Getting into wakeboarding for the first time? Not sure what board to pick as a newcomer? We've covered how to pick the right wakeboard size, profile, and shape. But we'll make it even easier: Here are our top tips for the best beginner wakeboards.
O'Brien System w/ Clutch Bindings (Best Affordable Board)
Key Beginner Features
- Extra-buoyant foam core for easy starts and slow speeds
- Continuous rocker for a smooth, forgiving ride feel
- Large triple channels significantly dampen chop
- Large 1.4" fins for extra grip and stability
Available board sizes (adults)
- 135cm for riders 80 to 200 lbs
- 140cm for riders 110 to 230 lbs
Available Binding Sizes (adults, U.S.)
- 4 to 7
- 7 to 11
- 10 to 14
Available board sizes (kids)
- 119cm for riders up to 130 lbs
- 124cm for riders up to 150 lbs
Available Binding Sizes (kids, U.S.)
- 2 to 5
- 4 to 8
The System from O'Brien was specifically made for beginners, with a price that allows new riders to get into the sport without breaking the bank.
At just over $300, the System isn't short on change when it comes to quality and beginner-friendly performance.
The System's extra buoyant "feather" core, smooth and easy-to-ride continuous rocker profile, top grab rail, and removable 1.4" center fins all work together to provide an effortless ride with maximum stability in the wake.
The System ships with flexible yet supportive, open-toe Clutch front and rear bindings, which provide a high fit range. Plenty of adjustability's offered with dual lace zones , while a 2-degree canted chassis ensures you ride in a naturally aligned stance, reducing fatigue and strain on your knees, ankles and feet.
The System's also available in a Junior Configuration for your lil' riders! Includes Clutch Bindings in U.S. children's sizes.
Hyperlite State 2.0 (Best For Beginner Trick Riders)
Key Beginner Features
- Foam Biolite 3 Core for extra buoyancy
- Continuous rocker for a smooth, forgiving ride feel
- Asymmetrical shape makes for easier control and carving
- Two 1.3" fins for grip and traction
Available board sizes (adults)
- 130cm for riders 100 to 150 lbs
- 135cm for riders 120 to 170 lbs
- 140cm for riders 150 to 200 lbs
- 145cm for riders 175+ lbs
Available Binding Sizes (adults, U.S.)
- 4 to 8
- 7 to 10.5
- 10 to 14
Available board sizes (kids)
- 125cm for riders up to 100 lbs
Available Binding Sizes (kids, U.S.)
- 4 to 8
Grabbing air off the wake is something most beginner riders eventually aspire to achieve -- but it's also one of the hardest tricks. Many new riders also get stuck learning to carve tight without wiping out.
The State 2.0 addresses both these challenges with a unique, asymmetrical board shape that promotes easier turns, pops and jumps. A shortened edge on the rider's toe side makes hard-to-learn jumps easier by reducing the amount of rail the rider needs to overcome when applying toe-side pressure.
The shorter and smoother toe-side is complemented by thinner, molded-in fins that reduce drag and offer quicker release off the wake to grab air. Toe-side footbed riders also add extra leverage when applying pressure.
The longer heel-side edge works to align the rider with a more natural body position over the board, which increases stability and speed turning into the wake.
Add in the included Remix open-toe bindings, with their incredible range of motion and support, and the result is an incredibly nimble board that seemingly unlocks a beginner's abilities like a cheat code.
don't forget the State 2.0 comes with Hyperlite's new Biolite 3 Core and a monocoque construction, built on layered glass that's been hand-shaped by legendary rider Aaron Stumpf. Here, you've got an affordable trick board offering way more than any entry-level alternative.
Ronix Vault (Best Beginner Board for Growing Skills)
Avail. w/ Divide (less flex) or District (more flex) Bindings
Key Beginner Features
- Foam core with thinner edge balances buoyancy and responsiveness
- Low-friction base sheet allows for more speed with less drag
- Multi-layered fiberglass adds stiffness and strength
- Three-stage rocker allows for more pop and deeper carving
- Four 1.7" fins for incredible grip and control
Available board sizes
- 135cm for riders up to 165 lbs
- 140cm for riders 145 to 185 lbs
- 145cm for riders 170 to 210 lbs
Available Binding Sizes (U.S.)
