Wakeboard structure types

Foam core wakeboards are made with the classic core construction, where a (reinforced) foam core, supported by several layers of bark, gains its strength and resistance. (There may be minor differences between the construction structures of foam core wakeboards, which have a minimal effect on the flex index/hardness). Typically, these boards are harder, with the best resilience in terms of energy transfer to the water. They are most optimal for boat use and for cable invert tricks. They are limited or not optimal for permanent park use on track elements.

The HYBRID core is the most complex wakeboard structure in terms of construction. It is also the most time-consuming and complex to manufacture, which is why it is rarely used. In this case, the traditional foam core is reinforced typically with wooden inserts. The advantage of using mixed materials in the longitudinal direction in the board is that it gives tunable flexibility to an otherwise rigid foam core. This tuning can be used to achieve the desired balance between flexibility and stiffness of the board. This hybrid construction offers the most versatility, as it maintains the board's firmness for good responsiveness, i.e. it remains suitable for high-flying tricks from the water, while at the same time being sufficiently resistant to the use of the track element, i.e. it is also optimal for park use. This core construction has now virtually disappeared due to the complex manufacturing process, despite being the preferred choice of professional riders over allwood core.

FA core or AllWood Core is the most popular wakeboard core construction today. It is easier to build than hybrid boards. The core construction is entirely wood based and will be the most flexible construction compared to other construction methods. Optimal for the popular park and battery oriented style of wakeboarding, it is also the most popular construction for riders. Flexibility in this case is determined by the quality and properties of the material used. Naturally, the thickness of the material used in the core structure is the most influential factor in terms of flexibility. Flexibility is beneficial for the use of the track element. In the case of “floaty” tricks, boards that are too soft are out of luck, because the effort to gain momentum to get airborne is lost in the flexibility of the board. The flex index of wood core boards is characterised by a wide spectrum. There are very soft and definitely harder boards. Wakeboards that are too soft have limited usability, are preferable in the elements, but require more energy on water. In this form, the medium-tuned hardness is probably the most versatile and manageable. A harder tuned wood core may be more suitable for advanced or competitive wakeboarders or for use in boats. It is worth knowing that the wood core structure weakens and softens with use, so its flexibility and resilience changes over time. It is important that the core structure is made from a good quality raw material. The quality of the material will determine the weight, flexibility, durability and overall quality of the wakeboard. In many cases, inadequate wood quality or a poorly thought out shape can result in an imperfect board despite the wood core (e.g. Liquid Force was the first to use wood in the core structure). It has its own wood plantation in Asia, where it produces the optimum raw material for its wakeboards through continuous environmentally friendly cultivation, which is essential for premium quality.)

FSC Wood Certified, which means that it can only be awarded to a wood industry that has certified that its plants are grown in an environmentally responsible way Liquid Force's plantations are planted with the special Paulownia wood, which has the optimal weight and flexibility for building wakeboards. This tree type can grow up to 3-5m per year in its habitat. In the plantation, it can regrow after cutting under controlled conditions, ensuring its sustainability. FSC's strict requirements must be met for approval. These standards include water quality, chemical use, harvesting volume and a number of other important environmental aspects, which are very strictly monitored and controlled. Liquid Force is proud to say that it produces its wakeboards from self-sustainable and environmentally friendly plant material without harming nature.