Wakeboarding Tips for Beginners

Way back in the 1980s, a brand-new watersport burst onto the scene in Australia: wakeboarding. This thrilling new pastime blended the attributes of water skiing and surfboarding to become an extremely popular sport in its own right. Wakeboarders stand astride a buoyant, fiberglass-coated board and hang tight to a tow rope as they’re pulled across the surface of the water by a wakeboard boat. 

But how do you get started with wakeboarding if you’ve never done it before? Never fear! The Ski Shack, with locations throughout southern Missouri, is proud to be your Show-Me State wakeboard boat dealer. Here are some wakeboarding tips for beginners so that you can become comfortable on the water and start riding those wakes.

Begin With The Basics

First, you should know that wakeboarding requires a fair bit of upper-arm and upper-body strength. If you’re not already lifting weights regularly, you’ll probably find that your muscles ache after your first couple of excursions. However, as you practice your skills, your arms will strengthen and hurt less. Make sure that your grip on the tow rope isn’t so tight that you lock your elbows, which could damage your joints. Let the rope pull you, rather than you trying to pull the rope.

You’re inevitably going to fall into the water the first few (maybe several) times you wakeboard. Be ready for this. Wearing a personal flotation device is a smart move because it keeps you oriented and above water when you fall in, just in case you become dizzy or even hit your head. You should obviously know how to swim and float so that you can get yourself back to the board or the boat.

Obtain The Right Equipment

At first, a bigger wakeboard and a shorter tow rope may be best because they let you find your balance sooner. You can get smaller boards and longer ropes as you improve your skills. If you or a friend doesn’t own a wakeboard boat already, you may want to rent a wakeboard at a wakeboarding park nearby so that you can get some practice in. You may either be towed by a boat or an overhead cable tow at one of these parks.

Wear a wetsuit to keep your body warm when you fall in the water. Even on the hottest summer days, the water will still be significantly colder and can be shocking. As mentioned above, a personal flotation device should also be worn. You can get padded impact vests that will help protect you during falls. Finally, a helmet is a great idea for beginning riders, especially if you’re cable riding.

Get Your Footing

Determine your natural footing style before getting on a wakeboard; “regular” footing means you stand with your left foot in front, while “goofy” footing means your right foot is forward. Figure out which stance feels best to you; you can do this by running a short distance and then stopping suddenly. Whichever foot you extend to come to a stop is your leading foot.

Your wakeboard will have straps for your feet to keep you anchored in place. If you begin with a cable, then you’ll be on a kneeboard at first, but if a boat is towing you, then you’ll start in the water somewhat submerged with the board floating up in front of you. Crouch on the board with your knees to your chest and stretch out your arms to grab the handle. The board will begin to roll onto the water and pull you into a standing position, but keep your knees bent until you find your balance.

Stand Upright

Now you can straighten out your legs and look ahead at the boat instead of down at your feet. Make sure your knees are bent a little bit as you bring the handle to the hip that’s extended forward. You’ve gotten into the wakeboard position! Keep your eyes forward and your knees loose so that you can adjust your balance as you cruise along the water.

We hope this guide helps you to safely learn and master a new sport! Seeking a wakeboard boat to tow your friends around? The Ski Shack is your local wakeboard boat sales expert, so browse our website to check out our wide selection of new and used wakeboard boats for sale at our Missouri locations in Springfield, Branson and Shell Knob. We even provide financing options to help you get the wakeboard boat you need. The Ski Shack proudly serves all our Missouri customers, including those of you coming from Nixa, MO.