Help with picking Wakeboard

185 Sport · Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

Hey Guys, I just ordered a SeaRay 185 Sport,
http://www.searay.com/online_brochure.asp?display=brochure&tab=1&modelid=53996&reqtype=1,9,19,24
My son is 16, 6'1, 130 lbs., Surfs and Skateboards, I am hoping to spend time with him wakeboarding or watching him,hopefully he'll catch on with his surfing exp., What Board do I get ?? I am kinda confused, Hopefully something he can grow into somewhat.............Thanks

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

something in the mid 130 range(133-137) and then whatever is in your price range. some good companies to look at would be cwb, gator boards, hyperlite, liquid force, and obrien.

185 Sport · Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

My son is starting to grow like a crazy, I was thinking of this one in a 143, would this be to big or could he grow into it,this way everyone could use it, what do you think?

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1909553&cp=2057782.712918.710698&parentPage=family

Thanks again

tball · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 3953

I weigh 225 at 6'4" and ride a 143; I'm thinking with his weight he'd be more comfortable on a slightly smaller board. Some shops (Sail and Ski in Austin, Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, I have no idea where you live) will allow demos, that may be a good way to see what he likes. I would caution against buying bindings without first trying them on; you can adjust to how different boards ride and cut, but if your feet hurt or don't feel secure you won't have a good time on the water. There is A LOT of variance in how different brands fit. Good luck and welcome to wakeboarding.

ralc · Criminal Joined: 25 Sep 2005 Posts: 91 City: miami

not that i have anything against the sports authority its just that i would check wakeboarding sites where there is a little more variety, also they offer a better description of the product. in most cases they would be cheaper too.

www.wakeside.com
www.buywake.com
www.boardstop.com

another suggestion is find a board you like then look it up in ebay for the best deal.

imo stay under 140cm....

185 Sport · Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks Guys, I am pumped, they said my boat should be here in week, I live about 1 hour from Orlando,Fla...........Cocoa,Fla.......Near Cocoa Beach,Fla............I went ahead and got the 4.3 they told me it was quicker out of the hole and faster..........what are some good qualities to look for in a board? Thanks

tball · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 3953

I don't know a whole lot about board design except that everyone has their own preference. I would say you're safe with any newer model of liquid force, hyperlite, cwb, gator, and other big names. Stay away from department store stuff and I'll second ralc: stick with a real board shop. I bet an afternoon trip to some shops in Orlando would be time well spent. There's a cable lake there, right? I'm sure they have demo/rental boards you guys can try out on the cable before laying down a few C notes on a keeper and without wasting time and gas doing a bunch of troubleshooting in your own boat. They may have demo'd boards for sale too; I've purchased two boards that were previous demo models, no problems. Plus the riders/staff there will likely be happy to point you in the right direction.

185 Sport · Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks for the info

wake_quake · Posted: Jan 16, 2006 5:30 pm Post subject:

i am 5.9 and 60kilograms and i ride a 143, and i found it ok

Jarad · Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

ive been looking and searching, but I can't seem to find a good post about how to pick a good board. Is it more based on weight than anything? I'm 6 ft, 170 pounds and when i put that info into these board finders they give me a range of boards. However, is a taller board better to learn on or a shorter one? This is the info that im looking for. I've only tried wakeboarding once and have not been able to get up yet. I snowboard all the time so I know I will love this once I can pop up.

Roger · Outlaw Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 145 City: Dallas

Board size is mainly based on your weight. Heavier people use bigger boards with more surface area. The longer boards also allow a wider stance for bindings. The wakeboard companies normally state a weight range for their boards, sometimes you will fit into the weight range of more than one size of the same brand/model.

kyle · Guest

143 will be too big, he should be on a 138-141.

Blindside_137 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 4:27 pm Post subject:

Jarad, smaller boards are good for spinning because its shorter therefore less rotating mass making your job easier.

Longer boards thend to pop a little more and land a little softer due to the increased surface area.

but these differences are so small that they are hardly noticeable at times...

Cajun · Newbie Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 20

Jarad · Newbie Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

sweet. Thanks guys. You guys rock. I'm looking at getting the Hyperlite Motive 140. You guys have been a great help.

Chad H · Posted: Jun 27, 2006 9:39 am Post subject:

185 Sport,
You'll really like the boat. I was out on one this past weekend. We had 6 people in it very comfortably. It puts out a very clean wake as well.

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

im 6'3 and a little under 210, and i used to ride a 143, but i switched to a 141 and feel much more comfortable