The 10 Best Wakeboards for Beginners in 2022 [Review and Buying Guide]

Updated Apr 5, 2022

With scarce information on which wakeboards are optimal for the beginner rider, we have done our research and come up with what we believe are the best choices for wakeboards for beginners (men, women and kids). There are several factors and board features that went into our research and results. If the question is “How do I pick my first wakeboard?” then keep on reading to find which board is best for you.

Wakeboarding is a challenging sport to master. However, the truth is that the more you practice, the easier it becomes. The more time you spend on your board, the better you will get and the more enjoyable it will be to ride.

But before getting into all the detailed features that we considered when making our choices, in summary, we were looking for the best boards that a beginner rider could grow into and progress with, that had the optimal combination of stability, speed, durability, edge-to-edge responsiveness, affordability, and the trick ability for down the line. If you are not familiar with the sport, read more about wakeboarding before trying or buying a board.

The Best Wakeboards for Beginners 2022 – The Factors considered

Our process for narrowing down our choices began first with only considering top-end brand boards, as we wanted to keep as up-to-date as possible.

The next step was to narrow down the boards that had the favorable features about the following attributes:

Affordable price

When we say affordable price, our target pricing was between the $200-$300 range, although we did look at wakeboards for beginners up to over $400. The majority of boards over $300 ended up primarily being made for the intermediate to advanced rider anyways, so there wasn’t much of a hard decision to be made when considering pricing, and our top choices based on performance fell into our target range anyways.

Continuous or very mellow 3 stage rocker

A continuous rocker gives the rider a fast, smooth, and easier to handle ride than a 3 or 5 stage rocker. Additionally, when attempting to clear the wake, it shoots the rider out further making it easier to do so for a beginner, as opposed to straight up, which is primarily what the 3 or 5 stage rockers are made for. Wakeboards with mellow 3 stage rockers that weren’t significant enough to feel too loose on the water were considered although, the majority were continuous rockers.

Quality edges

We were looking for edge technology that increased holds, especially on the toe-side (beginners typically aren’t at toe-side let’s face it), while not going overboard and overdoing on the sharpness so the rider could still have versatility when getting ready to spin, butter, etc., later on.

Quality fins

The deeper the fins the more stable and speedy in the water the board will be, although if they are too deep, the rider will experience drag. Therefore, we considered everything from low-profile built-in fins to deep removable center fins.

Durability

This included type of laminate, edge fibers, etc.

Any other unique features that a beginner could benefit from

This included things like easy stance adjustment systems.

Decision

After considering all options that were qualified, the best wakeboards for beginners or those who are still learning to ride are listed below. As a beginner, there are wakeboards and packages designed to assist you to shorten your learning curve and ensure that you have a good time from the moment you step on your wakeboard. The nicest part about them all is that almost all are reasonably priced.

So, let’s get started.

These are the Best Beginner Wakeboards for 2022

1. The Ronix Vault – Best Wakeboard and Bindings for Beginners
2. RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard
3. Liquid Force 2020 Rhyme Wakeboard
4. The Hyperlite State 2.0
5. The Liquid Force Re-Verse
6. Hyperlite Wakeboard Machete
7. Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard – Best under $300
8. The O’Brien System – Best under $200
9. Ronix Krush Wakeboard – Best Womens wakeboard
10. Hyperlite Motive Junior Wakeboard – Best for Kids

1: The Ronix Vault

Ronix Vault Wakeboard

The Ronix Vault is a real special, one of the best wakeboards for beginners and an exciting board that a beginner can grow into and progress, and has features that any advanced rider can appreciate just as much. The Vault has a mellow and continuous rocker for speed and an extra shoot-out, especially when clearing smaller and more mellow wakes.

The toe-side edge has an extra hold due to the thinned-out rails and a longer and deeper fin on that side, which is something we have seen beginners struggle with probably more than any other factor (besides initially getting up).

Although the toe-side has a deeper and sharper edge, the heel-side has a slightly smoother and more shallow fin for a more forgiving turn if a rider wanted to gear up and pre-spin earlier off their heel side as they progress.

The bottom of the board is made of a sintered base that doesn’t lose speed on the water, yet sacrifices no durability and is easy to maintain. It also has an elliptical concave, making the transition from edge to edge as smooth as can be.

Lastly, the bottom has four low-profile molded-in fins, with additional 1.7-inch fiberglass fins that give the rider a stable hold into the water while not producing drag that would sacrifice speed in any noticeable way.

