Wakeboards

Filed under: high energy sports

Many individuals when familiarizing themselves with wakeboard terminology have not heard the word rocker used in connection to wakeboarding. In brief, the rocker is the bend in the board which provides the dynamic to some degree of how your board will perform in the water. For example, some boards have what is termed as continuous rocker. This simply means there is one curve rendered within the board’s design. The continuous curve remains consistent from the top of the board to its tail.

Then there is the three stage rocker. As you might have guessed from the description there are two points where the bend changes similar to a skateboard although not as dramatic in effect. Additionally, there are other rocker styles, however the two described here are the most general.

The wakeboard incorporated with a continuous rocker design tends to ride faster throughout the water. This is because the water around the board can flow more easily underneath the board. Boards with a three stage design tend to propel more water in front of the wakeboard. As a result the rider can make a better ascent over the wake.

A lighter, smaller board will make riding easier and seem even more forceful. However, the landing portion of the ride will prove much more difficult. If using a larger board, you will not be able to travel as fast, but the ride in general is smoother.

The width portion of the board determines how high it sits on the water. You’ll want to review wakeboard widths in three different areas: tips, tails and within the center. The wider tips and tails make it possible to perform more surface stunts. They allow, also, for a better spin off the wake.

The middle of the wakeboard determines how high it sits on the water. The larger the width of the board: the higher it will sit on the water and in consequence the more impact it makes when bouncing off the wake.

If the bottom of the board is concave on the bottom, the board sits higher on the water. This is because the concave shape creates lift. Channels are similar to long fins. The channels in the middle of the board make it possible for the wakeboard to edge hard; however, the board will release easily through the wake. This is due to the fact water runs into and along the channels. If channels run through the tail and tip portion the fins take hold with greater efficiency; however the board does not release that well through the wake.

In summary, reviewing designs and shapes of the boards allows you to perform wakeboarding at a level that is most enjoyable relative to personal preference.