Topic: Wakeboards, what do you prefer?

[BLACKDOG]

Only been wakeboarding for a few years, and am looking to buy a board for myself this year.  Last year my brother and I used a CWB, and that worked great for me, but since I'm now 150 miles away from where its kept (on my dad's boat), its time to buy my own, as some buddies have boats up here, and I don't want to use their boards, as I'm most likely going to be too big for them. 

So, the question I put to you, o great wealth of knowledge that is the marlin BB members, what brand boards do you like, and what would you recommend? 


As I said, I've been wakeboarding for a few years, so I'd consider myself intermediate.

[slabcs]

You're a pretty big guy compared to me, but I'm loyal to Liquid Force.  I've loved every board I've owned from them.  I tried a CWB, didn't like it too much.  Tried Double-Up boards and Hyperlites, didn't like those either.

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

You're a pretty big guy compared to me, but I'm loyal to Liquid Force.  I've loved every board I've owned from them.  I tried a CWB, didn't like it too much.  Tried Double-Up boards and Hyperlites, didn't like those either.

No kidding  

Any reason you didn't like those boards?  quality, design? 

My main problem, is that not all the board companies make a board big enough for me.

[slabcs]

They all were just too slow for me, and the Hyperlite felt like it was way too locked in whenever I'd cut in.  I've been rocking a Liquid Force Team 134 for the last couple years and it's awesome.  Super quick, forgiving, I can break it loose for spins or keep a hard edge toward the wake whenever I want.

What size are you thinking you need? 142ish?

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

They all were just too slow for me, and the Hyperlite felt like it was way too locked in whenever I'd cut in.  I've been rocking a Liquid Force Team 134 for the last couple years and it's awesome.  Super quick, forgiving, I can break it loose for spins or keep a hard edge toward the wake whenever I want.

What size are you thinking you need? 142ish?

Kinda what I'm guessing.  I just called my brother, to see what size board board the CWB is.

[SocalWheeler71]

What do you guys think would be good for me? I used to have a Hyperlite that I liked a lot but I dont know what size it was. I'm 6'-2" 195lbs, the boards I have used lately seemed too small with too much rocker, it seemed like they need a lot of speed to work.

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

What do you guys think would be good for me? I used to have a Hyperlite that I liked a lot but I dont know what size it was. I'm 6'-2" 195lbs, the boards I have used lately seemed too small with too much rocker, it seemed like they need a lot of speed to work.

Just based on your height, from my knowledge, you'll probably want to get around a 140-142.  Thats what I've been told is best ofr over 6 feet, and the one I used last year was a 143

[BUDDERS]

I'm 5"10 and 180 lbs and I like the longer boards with a nice grippy rocker.  I think my Hyperlight is a 138cm and I like my brother's 142cm a lot better.  It handles better and is easier to control when landing.

[Shoyrtt]

I have an old school (8 or 9 years old) Liquid Force at 144 cm with old bungee foam bindings to carve and wakesurf (even though it is illegal in CA now to WS ).  Two years ago I picked up a 142 cm Ronix that is fun and has a lot of rocker to it.  At 6'2" 220lbs, I look like a whale being pulled around in my old age, but the kids good a good laugh at my expense.

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

I have an old school (8 or 9 years old) Liquid Force at 144 cm with old bungee foam bindings to carve and wakesurf (even though it is illegal in CA now to WS ).  Two years ago I picked up a 142 cm Ronix that is fun and has a lot of rocker to it.  At 6'2" 220lbs, I look like a whale being pulled around in my old age, but the kids good a good laugh at my expense.

Are you sure its illegal to wakesurf in CA?  Sports Authority has the boards, and last summer there were people all over the lake on wakesurfs. 

[BUDDERS]

I pulled my brother just last summer on lake Elsenor while he was wakesurfing and nobody said anything
I've been told by several people that riding anything inflatable behind a boat in California is illegal though - and I never see anyone doing that in Cali.

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

I pulled my brother just last summer on lake Elsenor while he was wakesurfing and nobody said anything
I've been told by several people that riding anything inflatable behind a boat in California is illegal though - and I never see anyone doing that in Cali.

Now I know thats not true.  Half the people on the lake where we always go are tubing.  I know some specific tubes have been outlawed (the "flying" ones)  but not everything inflatable.

[abnormaltoy]

I can't imagine the size of ship that would be needed to haul a wake board of sufficient size to support my great abundance.

[WHITE_TRASH]

Its not about the size of the ship its all about the blown 502 with either a power prop of monster jet to get you on top... 

[abnormaltoy]

Its not about the size of the ship its all about the blown 502 with either a power prop of monster jet to get you on top... 

I'm thinking tons of thrust here...an anchor chain and the USS Reagan.

[WHITE_TRASH]

I'm thinking tons of thrust here...an anchor chain and the USS Reagan.

  You think it'd take a couple hydro planes to do the job eh?? 

[abnormaltoy]

  You think it'd take a couple hydro planes to do the job eh?? 

Yeah bubba...if I get any bigger, I get my own zip code.