- 5 to 8.5
- 7.5 to 11.5
- 10.5 to 14.5
If you're the type of beginner rider who wants a board that offers intermediate capability, the Ronix Vault is the perfect wakeboard.
The Vault's got all the makings of a nearly pro-level board, but with the light, highly stable, and forgiving nature of a beginner setup. With a 20% weight reduction over its previous design, the Vault offers a thinner profile with more top speed and less load, making carving and transitioning a breeze.
An 8-layered monocoque and proprietary Krypto Cable construction maximize the Vault's stiffness and responsiveness, while its 3-stage rocker provides explosive pop off the wake. The Vault's balance energy storage also ensures enjoy a predictable ride when pushing their speed and skill to new limits.
Four large 1.7" fins provide the most stability possible, letting the Vault idle with no effort at low speed and in small wakes, while new riders get comfortable.
Grab the Vault with District Bindings for a more flexible fit, or grab the Divide bindings for a slightly stiffer, locked-in feel. Note that both bindings are open-toed.
Liquid Force Angel Wakeboard (Best Beginner Women's Board)
Avail. w/ Plush Bindings or No Bindings
Key Beginner Features
- High-buoyancy, precision PU foam core
- Concave "V" hull improves carving and smoothness
- Diamond tip and tail reduces drag and chop
- Deep molded fins for extra tracking
- Center removable fin for tuned ride feel
Available board sizes
- 130cm for riders 60 to 110 lbs
- 135cm for riders 80 to 150 lbs
- 139cm for riders 110 to 190 lbs
Available Binding Sizes (U.S.)
- 4 to 7
- 7 to 10
With extra padding, a deep "V"-cut hull, a high-quality PU foam core wrapped in fiberglass, extra fins, ladies' sizes, and, of course, a sweet pastel swirl top and bottom, the Angel is the perfect starter wakeboard for any new female rider.
Refined and tuned is the theme with the Angel. It makes riding for the first a forgiving experience, but it's got plenty of horsepower in the bindings to carve quick, pop the wake, grab air, and push the edge as close to the water as possible -- for when you advance your skills, of course.
Grab the Angel with no bindings, then pick the perfect pair, or grab the combo kit that comes with color-matched, open-toe Plush Bindings.
The Plush boots provide extra ankle support and lock-down laces, with a foam footbed that molds to your feet for more control and comfort when worn all day.
Connelly Big Easy w/ Draft Bindings (Best Beginner Board for Big Riders)
Key Beginner Features
- Big square footage for big n' tall riders
- Deep center channel provides extra cushion
- Lightweight but tough System 80 foam core
- 3-stage / variable rocker helps master entry-level moves
- Two 1" center fins balances grip with a forgiving, surf-y feel
Available board sizes
- 146cm for riders 160+ lbs
Available Binding Sizes (U.S.)
- 10 to 12
- 12 to 14
The Big Easy lives up to its name. It's simply one of the easiest-to-ride and most comfortable wakeboards on the market, made specifically for big and tall riders.
Its unparalleled length and width, coupled with its unique hybrid rocker, offers extra lift and buoyancy, and provides the responsiveness a big rider needs to feel fast and dialed in.
It's a forgiving board, with loads of channeling and a full-length spine that work together to dampen the flow and make carving predictable and effortless.
The included Draft bindings are a dream to wear, too. Open toed with a deep heel pocket, Gorilla Grip foam on the footbed, and Connelly's patented, ultra-lightweight Infinity Plate to form a solid and tactile connection with board, sized right for big riders.
Get Your Kids Riding, Too!
Read our guide on How to Pick the Perfect Kid's Wakeboard! We go over sizing and features in detail.
Don't forget a quality tow rope and handle, and always be safe by wearing a proper life jacket when you ride the wake.
