Archive for April, 2009

In the world of wakeboarding, a number of well renowned sports gear manufacturers had been playing in the game since its establishment as a ski boarding offshoot during the late 80’s. Then, was the time of Tony Finn for popularizing the Skurfer followed by Herb O’Brien with the introduction of the Hyperlite. Today, one of the most notable names in wakeboard and water sports gear in general is Hydroslide. Hydroslide is a division of Nash Manufacturing which is a premier product brand in recreational water sports.

The product line of Hydroslide wakeboards is generally categorized into two segments in order to cater for the respective needs of the wakeboarding community. These segments or category is labeled as Junior and Adult respectively. For each segment, products are further refined to cater for the specific needs of the user concerned.

There are three wakeboard types under the junior segment. These three are 180, Chick’s Rule and Express. All products under this segment share common physical specifications which include a board weight of 12 lbs. The overall shape of these products under the junior segment is oval with a characteristic wide midsection. As for the board length, all three types sport a 122-centimeter platform finish. These products are also specifically designed for users with body weight not exceeding 125 lbs. Binding adjustment can accommodate up to kid’s size 7.

For the adult segment, there are eight wakeboard types to choose from namely Black Widow, Blackdraft, Freedom, Tantrum, Matrix, Ozone, Evil Element and Carbon 12. Among these eight selections, Tantrum and Matrix boasts of its wide midsection. All the rest has an average midsection area with Black Widow sporting the narrowest width. The first four in the list weighs 15. lbs while Ozone and Evil Element weighs 18 lbs. Carbon 12 weighs the most for 19 lbs. For board length specifications, Black Widow, Blackdraft and Freedom boast more platform room for 142 centimeters. Ozone, Evil Element and Carbon 12 follow the lead with 139 centimeters. Lastly, Tantrum and Matrix completes the set for 136 centimeters. Binding adjustment can fit men’s size 5-12.

For each of these specific wakeboard products, a unique set of wakeboarding experience is expected. Considering all other factors such as skill lever, maneuvering techniques and shape preference to name a few, one can then decide as to which among these selections is best suited for the individual. Hydroslide wakeboards are skill specific however, it is still versatile enough to accommodate adjustments.