Ready to get your little grom riding in the wakes? You've gotta pick out the right kid's wakeboard. That means picking a board with the right size, and picking a board with the correct features, to make learning easier. We're talking about board shapes and edges. Let's get into it.
"What's The Best Wakeboard Length for Kids?"
There are specific wakeboard sizes and lengths that are best for children of certain ages and weights. Refer to the chart for to determine the appropriate length wakeboard for your child:
Children's Wakeboard Size Chart
| Rider Weight (pounds) |
Board Length (in/cm) |
| 25 to 70 lbs | 43" - 46" (111 - 118cm) |
| 40 to 85 lbs | 46" - 51" (118 - 130cm) |
| 65 to 110 lbs | 49" - 53" (124 - 134cm) |
| 70 to 130 lbs | 51" - 54" (130 - 138cm) |
| 100 to 170 lbs | 53" - 56" (134 - 142cm) |
| 150 to 225 lbs | 54" - 57" (138 - 146cm) |
"Should my kid get a bigger or smaller board?"
There's some overlap when it comes to rider weight and board length. If your child's a new rider, or under the age of 12, go with a larger board. The longer the board, the more stable it will be, especially at slower tow speeds.
Board length is the most important thing to consider when you're picking out your kid's wakeboard. But other factors, like board shape, thickness, edge profiles, and other features can make or break your grom's experience on the water - especially if they're a beginner.
The Best Wakeboard Shape for Kids
For beginners and younger riders (age 11 and under), boards with flat noses and rectangular profiles provide the best performance.
Rectangular boards (like the Ronix Kid's District, pictured above) provide better stability and tend to track straighter, making it easier for your grom to stay upright and focus on finding their line in the wakes.
Continuous Rocker is Best for Young Riders
The rocker -- the curve or angle of the tip, center, and tail of the wakeboard -- plays a key role in determining how a wakeboard performs. We cover wakeboard rocker profiles in details in this guide, but the gist is this:
A continuous rocker, which provides one long, sloping curve from tip to tail, is the best wakeboard rocker for kids. The continuous rocker is smooth, stable, and predictable in the water. It makes carving and turning easier and gentler, and it reduces hard landings and pops on and off the wake.
Fins and Channels Are Good, Too
Pictured: Hyperlite Divine Jr. Wakeboard
Fins and channels -- those raised spines that run the length of the wakeboard, shown above -- are ideal for improving stability and responsiveness, and softening landings.
Most fins are removable, too, allowing more experienced groms to perform spins and tricks when they're detached.
Open Toe Double Boots Work Best
Pictured: Ronix Kid's Vision Bindings
Bindings are just as important as the board itself. Kids tend to ride best when wearing a double boot binding setup -- particularly boots with open toe boxes. This provides the perfect balance of support, ankle protection, and control.
Ready to get your kid their first wakeboard? Now that we've covered the important stuff, you can pick out the perfect board. Check out our collection of kid's wakeboards here.
(Consider a Kneeboard for The Youngest Riders)
Getting up and moving, and controlling the wakeboard, can be difficult for particularly young riders, like those age 9 or under. A kneeboard might be a great starting point for your extra small riders. Check out our guide on kneeboards for beginners.
