Wakeboard Guide
Dec 30th 2025
The basic guide for wakeboards and finding what board works best for you. A general overview of the different rocker types, sizes, and more.
Wake 101
3-STAGE ROCKER
An exaggerated rocker line with a later arc and a higher degree of angle at the tip / tail. This style of rocker creates more of an instant, explosive buck off the wake for riders who go behind a big boat wake. Wakeboarders riding behind smaller wakes will still feel like they are getting a solid vertical kick.
HYBRID ROCKER
The everyday rockerline for the rider that wants to experience all traits of speed, lift, and landings. Depending on how much angle you have into the wake, you might experience a more explosive vertical take off, or a faster, smoother release off the wake.
CONTINUOUS ROCKER
For riders looking for a smooth, fast trajectory. This tip/tail has a more subtle arc, so a rider doesn’t lose any speed leaving the wake. As a result, you can fly longer and maintain that speed, so you will land softer. You can go into the wake blindfolded and still know exactly how it is going to release off the wake.
INSTANT ENERGY
The energy takes place the second the tip of the board hits the wake. A quicker way to generate lift off the transition as the energy takes place sooner and harder. For riders who can handle the extra kick.
STORED ENERGY
A more relaxed snap for entry-level to intermediate riders who are looking for consistency over power.
WAKEBOARD FINS
Taller Fins have a stronger edge hold and work better in rougher water conditions.
Shorter fins have a quicker release off the water.
WAKEBOARD SIZE CHART
|
RIDER WEIGHT
|
BOARD LENGTH
|
| <100LBS | <130cm |
| 90-150LBS | 130-134cm |
| 130-180LBS | 135-139cm |
| 170-150LBS | 140-144cm |
| 200-275LBS | >144cm |
General Maintenance
- Do not leave in the sun or any U/V light for a prolonged period of time.
- Rinse with cool, fresh water after using in salt water.
- Dry the board off in the shade.
- If using a bag, make sure it is fully dry before storing.
- Store in a cool, dry location.
- Limit exposure to lotions and oils.
- Periodically applying board-safe wax to the top deck of your board can help protect it from sun discoloration and damage.
- Remove wakeboard bindings before offseason storage.
- Never place a board bottom-side down on any surface, as it can cause damage to the fins and scratch the base.
Short V.S. Long Wakeboards
SHORT WAKEBOARD (better for more advanced riders)
Pros:
- Better for more advanced riders
- Shorter boards are easier to spin and maneuver in the air.
- Quicker edge-to-edge transitions
Cons:
- Landings will be harder, and the nose tends to dig in.
- Shorter boards are slower and take more energy to push through the water.
- Can feel less stable at lower speeds
LONG WAKEBOARD (great for beginners)
Pros:
- Easier to learn & ride on
- More surface area on the water = moves faster across the surface
- Great for learning tricks
- More control
- Softer landings
Cons:
- Longer boards are heavier = harder to work against
- Slower edge-to-edge
Finding the right board for you…
Beginner: Look for a long, flexible board with a continuous rocker for smooth rides and larger center fins for stability. These features make it easier to get up, control the board, and learn the basics. For rocker types, you want to look for something with a flatter profile, like mellow or subtle rocker types.
2026 Options: Hyperlite State 2.0, Connelly Blaze, Ronix Vault Modello Core, Hyperlite Sender, Connelly Big Easy, Connelly Lotus
Intermediate: For those who have the basics down and are looking to try out new tricks. Featuring rocker types that have more aggressive curves for lift (3-stage) or a faster, smoother ride (continuous), differing from beginner boards. Most offer either fewer or no center fins for a cleaner release but more defined edges for control. If you're looking for big air, go with a 3-stage rocker. Want more smooth-flowing tricks? Go with a continuous rocker.
2026 Options: Ronix Parks Modello Core, Ronix District, Liquid Force M.E., Liquid Force Trip, Hyperlite Murray, Hyperlite Eden, Connelly Pure, Connelly Blaze
Advanced: These lightweight boards feature aggressive 3-stage or hybrid rockers for vertical pop, minimal channels/fins for speed, or deep channels for powerful cuts. Using premium materials like carbon for intense performance in airs, spins, and inverts, catering to riders seeking maximum control and aggressive maneuvers.
2026 Options: Ronix One Blackout 3-stage rocker, Ronix Supreme Air Core 3, Hyperlite Rage Loaded, Hyperlite Capitol, Connelly Woodro, Connelly Reverb, Liquid Force Remedy, Liquid Force Unity Aero