Directions for Wakeboarding

It's important to practice fundamental skills when learning how to wakeboard.

Wakeboarding is an adventurous way to stay cool on a hot summer day. It has fast become one of the most popular water sports, yet many people are discouraged because they wrongly believe it's only for advanced athletes. Although wakeboarding does require a moderate amount of skill, anyone can learn the basics to begin skimming across the water. With some practice and perseverance, you'll be shredding waves and impressing friends with your newfound skills.

Things You'll Need

• Life jacket
• Towrope
• Ski boat

Instructions

1. Stand on the platform at the back of the boat and lubricate your feet with water and soap. This helps to ease friction when entering tight bindings.

2. Insert your feet into the wakeboard's bindings and tighten all straps to ensure a secure fit.

3. Enter the water. Avoid the boat's propeller and other hard objects when leaving the boat.

4. Roll onto your back with your feet pointed toward the boat.

5. Grip the towrope's handle after a partner on the boat throws it to you. Keep the towrope above your wakeboard. Don't let the towrope wrap around the wakeboard or any part of your body.

6. Curl into a ball. Bring your knees to your chest and extend your arms. Bent elbows will cause a strong jerk when the boat begins to pull, ripping the towrope out of your hands.

7. Signal the boat to begin accelerating. It's best to create a unique phrase or signal that both you and the boat driver understand.

8. Stay in the ball position and lean back as the boat accelerates. Let the boat pull you out of the water into a squat position.

9. Extend your legs after you've been gliding across the water in a squat position and feel balanced. Most new riders try to stand up too early, lose their balance and crash into the water.

10. Lean back slightly and don't fight the wakeboard. Let it take you in the direction it wants to go. You can practice maneuvering the wakeboard once you're comfortable staying up.

11. Steer the wakeboard by shifting your weight. Applying pressure on your heels will cut the wakeboard backward. Put pressure on your toes to cut forward. Always lean back slightly to maintain balance and keep the towrope tight. Don't try to steer by simply turning the board left or right.

12. 

    Learn basic control before catching air.

    Practice control by cutting back and forth across the wake. Take time to master the basics before attempting maneuvers that are more complex.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent or borrow equipment to use when you're first learning how to ride. Then make an investment in durable, high-performing gear if you enjoy the sport.

• Always wear a life jacket and partner with an experienced boat driver.

• Don't drink alcohol and always be cautious of other boaters who may be under the influence.

• Don't attempt complex tricks until you've mastered the basic skills.

References

• Wake-Boarding: Getting Up
• Wake-Boarding: Board Control