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How To

How to Stand on a Wakeboard

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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The success of a wakeboarder begins with a proper stance that allows for rolling and navigation. Young wakeboarders often make the mistake of hopping on a board and hitting the water without learning proper form. You start by learning how to stand on a wakeboard.

From Quick Guide: Wakeboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Wakeboard
  1. Step 1

    Arrange your wakeboard bindings perpendicular to the direction of your wakeboard for maximum control. You should mark the angles that your feet take when you are learning to stand on a board and apply the bindings at those angles.

  2. Step 2

    Keep your feet at shoulder width and your body in a crouched position. You should bend your knees slightly to keep your body stable on the board as the boat increases speed.

  3. Step 3

    Control the location of your arms as you stand on a wakeboard to keep your body controlled in the waters. Extend your arms outward, with your elbows slightly bent at your sides, to avoid injuring your shoulders due to the tension caused by the boat's speed.

  4. Step 4

    Note the pressure you apply to the board in your beginning stance. You must tap the front of the board with your dominant foot enough to change directions without submerging the board underwater.

  5. Step 5

    Align your board at a 90-degree angle, away from the direction of the boat, as you prepare to stand. This initial stance allows you to control the board more effectively as the boat speeds up by keeping your board's nose away from the wake.

  6. Step 6

    Practice your stance on your wakeboard before getting into the water. Make sure you have the fundamentals down. Take a photo of yourself in your stance during lessons and have a family member look at the picture during this practice session. Your designated individual can make sure you're in the proper stance and help you stay on track.

  7. Step 7

    Work with an experienced wakeboarder before your first time on the water to deal with deficiencies in your stance. You can schedule a single lesson with an instructor before you go on vacation to avoid boarding dangerously.

Tips & Warnings
  • Determine your dominant leg before you stand on a wakeboard in deep water. You should alternate between your left and right legs on a wakeboard in shallow water to find the foot you will use to control your motion.
  • Keep your eyes focused on an imaginary line that runs between your bindings. This allows you to keep your feet and shoulders square to deal with choppy waves effectively.

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