With a near-perfect combination of durability, turning, speed, stability, trick potential, and affordability we feel the price range of $220 – $280 retail price is awesome for the quality of a board like this one that will last a long-time and not prevent a rider from advancing themselves.

Read our in-depth review of the Ronix Vault Wakeboard.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

2: RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard

RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard

The RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard is an excellent choice, a 2022 design specially made for beginners and children. It has a continuous rocker that keeps the board stable, easy to control, and provides softer landings. A strong, flexible, and lightweight board that is built to last and constructed of high-quality materials, RIM molded PU with Fiberglass reinforced edges and a high-density laminate core, including a foam core for extra buoyancy.

Beginners will find this board very easy to learn to better use the rail for edge control thanks to the 2 removable fins. The removable fins for easier transport and storage also offer the options to ride without them.

The oval design of the Jr. Impact youth wakeboard is forgiving and easy to learn. It has two-point adjustable Charger Boots (for the left or right foot in the back) that fit most child shoe sizes and are made for riders under 125 lbs.

RAVE Sports Impact Wakeboard specs

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

3: Liquid Force Rhyme Wakeboard

Liquid Force Rhyme Wakeboard Mens

A very close runner-up to the Ronix Vault was the Liquid Force Rhyme Wakeboard. Liquid force Rhyme, much like the Vault has an aggressive 3 stage rocker and awesome edge control with its split-tip shape that can plow through any water condition and gives the rider an excellent hold. A stepped Deck puts all of the weight under your feet giving you an ultra-flexible tip and tail with reduced swing weight for effortless spins.

The Rhyme’s core is made of Precision CNC’d Full Wood, and what that is, is a full paulownia wooden core that gives lively rebound, response, and flexes with improved core life.

A feature that makes the Liquid Force Rhyme especially cool though is the Force 4D mounting system that makes it super easy to adjust the stance, so multiple people can share the board and position their bindings exactly how they want to in minutes, or a rider can simply figure out the best stance for themselves with some trial and error.

The Liquid Force Rhyme, is not so expensive, nor the cheapest choice but worth’s the extra bucks. It’s an excellent choice for any beginner rider.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

4: The Hyperlite State 2.0

The Hyperlite State has always been an awesome entry wakeboard for beginners looking to advance over the years, and the State 2.0 does not let down. The State 2.0 has an abrupt continuous smooth rocker for a smooth ride. The toe-side optimized edges as well as mellow toe-side risers make toe-side riding as easy as possible for a beginner by providing a stable hold.

The board is constructed out of a layered glass laminate which makes it ultra-durable and long-lasting. Lastly, it is more affordable board than the two choices above at a retail price range of $200 – $300.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

5: The Liquid Force Re-Verse

Liquid Force Re-Verse Wakeboard

The Liquid Force Re-Verse is an awesome choice for beginner riders looking to get their tricks in down the line. It’s a facelift of the previous Verse model, board of choice by the “King of the Cable” Tom Fooshee. The Reverse features a new plan shape with reverse sidecut ends and a triple concave with vee tip channels which allows the board to be ridden without fins yet keep a solid edge.

It has a progressive 3 Stage Rocker and FSC full wood profiled split core, giving you some serious pop while making it harder for a beginner to catch an edge and forgiving for a more advanced rider to butter or start your spins earlier.

Made of FSC Certified Full Wood Profiled “Split Core” and three-position M6 Inserts.

Specs: 

• New Planshape w/ Reverse Sidecut Ends
• Rounded Squaretail Shape – 138, 143 & 148cm
• Aggressive Continuous Rocker
• Three-position M6 Inserts
• FSC Certified Full Wood Profiled “Split Core”
• Triax Glass Layup
• Triple Concave w/ V Tip Channels & Center Venturi Slot
• Beveled LiquidRail Sidewalls
• Designed for LF 6X Bindings And All 6” Bindings

It is an all-around board for any beginner to intermediate rider and at a retail price range of $270 – $330.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

6: Hyperlite Wakeboard Machete

Hyperlite Wakeboard Machete

The Hyperlite Wakeboard Machete is another great entrance to our best wakeboards for beginners list. With a 3 stage hybrid rocker, enduro base, and 4 removable fins, inspired by pro riders Shaun Murray and Rusty Malinoski, the Machete is a combo of their pro models.

