When it comes to wakeboarding, everyone has to start somewhere! It can be daunting for some to find the perfect wakeboard for their next water adventure, especially if you’re just starting out. If you are doing your research online this is a great place to start or alternatively you can drop in-store to chat with our knowledgeable team, even better!

Whether you’re deciding if a longer or shorter wakeboard is right for you or finding the right style and shape to best manoeuvre through the water, this guide will give you our tried and tested recommendations from our seasoned wake specialists on the right size wakeboard for you.

There are some amazing locations in Australia to go wakeboarding so there is no better time than to get out on the water, but first, finding the right size board. A great starting point for finding the perfect wakeboard that will provide good times all summer long is to understand the size of the board. If you are looking at a short or long wakeboard, you need to consider your weight and riding style. Every wakeboard model has specific sizing recommendations or requirements provided from the manufacturer. If you’ve tried someone else’s board or you’re finding some discomfort with your wakeboard it may not the best fit. We advise people who are wanting a comfortable and enjoyable wakeboard ride to follow this size chart below which suggests the recommended wakeboard sizes, dependent upon different weight classifications. If you're more into skiing you can check out our waterski size guide here.

Note that the same goes for height, where the typical rule of thumb is that the taller you are the more likely it is that you will need a longer wakeboard. This chart above is a rough guide, and it’s always best to come in-store and check them out where our experienced team can help you out.

If you are looking for an easier transition into wakeboarding or you are a beginner looking to start wakeboarding, we recommend a longer wakeboard. This is largely due to the weight of the boards which allows for better control both in air and on the water as well as a great starting ground to learn the ropes of wakeboarding and how to complete tricks for the first time. In general, longer wakeboards offer a larger surface area to work off which makes manoeuvring through the water much easier and quicker as well. Because of the larger surface, you will have softer landings and be able to float far more easily than having a shorter board. Keep in mind because of the larger surface area, you will encounter a slower response when you go from toe side to heel side of the wakeboard. Additionally, because of the heavier weight of the board, it may be harder to perform more advanced tricks once you have got the hang of it.

A shorter wakeboard makes for a completely different wakeboard experience compared to a long wakeboard. Generally, with more experience gained you will change to use a shorter wakeboard. A wakeboard that is shorter in length, will have faster response times when it comes to changes in the toe and heel side. You will also notice that completing complex tricks are done with ease on a shorter wakeboard. It is significantly easier to move and spin in the air as you flip or fly across the water on a shorter board. The common limitations which you might encounter are that it requires more energy and skill (to some degree) to push through the water since it is lighter than longer wakeboards. Landings are not as soft as longer wakeboards which means you need to have strong knees for landing or you’ll wipe out.

Do not be discouraged if you have never got on a wakeboard. Generally speaking, wakeboards come in many different shapes and sizes that are designed for beginners right through to advanced wakeboarders. However, this doesn’t mean that you are limited to a certain type of wakeboard, you are more than happy to try out an expert wakeboard if you are a beginner. The suggestions in this article are designed to give you information on what we have seen to be the most appropriate for each category. We’ll just say it one more time, wakeboards are designed for everyone.

If you're a beginner, you can also check out our top 5 wakeboarding tips for beginners.

Some of the wakeboarding lingo can be confusing for beginners or those doing research in preparation for getting out on the water, so we’ve broken down a few of the terms you’re most likely to come across when choosing a board, and learning about its shape and materials.

It is strongly recommended to always wash your wakeboards with fresh water after using it in saltwater. Wakeboards will last best when stored in a cool, dry area out of the sun which can damage the board. For added protection, investing in a quality wakeboard bag for storage can make all the difference as well. Just ensure that the wakeboard gear is dry before being stored away.