Looking to buy a wakeboard

[buzzaro]

Need some suggestions on what to look for. Basically Ive never wakeboarded before, done some double skiing but thats about it. Really looking for an all around board that will be good for all types/sizes of riders, this is going to be the board that waits in the boat for anyone that feels like riding or trying to ride . Any suggestions or things to look for? Thanks

[Coach]

Most of the major wakeboard makers have combo deals with a board and bindings. The problem with one board is it will be good for a few people and not so good for most. The board sizes are more specific to weight and size of the person riding it. If possible get a board that is big 140 or 142 and a small board 134. But when in doubt and you don't want more boards get a 138.
Hyperlite Motive is a very good entry level board.
http://www.wakeside.com/page/w/CTGY/wakeboard_packages
http://www.buywake.com/catalog/packageDeals
http://www.grizzly-sports.com/

[buzzaro]

Thanks, Im fairly big guy while my wife is the opposite, and then friend of all sorts at both ends. How would it be riding a board at the large end of the spectrum for the smaller folks? Like if I were to pick up a >140cm board? Would that be easier than a larger person riding a smaller board? I am asking because of course I would lean towards buying something better for me :wink:

[Coach]

I have a board and my wife has a board. I have a Hyperlite Parks 144 (I am 6'1 220 lbs) my wife just got a Liquid Force Diva (some flower board) which is a 128 she is (4'11 100 lbs) We also have a 134 for general use as well. A big board is great for people learning vs a smaller board. Pretty much anyone that rides a lot has their own board. I have neighbor who as 6 boards for some unknow reason. I find one big board for yourself and one smaller board will let everyone ride. The other thing to consiter is storage. We ride the boat is full of boards, after everyone is done we put all of the boards on the beach until we ride again. I am going to be buying a wakeboarding boat so it will not be an issue next year with the tower and board racks. The other problem you will run into is binding sizes. They have some very basic fit most people bindings but you might have a problem trying to fit your foot and your wifes. Normally a guy board and a girls board solves that issue. plus you don't want a binding that is too tight and you can get out of. Check out the CWB new bindings for the wife and yourself as well. They have a hinge on the back so no more soap or goo to get in the binding. Open the hinge and you are in. I just bought some for my wife (no more broken nails which make her happy... you know the rest). http://www.wakeside.com/page/w/CTGY/...eboard_binding
I tried on the Factions yesterday and am going to ride them tonight, I think I am going to buy them.
One other option is to buy a board from e-bay or wakeworld
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/m...tml?1153485606
You might find a good older board for a good price while you learn. Also you can demo boards from local shops and the demo or rental price will go towards your purcase at the store.

[buzzaro]

Thanks for all the info, storage wont be a problem since we've got a closed bow 23', just getting some stuff together so we've got things to do besides cruise, drink, swim, cruise, drink.......etc while we're out on the lake .

[Outnumbered]

I've had good luck with these guys...
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...le&catnum=1Z1A

[Outnumbered]

Overtons Outlet (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...isle&catnum=6J)

[YeLLowBoaT]

Why not just go talk with the ppl at water ski world? its ar Fair Oaks and Green back. you might pay alittle more, but they know thier stuff.

[Riomouse911]

BEFORE YOU BUY: Ask to demo boards/bindings on the water. Any good shop will let you (for a small fee) take a board or two out and try them. Some look like demons in the shop and ride like crap on the water. Others look plain-jane, but you'll love the way they ride. It might cost a bit of cash and "waste" a day, but you'll thank me in the end..NOTHING is worse than plunking down a bunch of cash on a board that doesn't work, or bindings that hurt your feet. I've done it lots of times, so think of this is a "learn from my mistakes" sermon..
Another thing to beware of is store package deals with funky "one size fits all" set-ups. They never fit, they have a tendency to come off one binding at a time in a crash (hello ACL replacement and 9 months off the water) and they can fall apart quicker than a better set up.
I always say the same thing when people come into the shop or pick my brain over "begninner" set-ups, you can nail 4 wheels to a 2x6 and "skateboard", or you can tape some shoes to the same 2x6 and "snowboard"...However it makes it easier to learn, much easier to improve, and more rewarding to ride with a set up that fits you. (and you can do it without breaking the bank)