For the beginner rider:
The first thing to look for is size. The bigger the board the more weight it will handle. So why not get the biggest board to fit everyone? Smaller children have a much easier time in and on the water with a smaller board. Most children get discouraged and give up if the board isn't easy to move. The general rule for wakeboarding is: the better the wakeboard, the easier it is to ride. Compression molded fiberglass boards are more durable and a more sollid ride. They will cost more but if you plan to use the board quite a bit be sure to get a fiberglass board and not a RIM molded board.
Children's boards range from 122cm to 132cm long.
Adult Boards range from 134cm to 143cm long.
*Prices quoted as package (including bindings)
For the intermediate/advanced rider:
Size:
You should already have an idea what size of board works for you, so much detail isn't needed here. Keep in mind the length of the board should now be more tuned to your style instead of completely dictated by your weight. Longer boards have more effective edge (edge in the water as you cut) so it will track better. Smaller boards produce a sloppier feel in the water. Smaller boards are easier to maneuver in the air. One down to the smaller boards is the lack of a strong edge. If you like to fly into the wake and fly high, a smaller board isn't for you.
Rocker:
One thing that will now be looked at is the rocker. Rocker is the curvature of the board. If you lay the board flat on the ground, bindings up, the rocker is measured from the floor to the tip of the board. The more the rocker the softer the landings. Too much rocker slows the board down, so you carry less speed into the wake. This results in less air and distance.
3 Stage Rocker:
What are 3 stage rockers? Three stage rockers are as they sound, in three stages. There is a flat spot in the middle for added pop. The rocker is measured the same. There is a new spin now from CWB called a "subtle" 3-stage rocker. This is, as it sounds, a subtle 3 stage rocker. The transitions of the rocker aren't quite as strong which make the board a great deal quicker without sacraficing much of the pop you get with a standard 3 stage.