Finding your correct wakeboard size is so vital for you to have fun while riding. Unlike some other board sports, with wakeboarding, the board’s size is based on the riders weight.
With that we created a wakeboard size calculator tool that will let you select your weight via the slider, and we will send you a link with the right size board for you.
Use the Wakeboard Size Calculator
So What Wakeboard Size Should You Ride?
Base your decision off of how much you weigh, your ability level, and your riding style. You will be riding on top of water, and you need a wakeboard specifically designed for your weight so it can float. Additionally, each board has an individual flex designed for around the weight of the rider. I would recommend you use the tool above as your gauge and then look at the specific sizing guideline written on the board itself.
To keep it simple, the your weight determines the wakeboard length you should get.
Can Multiple People Use the Same Wakeboard?
Sure. A general rule of thumb would be to base this off of the heaviest rider. While you riding style plays a factor here, a lighter weight rider should be able to adapt to a larger wakeboard that was designed for a heavier rider. It’s when you try and do that the opposite way, you run into challenges. A board the rider is to heavy for is not a good idea.
Check each wakeboard manufacture and model for exact size recommendations!
General Wakeboard Size Chart
| Weight | Size of Wakeboard |
|---|---|
| Under 100lbs | 130cm and below |
| 90lbs to 150lbs | 130cm through 134cm |
| 130lbs up to 180lbs | 135cm through 139cm |
| 170lbs up to 250lbs | 140cm through 144cm |
| 200lbs – 275lbs | 144cm and up |
Do You Need a Shorter Wakeboard Size?
A shorter wakeboard is easier to maneuver due to their reduced size and weight. A shorter board tends to respond quicker, spin faster, feel lighter, and often have a more aggressive ride. The potential drawbacks are that they might not feel as smooth due to their reduced size and surface area on the water. Additionally, smaller wakeboards can make landings more difficult.
Do You Need a Longer or Larger Wakeboard Size?
Longer wakeboards can be a better option for beginners. They offer more stability due to their increased surface against the water. The ride will also feel smoother due to the board’s ability to handle the water easier. The more mass to the wakeboard, the easier it will plow right through choppiness. Landings tend to be easier due to the wakeboard’s larger surface and its ability to soften the impact as you land. The potential drawbacks are that they can be slower, weigh more, and are less maneuverable for spins and air tricks.
Do You Need a Wider Wakeboard Size?
Wide wakeboards offer more surface area on the water from your heel to toe rather than the board’s nose to tail. The wider surface area can produce more pop off the wake. Additionally, it gives you more of a surface in the cable park if you are hitting rails. The potential downside is similar to longer wakeboards. The wakeboard can be heavier and less maneuverable. While a more narrow board can help you get on edge and go faster, you might need a wider wakeboard if you have larger feet. As a rough gauge, if your foot is larger than a men’s size 12, consider getting a wider board or going up a size.
Wakeboards also come specifically designed to the rider’s ability level. Here is a rough gauge to determine your level.
Beginner-Intermediate Wakeboards & Their Shape
Generally, this means that you are new to wakeboarding, and this will be your first board. Alternatively, if you have ridden before and are still new to it. The properties of these wakeboards are designed to be easier to ride. They tend to be a little slower and turn less aggressively, so you will not get as much air (which is a good thing if you are new to this). Usually, riders who fall into this category would prefer a continuous or a more mellow three stage rocker wakeboard
Intermediate/Advanced Wakeboards & Their Shape
Intermediate riders are hitting the wake in both directions. They have experience riding and are looking for gear to help them progress to the next level. In this category, there are many options to choose from because you already know how to ride. Rather than picking a board based on its rocker profile, select a wakeboard with features that fit your riding style.
Advanced/Expert Wakeboards & Their Shape
If you are already spinning, flipping, and learning new tricks, you are likely in the advanced category. Advanced wakeboarders tend to choose a board with an aggressive continuous or 3-stage rocker, an abrupt rocker, or a board with tech like carbon fiber built into it. If you are in this category, you could pretty much ride anything you want. However, tech is built into some higher end wakeboards that will keep the board lighter and allow you to shine in the air.
Wakeboard Rocker Profiles (The curvature shape of the board)
Continuous Rocker Profile
(continuous arch)
The continuous rocker profile is one smooth curved shape. It looks like this.
Your wakeboard will look like a banana. A continuous rocker’s benefit is that it is a fast board that rides smooth and is easier to turn on and reduce the impact of landings. These have more of a predictable feel to them and are beginner-friendly.
3-Stage Rocker Profile
(angled nose and tail with a flatter base)
The 3-stage (three stage) rocker profile has three different angles. The nose and tail have angles, while the base is flatter. It will look like a skateboard.
The benefit to a 3-stage rocker is that you will get more pop off the wake and higher airs as a result. The angles of the board allow it to launch you higher. The potential downside is that the flatter bottom tends to be slower on the surface of the water. To gain speed you will rely more on the edge of your board. The shape of these boards make them better for intermediate to advanced riders.
Hybrid Rocker Profile
(blends the benefits of a continuous and 3-stage rocker)
A Hybrid Rocker is a blended combination of both the 3-stage and continuous rocker profiles.
The have several different names that include “abupt,” “blended,” or “hybrid.” The basic idea is that the angles in the nose and tail are more aggressive than a continuous rocker and the base of the wakeboard is curved. The curvature of these wakeboards vary, so look at the board’s specs and see if it can work for you. Most riders choose these if the benefits match what they are working on. For example, an abrupt rocker’s angles can give you an additional boost of air. If you’re working on spins, you are going to want that boost.
So Which Wakeboard Size Should You Buy?
Remember it is primarily based on your weight, experience, and riding style. As you progress, you might want to get a different board the the one you are just learning on.
Use the wakeboard size tool, select your weight, and see which wakeboard we recommend.
Now that you know which size wakeboard to buy, consider looking at or our best wakeboards of 2021 award list. The wakeboards we recommend on the list are all incredible in their specific category. If you are new to wakeboarding, checkout our best wakeboards for beginners guide.
Now get out there, ride, and have fun.
Learn More In Our Other Wakeboard Guides:
- The Best Wakeboards Overall for 2022
- The Best Beginner Wakeboards for 2022
- The Best Women’s Wakeboards for 2022
- Beginner’s Wakeboard Buying Guide
- Best Wakeboard Boots and Bindings
Try our other board size calculators here:
Steve Weber is an avid snowboarder and skateboarder. He has been snowboarding for 26 years, skateboarding for 20, and is always looking for a new board sport to try out. When he is not riding or skating, he runs a marketing agency. Board of the World is Steve’s blog for skateboard and snowboard gear reviews. The blog’s goal is to help people find the right board for them and encourage people to have fun outside.