Wakeboarding
Ride the water and perhaps try some tricks when you are…
Described as a mix of surfing, water skiing and snowboarding, wakeboarding is an exciting watersport. A rope with a handle at the end is attached to a speedboat and you hold it to balance on your wakeboard as you are pulled along on the water. With practice you can ride the waves, make turns and possibly do some tricks.
Most beginners start on a lake or river. More experienced wakeboarders can also do it in the sea. Wakeboards come in different shapes and sizes and as a beginner you’ll use a board that’s designed to help you stand up and control your direction more easily.
Beginner sessions start on dry land. An instructor will demonstrate how to hold the handle, how to position yourself and what you must do to stand up on the board. Before the boat moves, you attach yourself to the board by strapping into the boots which are fixed to it.
Balance on the board in the water with your knees bent and arms straight. The boat will start to move and the rope will tighten. You should then be pulled upright.
Standing up and keeping balanced is difficult at first. You will almost certainly fall down and that’s why a lifejacket and a helmet must be worn. Wearing a wetsuit is advised too because the water is often chilly.
Tips to help you stay up include keeping the handle low and near your hips, not looking down at the board because it can make you lose balance and using a shorter rope to boost your chances of staying upright. Your instructor will help you in “crossing the wake.” This means moving from side to side across the waves of the boat by positioning your feet and balancing correctly. You could then try doing some small jumps, but don’t worry if you don’t want to – the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy it.