Featuring 4 removable fins for exceptional control and true step-down edges for ultimate speed towards the wake, this board creates ease for zipping in and out of turns. You can also say goodbye to the days of working to pop out of the wake since it includes a three-stage rocker.

The rail has a mellow edge under your feet that sharpens and cups in the tip and tail allows for catch-free flat riding and forceful edge hold when turning.

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

7: Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard

Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard

This wakeboard has a 23-year history, and there’s a reason for that. It’s ideal for those who are just learning to ride. The form of the wakeboard allows for softer landings, steady, simple rides, and still gives you a kick off the wake.

This year, the Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard series is the perfect combination of novice and aggressive to be one of the most versatile and one of the best wakeboards on the market for all riders. Whether you are a beginner or the most advanced rider, you will get the value you want from the Trip. If you’re a beginner, it’s the perfect wakeboard to learn with because it starts you out at a steady pace and lets you develop your skills.

The board has an Aggressive Continuous Rocker form. A typical continuous rocker runs the length of the wakeboard in a smooth, continuous curve. The inclination of this rocker line is significantly steeper than that of a standard, continuous rocker board. The benefit is that you get the easy-to-ride, catch-free benefits of the continuous rocker while also getting a little more of an angle to help you gain a little more boost into the wake.

When you become more advanced, this wakeboard will be able to adapt and evolve along with you. For advanced riders, this wakeboard will have no trouble keeping up with you right from the beginning making it the perfect wakeboard, no matter your experience level.

Read our in-depth review of the Liquid Force Trip Wakeboard Review 2022

Get the Liquid Force Trip if you’re seeking for the best boat wakeboard around $300.

Pros

• The boat board is simple to use.
• The Aggressive Continuous Rocker Shape adds a little extra kick.
• Two replaceable fins and four molded-in fins provide additional grip.

Cons

• Some of the more costly wakeboards’ tech elements are missing.

Sizes: 130cm, 135cm, 139cm. 144cm

Size Chart

Mount Pattern: M6

Fins: 6

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

8: The O’Brien System

The O’Brien System has everything a beginner needs to ride: stability, edge hold, durability, 3 molded-in side fins, and most of all comes at a very affordable price of usually around $300 or less.

With the Obrien System Wakeboard, you can skip the learning curve and get right to the enjoyment. The System gives a predictable and stable ride both on and off the wake thanks to its continuous rocker and three fins. Riders can adjust the middle fin’s drag and stability by adding or removing it. A foam core that is highly buoyant aids learning riders in getting out of the water and onto their feet.

The only downside is, is once a rider starts getting into spins or tricks, they will likely grow out of this board, as a more advanced rider would appreciate the other choices due to their additional features, flex, lightness, and versatility advantages.

But if you’re a recreational rider that wants everything you need up to doing advanced tricks across the wake and at an awesome price, this might be the board for you.

Specs

• Ability Level: Beginner-Intermediate
• Riding Style: Wake
• Rocker Type: Continuous
• Core Material: Foam
• Base Type: Standard Base
• Fins: 3

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

9: Ronix Krush Wakeboard – Best Womens wakeboard

Ronix Krush Wakeboard

The Ronix Krush Wakeboard is ideal for female riders who are just learning to ride. This is a beginner-friendly board that was created with the goal of making wakeboarding more accessible. It features many of the same characteristics as the Ronix Vault, including the easy-to-ride form and the added boost of air. The full board set costs less than $450, which makes it a fantastic value.

The Krush has a three-stage rocker line that is peaceful and relaxing. This is where the board’s extra kick comes from. With a flatter base and an angled nose and tail, the three-stage rocker is ideal for beginners. When the tilted nose meets the wake, you’ll be thrown higher into the air than on other beginner-friendly wakeboards.

While the Krush and the Ronix Vault have a lot in common, the Krush was developed with a flex pattern that was specifically tailored for women. This board, like the Vault, is suitable for both men and women. The Krush has the same foam core and fiberglass as the Vault, making it a tough and light board.

Two fiberglass fins are sculpted into the board’s base. These provide the stability that beginning riders want without increasing drag to your ride.

The Ronix Halo Bindings are included in this kit. The bindings are open toe bindings with a mild flex that are designed to be pleasant and ease landings. The Halo bindings provide adequate support while focusing on comfort.

