progress past a wake to wake jump with a grab or a 180. The Size affects almost everything because of how low or high you will sit int he water. In your case how low. You'll be slower coming into the wake becuase your riding more in the water instead of on top of it. Just like when a jetski is going 15 or 20 its riding in the water then when u punch it to 60 you notice that your barely on the top of the water. Same principle with the wakeboard. So in that regard you'll be slower. You're edge or "hold on edge" will be very good because of how low you sit. Your pop and release are probably what are effected most; also the landing. Because your so low the board won't release as well and the trip has a continuous rocker so that will help a little but your explosion on the wake will be poor at best. Your landings are going to have to be on the downside of the other wake or else your going to have to really work hard on keeping the board from sinking to much into the water on impact out in the flats. I don't know how good you are or how much air you consider good but I'd say your not going to get much higher than 3 feet depeding on if you have a tower and fatsacs/balast wutnot. You should look into a bigger cheap board, you've got bindgins, so a new board might set you back 200 or less if your smart about how and where you shop. I don't know all this information just from pulling it out of my ass, I've only been wakeboarding for 3 months, so as you now know, its all about the research. Hope this helps. Later

murph · Posted: Sep 15, 2003 10:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the detailed response. You've pretty much summed me up all at once. 3-4 Feet of air, w2w, the odd grab here and there and not much out in the flats.

Looks like I get the new board and my wife gets mine, it's not all bad news!

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

PunkDrummer1088 · Newbie Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 9 City: Sonoma

I weigh 169 and I am 6'2. I am a very tall wakeboarder and my style is very gangly. I just need some recommendations of what size board to get. Nor Cal all the way! Peace!

wtbamoomba · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 808 City: raleigh

hey punkdrummer1088, i am 6'4 180, and i ride a 143, it works great for me

bluefish86 · Posted: Oct 04, 2003 7:33 pm Post subject:

To find out what size of board to get, just look at the manufacturer's sizing chart. They usually know best about their own board.

Nathan Newman · Addict Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 711 City: Baylor

I would also recommend dishing out the extra money to get the $400 board, that way you'll be satisfied and won't have to go out and buy a new board next year. Your best bet is to get a board now, or in the winter. You want to get the close out sales. They are selling at almost wholesale, so buy now!

pooser · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4738

strychnine, from my experiences a board thats to small for you handles extremely loose. im not sure exactly why cuz your way makes sense but using da moose's rocker science, if your sitting lower in the water it creates more of turbualant flow underneath and the fin doesnt grip well. the edging is alright but not better i think im not sure. the pop sucks. im riding a 128 motive(belmont) and this is my experiences with it im hoping on getting a bigger one cuz a why about 160 or somewhere around there.

Darin · Guest

I'm 6'1 195lbs, and a 143 is my choice. Haven't tried a smaller one. I've read different opinions about small boards being easier for tricks and stuff. But it seems like landing a bigger board would be easier to control on landing. And more surface for my size would be better for pop off the wake.

PunkDrummer1088 · Newbie Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 9 City: Sonoma

Thanks for all of your responses and just for anyone who wasn't there I am 6'3 and 170 pounds. I am struggling between the 2003 Byerly 142 DNA or the 2004 Premier 141 Bioloite core. What one should I choose? Also what Hyperlite bindings do you recommend the Parks 2004 or the Byerly's 2004? Thanks!

M3Orion · Addict Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 670 City: Bay Area

I'm 6'0" 170lbs and I ride a 140. It feels like the right board for my size.