Why You Need One
Wakeboarding is poised to become even more popular than skiing, if it hasn't already, due to a number of factors: You ride at a slower speed, it's a collegial and communal sport, and while you can certainly push your personal envelope aerially, you can also have a lot of fun simply surfing the wake. If you don't wakeboard, you probably will before much longer.

What You Need To Know
Buying a wakeboard can be a little intimidating. The salespeople tend to be hardcore enthusiasts, and as a result, they can be a little more intense than they mean to be, and they may think you know as much as they do about the sport and the gear. Of course, we don't want to come across like "Wallys," or reckless boaters, so we either buy something we know nothing about, or skip out without buying anything. But buying a wakeboard is really a piece of cake - it's not intimidating at all, if you know a few basic things going into the purchase.

There are two main components to a wakeboard: the board and the bindings. Generally speaking, buy the best board you can afford; the wakeboarding learning curve is steep, and you want a board that will keep up with you as your skills improve. As a rule of thumb, the size of the board should reflect the size of the rider. Rounder edges, or rails, are more forgiving when landing aerials; square rails offer more control when carving turns. Match the rail to your intended riding style. Less-experienced riders will be happiest choosing a board with a continuous rocker (the curve from the center of the board to the tip). Look for adjustable bindings - they're easier to get in and out of, and still provide all the support you need.  

The Final Word
Buying a new wakeboard will guarantee that you get a board in perfect condition (and under warranty), but if you do a thorough physical inspection, a used board is a good way to get your feet wet in the sport. If you're a novice, the main things to remember are to match the board size to your size, look for a continuous rocker, and go for a board with sharper rails if you intend to do more carving, but softer rails if you want more height.