The Top 5 Wakeboards

Wakeboarding, in which a rider stands attached to a board and is towed behind a boat, has taken the world by storm. And it's no wonder, considering the pure adrenaline rush and intense workout you get from it. A little like snowboarding on water, wakeboarding requires strength, stamina, and a good sense of humor (you'll take a ton of tumbles at first). It's all worth it though, as it's a water sport that is loads of fun. If you're dying to try it or have already been a number of times, snagging a quality board is a good next step. So we'll start with the good news: we've got 5 of the top boards right here for you, right now. The bad news? Choosing which one to go with. These are all such great options, you'll want 'em all.

Absolute Outdoor Full Throttle Aqua Extreme Wakeboard Kit

Easy Ridin'

This beginner-friendly board offers an easy, responsive ride at a fair price point.

Best Overall

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If you’re newer to wakeboarding and really wanting to snag your own board, consider this one. Top on our list for its price (a bit more budget-friendly than the others on here), its graphics, and yep, its overall design, we are loving this wakeboard.

First, the feather core technology means you’re riding on a lightweight, responsive board right off the bat. The glass top is a layered sheet and features two molded-in fins with a continuous rocker. This is just fancy-talk for smooth, easy riding. With increased stability and a controlled edge, you’ll effortlessly ride the edge of your wave, and maybe get a few hops in there as well. This is the perfect board for beginners.

Pros:

Low-key black, grey, and blue graphics.
Complete wakeboard kit included.
Durable construction.

Cons:

Not recommended for anyone under 155 pounds.

Mystique New Hyperlite Women’s Wakeboard

For the Ladies

Sick of riding on a board that's built for a man? Girl, we've got ya.

Best for Women

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We’re firm believers in the fact that you don’t need a specialized board just because you’re a woman. Just because this is the only board on this list specifically for a woman, doesn’t mean that any of the other boards on here wouldn’t work just as well. However, if you’re curious as to why we’ve included this regardless of that fact, you’ll soon understand. Sometimes, the design of sports equipment isn’t so universal. Typically, women tend to be a bit smaller in the frame than their male counterparts, and it can make riding a wakeboard that’s designed for a heavier, broader person a bit more difficult. Having a women-specific board just increases the ease-of-riding, and we appreciate that.

The hardware on this board allows for a much thinner, lighter board that translates to an easier ride. If you aren’t constantly fighting to stay afloat, well then, you can quickly master the art of wakeboarding. The bindings on this wakeboard are also customized specifically with a woman rider in mind–all of this equals a super responsive, smoother ride.

Pros:

The Low Pro Plate System of the bindings equals a huge decrease in overall weight. The lighter you’re able to be on your board, the more responsive your riding will be. Win-win.
Comes with four removable fins and a subtle 3 stage rocker.
One year manufacturer warranty.

Cons:

Bindings are one-size-fits-most, with a range of women’s 6-11. If you run smaller or larger than that, it’s kind of a bummer.
We also don’t love that just because this is a woman’s board, it has to have pink features. Pink is a great color, sure, but it’d be nice to have a few more options.

Hyperlite Murry Wakeboard

The Next Step

If you need a step up from a beginner's board, we've fallen hard for this intermediate, pro-designed wakeboard.

Best Intermediate

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Looking for an intermediate level wakeboard? We’ve got you. This pro-model edition from Shaun Murray (yes, the Shaun Murray) is a breeze to ride even if you’re not on his level. With the built-in Variable Edge Design and Center Landing Spine, this board is a fantastic option for intermediate-to-advanced riders. With a rounding of the edge between the inserts along with a few other key design features, you’ll find a responsive, forgiving board that is insanely fun to ride.

Pros:

Hyperlite’s BIO3 Core and CarboNetX construction means you’ll have a light wakeboard that’s easy to spin and also highly durable.
Wakeboard comes with OT Boots.
Beautiful design features make this board a delight to ride.

Cons:

A bit on the pricier side if you’re new to wakeboarding (but then again, this is more of an intermediate board).

Ronix Vision Wakeboard Kid’s Package

For the Kiddos

Is your youngster begging you for a board of their own? They'll absolutely love this sweet kids-only ride.

Best for Kids

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There’s no time like the present to get your youngster started out on the water. And this Ronix wakeboard is the ideal starter board for an excited kiddo. The entire package comes with a wide tip and tail board, duel fiberglass hook fins, a sticker pack, and VISION boots…just about everything you need to get your adventurous mini-me behind the boat.

Some key features that keep your kiddo feeling confident: grom glass, which gives more control and less swing weight when in the air. Plus, the lighter layup means more response and a better feel for the water…which translates to a more confident rider overall.

Pros:

Includes a sticker pack for fun and personalized decorating.
Includes VISION boots, which are easy to put on and super comfortable.
Wide tip/tail.

Cons:

Boots fit a bit tight. You may want to size up.

Slingshot Sports 2020 Bishop Wakeboard

Pro Rider

Listen up, experts. This board will take your riding to the next level.

Best Pro Level

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If you’ve got some experience under your er, board, you can ditch the beginner-friendly wakeboards and go straight to the advanced design. The Bishop is just the board to suit you. With flex tips, designed specifically with nose and tail presses in mind, you’ll be riding big. What’s more, the shape of the board really helps with smooth, easy-looking landings in situations where it’s anything but…forget your friends, you’ll end up impressing yourself with this board, trust us.

You’ll ride easy and loose on the rails, and quickly up your trick game after your first few rides. For a more advanced wakeboarder, this board is our personal favorite.

Pros:

Beautiful graphics over both the back and front of the wakeboard.
Narrow, responsive design. This means you’ll have a quick transition time from toe to heel.

Cons:

You’ll need to supply all the extra needed accessories–this is just a board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a wakeboard?

If you’ve never been on a wakeboard before, you might want to play around with a friend’s or a rental prior to making a purchase. This way, you can decide which style and size fits your body the best. Because wakeboarding is such a responsive sport, it can be incredibly frustrating to ride on an ill-fitting board. The wrong length and a tricky edge could be the difference between catching a wave and sinking like a stone.

If you’re determined to just make the purchase anyway, check in with a local expert (or even just a friend who has some experience). Going with a recommended board for your body type and skill level is key to enjoying yourself out on the water.

How should I store my new wakeboard?

For storing your new wakeboard, it’s best to use a specifically made rack. This will help to protect your board from any accidental dings or scratches that it could get if stored improperly. If you live in a small space and don’t have the option of a storage rack, you can always keep it in a storage bag in a safe spot. Make sure it’s not in a damp spot, and make sure that the temperatures are regulated (no extreme heat or cold).