Questions To Consider Before Buying A Wakeboard.

The type of wakeboard you own will reflect on the level you may reach and the style of wakeboarding your will do. The features of the board are important to achieve the performance you seek. So sit down and think about what you want to achieve and then purchase the suitable board.

The first thing to consider before you buy a wakeboard is the level of your ability and rising style: Beginners prefer a board with square edges because this offers more stability and control. A single tipped board will also be helpful in this case, as it has only one tipped edge and the rear end is square. Advanced riders and those who love to perform air tricks prefer a round edged board, because this allows for more speed and easier landing. The majority of boards today are twin tipped - which means rounded on both sides and meant to be used in multi directional riding.

The next thing to consider is your height and weight. Wakeboard length averages 120-150 cm and width is 38-44cm. The taller and heavier you are, the longer board you will need. Longer boards are also good for beginners as they offer more stability.
If you are not too sure who will ride your board, it is preferred to get a longer one.

Board features to be considered are the rocker, fins and binding/boots. The features should suit the style of riding you like.
The rocker is the angle at the edge of the board. A higher rocker has more rounded edges that allow for better landing after jumps. A lower rocker allows better acceleration and control over the board. Progressive riders may prefer a gradual curve at the center that becomes more angles under the feet. This is called continuous rocker.
The fins are the turning devices located at the bottom of the wakeboard and help steer it. Small fins are suitable for quiet waters. Larger wider fins are suitable for rough waters and also allow for better connectivity, drawing the board to the water. So do take a minute to think where and in what conditions you will usually ride.
Bindings and boots should be snug, to hold your feet/boots but they should not be too tight. If you take a fall and they do not release you properly you may be injured. Your comfort too is to be considered, you should not be in pain when putting on your boots. Do not forget to wet your bindings before entering them. The best advice is to try before you buy! Many wakeboard manufacturers allow you to demo a board for a fee. No amount of research will compensate for a bad purchase, so take the time to try your preferred board out and see that it matches your level and style of rising. Many stores will deduct the demo fee if you end up buying the board.
So be prepared, research and select 1-3 boards and then go and try them out.

Here is a good link to check out boards and compare prices:
http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php/page_id=1859/form_keyword=wakeboard&mode=about_waterski