Go with the Krush wakeboard and Halo binding package if you’re a girl searching for a reasonable value on a beginner-friendly board. For less than $450, this kit includes one of the greatest wakeboards for beginners as well as the ideal set of bindings.

Pros

• An affordable board and bindings package that’s ideal for novices just learning to ride
• Designed to help you get started / with a little extra kick
• For beginners, one of the easiest wakeboards to ride; learn heel and toe side turns quickly
• Design with two fins
• Three Stage Rocker

Cons

The fins aren’t removable.

Sizes: 130cm, 135cm, 140cm

Size Chart

Fins: 2

Features

• 3-Stage Rocker
• Secret Flex Construction
• 2 Fiberglass 1.7” Hook Fins
• 2 Molded-in Fins
• Thinner, Sharper Toeside Rail
• Fuller, Vertical Heelside Rail
• Designed for the building block to wakeboarding

Boot Features

• MainFrame Technology
• AutoLock Technology
• Stage 1 Liner
• Classic S.O.L.E.
• Built In J-Bars

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

10: Hyperlite Motive Junior Wakeboard – Best for Kids

Hyperlite Motive Junior Wakrboard

One of our favorite wakeboards for beginners and specially for kids is the Hyperlite Motive Junior Wakeboard 2022! Because of its amazing design, the Hyperlite Motive model has been around for a long time and hasn’t changed all that much. The five-star reviews on the board really tell the whole story: it’s designed with beginners in mind, but anyone can use it and have fun with it.

You will not be disappointed if you quit reading this review and purchase this board. Beginners can use it to learn the basics of wakeboarding, while advanced riders can try out new stunts and improve their skills. It meets the needs of people of all ages and levels.

It has extremely forgiving edges and rails, providing the rider complete control over the board and the flexibility to recover from mistakes. The board’s multilayer woven glass fibers ensure that it can withstand a beating and still stand the test of time. Overall, this is a terrific board!

Beginner/intermediate riders who enjoy the flowing feel of the original freeride series will enjoy this board. The Motive has a smoother lift off the wake and a mellower turn. This series is ideal for children who are learning to sail for the first time.

Specs

• MOLDED-IN FINS
• M6 INSERTS
• V BOTTOM TUNNEL
• FORGIVING 6 DEGREE EDGE BEVEL

>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<

Wakeboards for Beginners Buying Guide

How to choose a beginner Wakeboard

Size

Overall, you’ll need a wakeboard that’s a little bigger than you are. In the water, a shorter wakeboard is slower and more difficult to maneuver, but in the air, it is easier to steer. A wakeboard that is longer and wider is more stable and easier to handle. You’ll need a 134 board if you’re on the lighter side (between 100 and 160 pounds). If you weigh more than 160 pounds, you should aim for the 138-142 pound range or higher.

The wakeboard size chart below will help you figure out what size you need.

Wakeboard size chart

Boards come in a variety of lengths, with some riders preferring shorter boards and others preferring longer boards. If you’re just getting started with wakeboarding, a longer board is a good place to start. The amount of surface area on longer boards will be greater. Because of the larger surface area, you’ll have softer landings when you gain air, improved control with superior floating capabilities, and a smoother ride.

But, having a longer board has also some disadvantages. Because the board is heavier, doing stunts like flips and spins will be more difficult. Furthermore, controlling a larger board requires more energy than controlling a smaller board. This is not to say that purchasing a longer board isn’t a good idea; it’s just something to think about when making a purchase.

The tricks will be simpler to pull off with a shorter board, but landings will be more difficult on the knees. It will take less energy to maneuver, but it will be less forgiving as a result.

Rocker

For a rookie wakeboarder, a continuous rocker is the greatest option. A 3 stage will seem loose and unmanageable at times.

Bindings

When it comes to bindings, the most important thing to remember is that closed toes are for high-end riders, whereas open toes are for beginners who may not know their size or how a wakeboard would ride.

FAQ

Conclusion

Wakeboarding is fun and if you are a beginner, you will find it easy to learn if you have a proper board. But its actually a matter of personal preference and what you believe you’ll be doing with the board the most. Will you be trying out any big airs at a cable park with it? Perhaps you’d be better off with a shorter board. The longer boards can be for you if you’re searching for a board to have aboard the boat that all other riders can enjoy too.

Thanks for reading our review on the Best Wakeboards for Beginners and good luck with your choice! Feel free to drop a question, or comment and let us know what you thought of our selections and yours.

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