[ToYocRawleR]

Ive been wakeboarding for probably 8 years now.  Ive owend several boards and ridden a bunch of friends boards.  Hyperlite by far is the best board out there.  I ride the byerly 137.  It has tons of pop.  I can board behind a boat with out a tower and easily pull off 6 ft of air over the wake.  Check em out.

[ToYocRawleR]

I think this is the 06' model.  Those "fish hooks" on the sides make it soooo easy to cut back in to the wake!  The water actually flows over em.

[ToYocRawleR]

back of it.

[Shoyrtt]

Are you sure its illegal to wakesurf in CA?  Sports Authority has the boards, and last summer there were people all over the lake on wakesurfs. 

It is. A couple of years ago in fact, along with my boat registration came these two decals that also need to be displayed concerning carbon monoxide poisoning. One on the stern and one visable to the driver. That is how our wonderful legislature passed the wakesurfing ban, the health risk.

Here it is from CA Harbors and Navigation Code:

§ 681.  Unlawful to operate motorized vessel while teak surfing, etc.

(a) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the motorized vessel.

(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder of the vessel.

(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply when an individual is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder for a very brief period of time while assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law enforcement or emergency rescue activity.

(d) "Teak surfing" or "platform dragging" means holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of the transom of a motorized vessel for any amount of time while the motorized vessel is underway at any speed.

(e) "Bodysurfing" means swimming or floating on one's stomach or on one's back on or in the wake directly behind a motorized vessel that is underway.

(f) "Vessel" has the same meaning as set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 775.5.

(g) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100). Nothing in this subdivision shall be considered in relation to a suspension, restriction, or delay of driving privileges, or in the determination of a violation point count as provided in Section 12810 of the Vehicle Code.

[ToYocRawleR]

It is. A couple of years ago in fact, along with my boat registration came these two decals that also need to be displayed concerning carbon monoxide poisoning. One on the stern and one visable to the driver. That is how our wonderful legislature passed the wakesurfing ban, the health risk.

HAHAHAHA I got those same warning stickers with my jet ski reg. and i just stuck em on my laptop!

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

It is. A couple of years ago in fact, along with my boat registration came these two decals that also need to be displayed concerning carbon monoxide poisoning. One on the stern and one visable to the driver. That is how our wonderful legislature passed the wakesurfing ban, the health risk.

Here it is from CA Harbors and Navigation Code:

§ 681.  Unlawful to operate motorized vessel while teak surfing, etc.

(a) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is teak surfing, platform dragging, or bodysurfing behind the motorized vessel.

(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel or have the engine of a motorized vessel run idle while an individual is occupying or holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder of the vessel.

(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply when an individual is occupying the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, or swim ladder for a very brief period of time while assisting with the docking or departure of the vessel, while exiting or entering the vessel, or while the vessel is engaged in law enforcement or emergency rescue activity.

(d) "Teak surfing" or "platform dragging" means holding onto the swim platform, swim deck, swim step, swim ladder, or any portion of the exterior of the transom of a motorized vessel for any amount of time while the motorized vessel is underway at any speed.

(e) "Bodysurfing" means swimming or floating on one's stomach or on one's back on or in the wake directly behind a motorized vessel that is underway.

(f) "Vessel" has the same meaning as set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 775.5.

(g) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100). Nothing in this subdivision shall be considered in relation to a suspension, restriction, or delay of driving privileges, or in the determination of a violation point count as provided in Section 12810 of the Vehicle Code.

Ah, thats not what I'm talking about.  I'm talking about the short surfboards basically, that start out being pulled by the rope, the boat goes pretty slow, and they pull themselves in, until they are riding the crest of the wake, then they toss the rope in the boat.  If they do it right, they wind up constantly riding the wake, like it were a wave, and following the boat.

Kinda like this ( all the real good pics were flickr pics.  I don't know how to put them on here )

[Shoyrtt]

Ah, thats not what I'm talking about.  I'm talking about the short surfboards basically, that start out being pulled by the rope, the boat goes pretty slow, and they pull themselves in, until they are riding the crest of the wake, then they toss the rope in the boat.  If they do it right, they wind up constantly riding the wake, like it were a wave, and following the boat.

Kinda like this ( all the real good pics were flickr pics.  I don't know how to put them on here )

That is how we have wake surfed in the past. 8) But the rangers at Shaver and Bass Lakes both said we were in violation (they just gave us a warning).   I haven't tried in Big Bear or the Sacramento River. Havasu probably isn't a problem, except for the drunks who will likely run you over.

[Shoyrtt]

  I guess the other possibility is a lot of these issues (wake surfing, inflatables, air chairs etc) are sometimes simply "regulations" that are lake specific. For example (two public state run lakes), in Big Bear the kids love to go tubing but they have a regulation against pulling two skiers. At Lake (toilet bowl) Perris we could pull two skiers but no tubes. Maybe my run in at Shaver and Bass was a local regulation because I agree the H&N code doesn't prohibit using a rope to wake surf. 8)