sportstartup

Learn to Wakeboard - Fast!

Wakeboarding is similar to waterskiing in that the rider is towed behind a boat. However, wakeboarding combines techniques used in snowboarding, surfing and waterskiing, and the wakeboarder is towed at a slower speed of about 18-24 mph.

The tow rope is attached to a high location on the boat's "tower" to enable the wakeboarder to launch of the boat's wake into a variety of jumps and rotations. Of course when you're just starting out, you want to get comfortable on your board and be able to cross the wake from side to side before you progress to small jumps and turns and then to higher jumps.

Wakeboarding is a very fun sport, but it also is a tough workout. Before you go out on the boat, it's a good idea to hit the weight room and strengthen your arms, back and legs. This will make learning easier and help you avoid injury.

Learn Wakeboarding on Video DVD
Get over three hours of wakeboarding instruction (learn over 40 new tricks!) from over 15 wakeboard pros, including Pro Tour Champions like Parks Bonifay.  Wakeboarding is one of the sports that I think you can really learn on video. These instructors are very good at breaking down each wakeboard trick for you with slow motion footage.

The secret to landing jumps and completing turns is controlling the board - you learn this here. You also get to see fundamental wakeboard trick drills that help you advance to the next level. (Boat driving tips included!) Get Started >> Learn to Wakeboard on DVD

What to Get: Wakeboarding Gear

When wakeboarding, it's important that you have gear that fits you properly. You'll ride better and will be less likely to injure yourself. Also, different types of boards will give you different rides. You can use the Wakeboard Finder below to find great boards for beginners. You can also usually rent wakeboards and bindings at your local board shop to get a feel for the type of equipment you want, before you buy.

• Wakeboard Finder This is a great tool! You can find the best wakeboard for you simply by typing in your height, weight, gender, riding style and riding level.
• Wakeboard Bindings You want your bindings to fit snug so your feet don't slip around, but not too tight where your feet start hurting. Many boots have multiple tightening areas, so you can adjust your heel and toes separately.
• Board & Binding Package Deals
• Wakeboard Accessories If you want larger or smaller fins for your board, need a wakeboard carrying bag, binding lubricant or want a helmet for larger jumps, you'll find thoses here.
• Wakeboard Clothes & Life Vests You don't need a fancy vest, just something that fits you.
• Wake Skates | Wakesurf Boards
• Wakeboarding Wetsuits These guys are the wetsuit experts, plus you get a low price guarantee, low flat-rate shipping & you can talk to a real person to get wetsuit advice.

Where to Go: Wakeboarding Locations

• Where to Wakeboard
  Search by marinas and launch ramps to find a plethora of waterways you can wakeboard on. Get address, weather, nearby suppliers, information on local events and more helpful stuff.
• Wakeboard Schools
  Learn to wakeboard with a wakeboarding school in your local area. Many companies supply all the gear you need, just show up and get instruction and prepare for a fun day on the water.

Who to Wakeboard With:

• Find People to Wakeboard With
  Find people in your area who are interested in wakeboarding, and make new friends who like spending time on the water as much as you do.
• Wakeboarding Groups
  Find a group of beginner and experienced wakeboarders near you (worldwide) through a free online service called Meetup.com. Obviously, you can't do wakeboarding alone, and of course you need someone with a boat. This is a great way to network with people who have boats and want to wakeboard.

Wakeboarding News & Tips

• Wakeboarding for Beginners
  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.
• Essential Wakeboarding Equipment
  If you want to learn wakeboarding well and improve quickly, you want to pay attention to your wakeboarding gear and equipment, which can affect your ride significantly. Here are some tips.
• Beginner Wakeboarding Tips
  The following are some wakeboarding tips to make your riding a whole lot easier. Keep them in mind and you won't get a hard time as a newbie wakeboard rider.
• Wakeboarder Forum
  Get help and advice from fellow wakeboarders. A wealth of information here with very current information.

Learn to Wakeskate:

• Wakeskate Basics
  You may get much more than you bargain for with this wakeskate instruction DVD - discover the best equipment for learning and progressing quickly, getting up on the skate, riding positions and proper form - PLUS edging, the ollie and wakeslides!
• Wakeskate Intermediate Tricks
  Top Pro Wakeskater Aaron Reed will teach you everything you need to know about wake jumps, shuvits and first spins. Aaron breaks down the basics of each move so you can naturally progess faster!