Wakeboard size is set by your weight, not your height. A heavier rider needs more surface area to sit on top of the water rather than plough through it, so they ride a longer board. Find your weight in the chart below and that is your length.
Wakeboard size chart by rider weight
| Board length | Rider weight | Rider weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 111 cm and under | Up to 30 kg | Up to 65 lb |
| 119 cm | 20 to 39 kg | 45 to 85 lb |
| 124 cm | 30 to 50 kg | 65 to 110 lb |
| 130 cm | 41 to 68 kg | 90 to 150 lb |
| 134 cm | 54 to 82 kg | 120 to 180 lb |
| 138 cm | 68 to 102 kg | 150 to 225 lb |
| 142 cm | 77 to 113 kg | 170 to 250 lb |
| 146 cm and up | 91 kg and up | 200 lb and up |
Charts vary slightly between brands, so check the chart on the product page before you buy. If a brand chart disagrees with this one, trust the brand chart for that board.
Why do the weight ranges overlap?
Because length is a trade off, not a single right answer. Two riders of the same weight can correctly ride different lengths depending on what they want from the board.
| Going longer gives you | Going shorter gives you |
|---|---|
| More surface area and more float | Quicker edge to edge |
| Softer, more forgiving landings | Sharper, snappier pop |
| Easier planing, easier to learn on | More control for spins and tricks |
| A slower, more stable feel | A looser, more responsive feel |
What if I am between two sizes?
Go longer if any of these are true:
- You are learning, or you are getting back into it after time off
- You want landings to be softer on your knees and back
- You ride behind a boat with a small wake, or an older boat without ballast
- You are a heavier rider at the top of a range
Go shorter if:
- You already ride confidently and you are working on tricks
- You ride behind a boat with a big, well shaped wake
- You want the board to feel quick and lively rather than planted
If you genuinely cannot decide, go longer. An oversized board is forgiving. An undersized board just sinks, and a board that sinks is exhausting and unteachable.
How do I size a wakeboard for two people sharing?
Size for the heavier rider. A board that is too short for the heavier rider will not support them at all, whereas a board that is slightly long for the lighter rider still works, it just feels a bit slower.
If the weight gap is more than about 30 kg, you are pushing it. At that point either accept the compromise or buy a second board. Pair the shared board with open toe boots, which fit a range of foot sizes, rather than closed toe boots sized to one person.
What size wakeboard should I buy for a kid?
Use the chart, and resist the urge to buy big so they grow into it. Snow gear tolerates room to grow. Wakeboards do not.
An oversized board is heavy and slow to turn, and a small rider simply cannot get it on edge. They will spend the session fighting the board and get out frustrated. Buy for their weight now, and expect to move them up a size as they grow.
Kids' boards typically run 111 cm to 124 cm. Most come with adjustable boots that cover several shoe sizes, so the boots usually outlast the board.
Does the board length change for cable riding?
Slightly. A lot of cable riders size up from their boat length, because more surface area helps with the slower start off the cable and gives a more stable platform for features.
That is a preference rather than a rule, and it matters far less than getting the right type of board. A cable board and a boat board are built differently, and using one in the wrong place either ruins the base or wastes the money.
Does boat speed or rope length change what size I need?
No. Speed and rope length change how the board feels, not what length you should buy.
For reference, most wakeboarding happens between 30 and 38 km/h with a rope around 16 to 22 m. Faster speeds and shorter ropes put you closer to the peak of the wake. Neither of those is a reason to change board size.
What about width and shape?
Length gets you most of the way, and it is the number the charts are built around. Width matters at the margins: a wider board floats a bit more at the same length, so a heavier rider at the bottom of a length range can sometimes stay on the shorter board if it is a wide model.
Do not overthink it. Get the length right first, then choose between models on rocker and construction.
Quick answers
Can I ride a board that is too big? Yes, it just feels slow and takes more effort to turn. It is the safer error.
Can I ride a board that is too small? Not really. It sinks at rest and you will struggle to get up at all. This is the error to avoid.
Does my height matter? No. Weight only.
Do I need to size differently for wakesurfing? Yes, completely different. Wakesurf boards are sized by rider weight and board volume, not by this chart.
Still not sure what size to get?
Tell us your weight, where you ride and how often, and we will tell you exactly what to buy. Call (02) 4577 5333 or come into the shop at Shop 2, 317 Windsor Road, Vineyard NSW.
More than 100,000 Australian customers, 4.8 stars from 280 plus Google reviews, and free express shipping over $99.
Last reviewed July 2026.