How to Use a Wakeboard

Practicing with a wakeboard on land will increase the ability to use a wakeboard in the water. Learn about balancing and turning on the wakeboard by practicing on land with a waterski rope tied to a tree. Once you are comfortable with the land practice, move to the water and apply the same practices.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Boat capable of pulling a wakeboarder
• Wakeboard with comfortable bindings
• Ski gloves (optional)
• Ski rope

1. Tie a waterski rope to a tree. Leave about ten feet of rope from the tree to the handle of the rope.
2. Place the wakeboard on the ground in front of you. Place both feet into the foot holders.
3. Crouch down with your knees bent and hands on the ski rope. Practice rising to a standing position by extending your legs and unbending the knees.
4. Turn the board by hopping and twisting. Land with the board facing forward toward the direction of the waterski rope. Practice hopping and turning the board in the opposite direction while keeping your balance on the board.
5. Move to the water and practice getting up on the wakeboard with the boat pulling you. Maintain your balance as you move on top of the water.
6. Practice going over the wake by bending the knees and pointing the board over the wake. Extend the knees after crossing the wake and move the board in the opposite direction to crisscross over the wakes.
7. Master the basic riding skills before moving on to hops and jumps.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a life jacket made for water sports when wakeboarding.