While summer might be coming to an end for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, we can take solace in something else: new gear. This is the time of year when all of next year’s product becomes available, and thankfully for all of us, there are some awesome new boards hitting the market.
Here is a quick look at some of the boards you should keep your eyes on as you get ready to brave the cold of winter while jonesing for spring to come.
Ronix – RXT
Sizes: 136, 140, 144
Rocker: Continuous
MSRP: $800
www.ronixwake.com
The latest pro model from Massi Piffaretti and the minds at Ronix, the RXT is a sight to behold. And be held. Seriously, you won’t believe this board when you pick it up, it is one of the lightest boards we’ve ever felt. This is thanks to Ronix’s all-new “Black Out Technology” construction, which features a bunch of stuff that has literally been blacked out of their catalog. Needless to say, it’s a board you’re going to want to check out.
Ronix – Parks
Sizes: 134, 139, 144
Rocker: Continuous
MSRP: $410
www.ronixwake.com
For the first time in over a decade (or maybe ever), Parks Bonifay has a pro model with continuous rocker. Parks went into the design of this board looking to create something anybody could hop on and be comfortable with. The aggressive continuous rocker keeps it poppy yet predictable. The most unique feature though is the bottom. Can you say “phasers?” Ronix leaned on some golf ball tech to redesign this dimpled riding surface, which will give the board lift and help keep it loose, lively, and fun.
O’Brien – The Fix
Sizes: 142, 146, 150, 154
Rocker: Continuous (progressive)
MSRP: NA
www.obrien.com
The Fix is Max Van Helvoort’s pro model board, and it is O’Brien’s first foray into the “plus-sized” board world, with a 150 and 154cm available. This is also the flexiest board in O’Brien’s lineup, ensuring you a loose, playful feel in the park, whether you’re buttering around corners, pressing into rails, or launching off kickers.
O’Brien – Valhalla D.O.C. Edition
Sizes: 133, 138, 143
Rocker: Continuous (progressive)
MSRP: NA
www.obrien.com
The Valhalla is a classic shape that has been part of the O’Brien lineup for years (and for good reason, it’s a tried and true wake ripper). For 2019 they reached out to this year’s Reader’s Poll winner David O’Caoimh looking to do something special. David has become globally popular through his YouTube channel and ability to make wakeboarding fun and relatable to the masses. With that in mind, David reached out to his followers to have them design the graphic. Thus, the D.O.C. Valhalla was born.
Liquid Force – Rhythm
Sizes: 140, 145
Rocker: Aggressive continuous
MSRP: $550
www.liquidforce.com
Behold the first pro model of Guenther Oka. With a full wood core and aggressive continuous rocker, the Rhythm is suited for just how Guenther likes to ride in the park: a little bit of everything. Whether you’re charging into a kicker, landing big transfers, pressing or rails, or even throwing the occasional air trick, the Rhythm will help you do it comfortably.
Liquid Force – Rhyme
Sizes: 139, 144
Rocker: 3-stage
MSRP: $530
www.liquidforce.com
As you know, Guenther shreds just as hard behind the boat as he does in the park, so Liquid Force saw it fit to add to his pro model quiver and created the Rhyme. Don’t think of this as a stiffer version of the Rhythm, either, it’s an entirely different board all together. The Rhyme is a 3-stage rocker with molded in fins and a unique sidecut that is designed to help it stay on edge and hold speed (thus offsetting the drag that can come along with 3-stage designs). While it is an all-wood core like the Rhythm, it is much stiffer and designed for going big, just how Guenther likes it.
Slingshot – Bishop “YKWTFGO”
Sizes: 146 Rocker: 3-stage MSRP: $549 www.slingshotsports.com
Blake Bishop shreds parks unlike anybody else, which is why Slingshot decided to make him a pro model for 2019. The Bishop is based off of Dylan Miller’s popular Solo board, but built entirely for the park. This means a little flexier and no fins, so you’re getting a board that you can press the snot out of, carve like a go-kart, and launch off of kickers. Welcome to Blake’s world.
Slingshot – Contrast
Sizes: 134, 138, 142
Rocker: 3-stage
MSRP: $449
www.slingshotsports.com
Are you a lady who likes shredding both boat and cable? Then the Slingshot Contrast might be the one board you’re looking for. With a stiffer mid-section and softer tip and tail, the Contrast provides the pop you want off the wake and the flex you need for pressing out on the rails. The Fusion sidewalls and Ballistic base allow it to take a beating and keep cruising day in and day out.
Connelly – Standard
Sizes: 139, 143
Rocker: Continuous
MSRP: $400
www.connellywake.com
Despite his crazy skills on a wakeboard, Josh Twelker is a pretty simple guy when it comes down to it. So it only makes sense that his board is simple too. With a smooth continuous rocker, and hybrid spine, the Standard provides all the speed and pop Josh needs for blasting off the wake, with the benefit of smooth landings. To customize tracking and release preferences, the fins can be adjusted forward or back to suit your style.
Connelly – Reverb / Steel Lafferty LTD Edition
Sizes: 136, 141
Rocker: Subtle 3-stage
MSRP: $400
www.connellywake.com
The limited edition Reverb made for Steel Lafferty is available now and is built on one of Connelly’s most successful and popular shapes ever. And if you’ve seen Steel’s riding since he got on this shape, you know it’s good. With a subtle 3-stage rocker, it has solid kick, while a full center channel and spine help increase control and provide for soft landings.
