Cable wakeboards differ greatly compared to their boat specific counterparts. The nature of riding at a cable park is tough on boards due to constant obstacle impact resulting in the need for a more durable construction. In this article, we’ll walk you through what makes a cable board unique, what they’re made of and why it is a good idea to size up!
PROFILE:
The lack of a wake negates the need for 3-stage rockers hence why all cable boards feature continuous rockers. The amount of rocker from tip to tail will vary from model to model. A board with more rocker will result in slower top water speeds but allow for softer landings and more pop onto obstacles. A board with a flat rocker will carry more top water speed allowing riders to boost off kickers and quickly reach all obstacles in the park.
CONSTRUCTION:
Cable specific wakeboards spend most of their time sliding over features such as rails, boxes and jumps therefore it is vital that the construction of a cable board is durable enough to withstand everything you’re going to throw at it. Boat boards can be used at the park however their traditional fibreglass and foam construction will deteriorate quickly. Most cable specific wakeboards feature a sintered [aka “grind”] base that results in a board able to withstand the impact from obstacles for a long period of time.
Cable boards are flexible in the interest of a fun and forgiving ride. Wood cores are found amongst nearly all cable boards as they produce a suitable balance of durability, weight, pop and flex. The cores are CNC machined to varying degrees controlling flex and base channels are added as required. Sidewall material is added around the perimeter for durability with fibreglass wrapping the lot for additional strength. Materials can be introduced to increase response or control flex such as carbon fibre or timber laminates in varying orientations.
FLEX:
Arguably the most defining feature of any cable board is flex. While boat specific wakeboards are designed to be stiff in the interest of pop and response off the wake, cable boards are designed to be flexible in the interest of fun and playfulness whilst riding obstacles. The softer the board, the more playful, however a careful balance needs to be struck to ensure a flexible board can still provide stable landings, solid pop to jump onto features and survive hundreds if not thousands of laps around the park. When choosing a board, it is best to consider what your interests are. A rider that prefers rails will suit a board with a soft flex however a rider that prefers air tricks and kickers will prefer a stiff board that will survive heavy landings. If you ride a range of obstacles at the park, a board with a mid-flex will balance both rails and kickers appropriately.
BASE CHANNELS & FINS:
Cable boards don’t include removable fins* due to riders preferring a loose feel on the water and eliminating the chance of fin’s catching on obstacles. The removal of fins places more importance on base channels which are critical to board performance affecting a boards grip and edge hold. The amount of grip a board provides comes down to rider preference; A board with base channels will provide more edge hold while a board without will be loose and slippery. *Beginner cable boards may include removable fins.
SIZE GUIDE:
Cable wakeboards are ridden in longer lengths compared to boat boards due to slower riding speeds and a few key variables. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the board the more manoeuvrable and lightweight it will feel. However, having a small surface area results in increased drag, harder landings, and an unforgiving feel. In contrast, a longer board will carry more top water speed, softer landings, and a forgiving feel.
- 135 cm (40 - 60 kg)
- 140 cm (50 - 70 kg)
- 145 cm (60 - 90 kg)
- 150 cm (70 - 100 kg)
- 155 cm (80 - 100+ kg)
- 160 cm (90+ kg)
Slingshot 2024 Johnny Rocket Wakeboard
Description
The Johnny Rocket was created in partnership with pro team rider John Dreiling. From the wildest transfers to the biggest (and smallest) airs in the game, John knows no boundaries and needs a board of the same breed. The Johnny Rocket comes with the most impressive balance of durability, flexibility, traction, and freedom. You can press it hard, send it far, and take it to the boat to get creative on any size wake. It's all-terrain at its finest and has been put through one of the harshest testing processes of any board in the line.
Specifications
• Single-Shot Fusion Sidewalls: Our innovative manufacturing process produces unrivaled dampening and durability by infusing the rail into the core of the board with a single shot, eliminating the need for fasteners or staples.
• Carbon Bedrock Inserts: Light, flexible, and super strong, our Carbon Bedrock Inserts reduce overall board weight, increase pull strength, and allow for a more consistent flex under foot.
• Ballistic Base: With .7mm's of bulletproof protection between your board and the surfaces you're sliding across, this base layer is ready for battle. Put to the test daily by some of the most daring park riders in the game.
• Continuous Rocker Profile: This continuous curve equates to faster board speed on the water, allowing you to ride for longer periods of time with less arm fatigue and delivering an exciting, fast, and fun feel.
• Belly Channels: Gives riders an added sense of stability and confidence when approaching the wake or obstacles, as well as more effortless edge control.
• Elliptical Concave: This unique curvature in the tips and tails creates more excitement when flowing from rail-to-rail on the water, and also helps riders hold on to nose and tail presses as the tips literally "wrap around" rounded sliding surfaces.
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