| You
might have probably heard of wakeboarding already. And you
have the first impression that this is a "no fear"
game - for daredevils; that sounds difficult. Perhaps you're
right, but how you approach it is all up to you. Getting started
is easy if you follow these simple steps.
Firstly - have the right equipment; the latest
pro board is not always the best to learn with. Give yourself
a chance and get a board that is forgiving and helps you to
progress. Choose a board which is light and easy to manage.
A larger board with one or more large rear fins helps to give
the board direction, which is important when learning.
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Getting closer to the boat is helpful for
learning to wakeboard. Thus a shorter rope is highly recommended
- about 15 meters (50'). Another essential bit of gear is
a buoyancy vest. It is not only basic safety equipment but
it will also save you a lot of energy as you hit the water
regularly. The driver should remember that you need a lot
less speed to get going and to stay planeing than water skiing
- 35-40 kph max. A wakeboard offers more resistance when starting,
so start slowly!
If you have all the necessary wakeboarding
equipments ready, the next thing to do is to learn the stance
- how and where to stand on your board. Your first stage is
to determine whether you are a regular lead (left-foot-forward)
or goofy lead (right-foot-forward). For those who have skateboarded
or snowboarded before, this is easy. If this is your first
board sport, don't panic. Stand up, facing frward, feet together
and have someone push you from behind. Whichever foot goes
forward first is your lead foot.
Now that you know which foot you'll place
forward, it's time to set up your bindings. Riders just getting
started should try placing the bindings at about shoulder-width
apart with the rear foot slightly farther back (closer to
the rear fin) to aid with directional stability.
The angle of your bindings is important. Start
with the rear foot straight across the board (O degrees) or
slightly forward to 9 degrees (one set of holes in the base
plate). Your front foot should be at an angle of 9-27 degrees
(2-3 sets of holes) to get started. For your safety, before
you get started, double-check the security of your fins and
bindings. Do this again every time you hit the water. You
should even periodically check them during your ride after
a fall.
Learn first the Deep Water Start by floating
on your back with a buoyancy vest. The board should be perpendicular
to the rope with your arms either side of your front knee.
Signal the driver to put the boat just in gear. As you are
pulled slowly forward, the pressure against the board will
allow you to get into the proper starting position with most
of the board below the surface of the water. Let the pressure
on the board push your knees into your chest, then push your
front foot forward toward the boat. Signal the driver to hit
it and remain in a crouched position.
As the boat begins to go, keep your arms slightly
bent near your lower stomach. Shift your weight toward the
front foot while keeping the nose above the water. As the
water begins to give you support, slowly rise to the standing
position by extending your legs until your knees are slightly
bent.
Once you are up, get comfortable on your board
with slightly more weight on your rear foot. Let your hips
and shoulders turn away from the boat. Riders with a skiing
background have a tendency to try to face the boat, this will
often lead to a face plant as they catch or drop their front
edge. Practice getting comfortable in the sideways position
and relax. The key to the deepwater start is letting the boat
do the work. Stay down low and stand up slow!
Wake boarding has the inherent dangers of
all water sports, plus the dangers of motor powerboats, with
screw propellers. So always observe precautionary measures
and you will not get into trouble.
Wakeboarding
Information | Wakeboarding
Tips For An Easy Ride |
Great
Places To Wakeboard Around The World |
Before
You Buy A Wakeboard |
Before
You Buy Wakeboard Bindings |
Essential
Wakeboarding Equipment |
Wakeboarding
for Beginners | Wakeboards
For Thrill And Action |
