How short is too short?

icey_08 · Newbie Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 2

Hey guys, another guy new to wakeboarding here. I apologize in advance for another "help me picking my first wakeboard" but I could really use your help.

The size charts on websites are all different, and at 5'11" 180 I have been placed anywhere from a 136 to a 144. That spread just seems ridiculous.

I snowboard, and normally ride a little shorter so I can tweak in the park better (I ride 154). However, being new to wakeboarding, how short can I ride and still stay afloat? Also, I've read that shorter boards are slower and you have to work harder to build speed/carve?

I've been looking at a package deal on an O'Brien Valhalla that is a 138. The rocker mix seems to be ok for a beginner, and then more rewarding as I'm able to use more pop. What are your thoughts?

Any help is appreciated.

faceplant920 · Outlaw Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 178 City: Brookhaven

I have friends that ride Obrien boards and they love them but they will not use the Obrien bindings because they say they are crap. No personal experience but something to think about. Also I am 5'11" 180 also and just bought a 138 CWB Transcend and love that size. Albeit I only have a little experience under my belt but when I asked a similar question on here about board size I was given the 138 to 141 size range. Hope this helps a little.

pet575 · Posted: May 06, 2010 9:05 am Post subject:

I'm 5'9", 185-190lbs. I ride a 143. I could easily ride a 141 and do "OK" on my buddy's 138. I'd go with something 140+, especially if there is any chance you might either grow taller or put on a few more pounds.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Hmmm, I thought this thread was about something else when I was opening it. I expected this...

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Oh, and I'd agree with pet575 on board size. You probably want to stay a tad to the bigger size.

b33nine · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 311 City: Salem-ish

I'm the same size as you and rode a 136 last year. Before that I was always on 132-134's and 2 summers ago busted out my old super squirt 128 and had a blast.

I just bought a 140 this year because I'll likely be riding a much larger wake than I am used to, but I'm sure I'll still spend a fairly significant amount of time on the 136.

My first twin tip was a 147 and that was the board I learned backrolls and tantrums on.

Size is pretty much a preference thing is my point, I suggest you try a bunch out and see what you like if possible.

icey_08 · Newbie Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 2

haha nice okie. made my work day a bit better.

thanks for all your help guys

STANG KILLA SS · Posted: May 07, 2010 11:45 am Post subject:

138-140 would be perfect

tweeder_21 · Newbie Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 14 City: weatherford

im 6'4 and 195 and a 140 floats me fine so its really a preference thing for you sure shorter boards can be a little harder on the edge but they spin better if you don't have the legs to get a longer one around but longer provide better pop on larger wake compared to a shorter board of the same size... in the end its gonna be a trial and error thing for you to see what you prefer and are comfortable with

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

I'm with okie. I prefer my board on the large side. It rides more predictable in my opinion. I'm 6'3" 175lbs, and I've ridden a 143 down to a 136. Now I'm on a 140 and it's not because I'm behind a sweet X-Star and I'm afraid the huge wake is going to break me. Laughing

b33nine · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 311 City: Salem-ish

well played Chris, well played... **slow clap**

Enygma · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 356

I'm 5'10", 170 and ride a 134 without any issues at all....